Whatever you think about American Motors as an automaker, you have to give it to them—they were excellent namemakers. Look at this list of evocative model names: Javelin, Matador, Ambassador, Gremlin, Hornet, and Rebel. In reality, the Rebel wasn’t too rebellious; it was a solid, sturdy intermediate that didn’t break any new ground in styling or mechanical specification. Barn Finds reader found it on craigslist in Tucson, Arizona, where it’s being presented as a running, driving project that “needs some TLC,” and the asking price is $10,500 or best offer.
Unfortunately, the advertisement is short on details, only letting on that it’s a V8 car with an automatic. Considering that all the badging tells us that this is a Rebel SST, the V8 is one of three, a 200-horsepower 290 two barrel, a 235-horsepower 343 two barrel, or a 280-horsepower 343 four barrel. They’re all based on the same engine family, and a quick tell that you’re looking at a second-generation AMC V8 is the angled front-mounted distributor (of course, Buicks have a similar design). This one doesn’t have air conditioning, but it does have power steering (no power brakes though).
The SST models came with reclining front bucket seats, of which the reclining part is an AMC tradition dating back to the Nash days. The sporty steering wheel came with the package, and this example has the column-shifted “Shift-Command” automatic. Rear axle ratios varied with engine options, but this one most likely has a 2.87:1 or a 3.15:1 gear. The interior seems as if it’s in excellent shape for an Arizona car, but it isn’t without its hornets’ nests, if I may use an AMC pun.
There’s nothing left of the headliner but glue. AMC advertising was always proud of its one-piece headliners, which were unlike the fabric-and-bow system most often used by its competitors. It might be easier to install but also possibly harder to find than a headliner for, say, a contemporary Chevelle or Torino.
The sharp vinyl top could also use a refreshing. While the dry Arizona climate gives us hope that the roof has survived nature’s 57-year onslaught on this Rebel, and there is no obvious bubbling, one must always be wary where vinyl tops are concerned.
Finally, the SST’s “jazzy turbine-like wheel covers” are missing, which is too bad, because they did add a little visual flair to the Rebel. The paint, most likely “Laredo Tan Iridescent,” is tired, but this is definitely a “fix it as you go” type of project. The only question is if the price is a little dear for a fairly innocuous AMC. There aren’t too many Rebels around, so it’s hard to get a read on the market, but if you’re looking for one, this is a solid enough place to start.
There was a customer on my paper route who had one of
these that they bought new, in Lipstick Red,& had stripes below
the doors.I thought it was a really good looking car,& still sticks in
my mind.
From back when cars came in cool colors,at no extra charge.
That was back when cars came in colors beyond black, white and silver like nowadays.
The amc/rambler clubs are a good source for parts, also you can look on the amcrc website. These cars are easy to work on, I was able to get replacement parts easily and maintenance parts t local auto parts stores. If you want a nice cruiser for 10k this would be good.
Full disclosure. I am a longtime AMC fan. I own a 69 AMX. Rebels, like most cars, can look great, or not-so-good, depending on how they are set up. This one is in a less desirable color, with plain wheels. On the bright side, with AMCs, we dont worry too much about ‘numbers matching’. I would love one of these. Drop a 343 or 390 in it. 355 Posi rear. Paint it in a great color, and add wheels, and these cars are BEASTS. Remember the Rebel Machine? BTW-To me , they kinda resemble Roadrunners. One last comment before the hate starts. Kudos to Aaron for not saying big block or small block, and mentioning , the same engine family. AMC used the same block for 290,343 and 390 engines.
also 360 and 401s have the same block.
And, lest we forget- 304
Except that the Rebel had this bodystyle beginning in 1967…..before the Roadrunner and other Mopar B-bodies.
Love the Rambler /AMC exposure, makes me feel right at home,,and the author forgot the most important car name , the AMERICAN,,,jeez, doesn’t get much more patriotic than that. No, the “SST” did not stand for Super Sonic Transport. It was for “Super Sports Touring”, something not usually associated with Ramblers. 1968 was the 1st year they dropped the Rambler name,, but these were still Ramblers in many eyes, and while this was the top of the line Rebel, we( I can say we,, made in my hometown) sold a bunch. I read 73,895 Rebels were sold in ’68. down a bit from over 100K in ’67, so it was a very important car and the workers treated them as such. These were great cars, friends and neighbors built them, and it showed. Next to the Lark, probably one of the most misunderstood cars, the Rebel was. I like the added “speed holes” in the air cleaner,,vacuum wipers okay for AZ. and what is that, a car alarm siren? Really? :)
I had a 69 Rebel SST and the 343 ID engine script was mounted on the sides of the rear fenders. I can’t see well enough the script on the picture, but maybe somebody can.
Poor AMC. They copped the the Road Runner/Coronet body style almost down to the tail lights. Added those cool faux exhaust cut out on the rear quarters, and marketed it to Aunt Bea and Uncle Milton.