AMC’s staid product line cycled in and out of favor during the late 1950s and early 1960s: when the economy was good, sales slumped as customers opted for flashier fare, but when times turned tough, buyers flowed back to its showrooms. Since America’s economy was mostly good, AMC’s market share gradually ramped downward, leaving it outpaced by the Big Three. Management changes in 1967 brought racing – thoroughly eschewed by AMC’s previous CEOs – to the forefront of the company’s marketing strategy. Changing its stripes indeed: the company successfully fielded the Javelin in Trans-Am and specialty AMX/Hurst cars in NHRA Super Stock. Meanwhile, the compact Rambler American was losing ground to the likes of Datsun’s 510 and Ford’s Maverick. AMC was still a few years away from launching the Hornet, so to bridge the gap and play up its racing ambitions, it partnered with Hurst, transforming 1512 Rambler Americans into the “anti-AMC” – a flagrant renunciation of the company’s economy roots. The new car was introduced in 1969 as the AMC-Hurst SC/Rambler. Here on ACC Auctions is this restored, numbers-matching SC/Rambler, bid to $20,000, reserve not met. The car is located in Bradenton, Florida, and we have Curvette to thank – once again – for a great tip!
AMC went all-out to transform its compact car into a drag racer. The 390 cu. in. V8 engine came from the top-of-the-line AMX, pumping out 315 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque for a zero to sixty time of about 6.3 seconds. The gearbox was Borg Warner’s close-ratio T-10 four-speed manual with a Hurst T-handle shifter; brakes were front disc/rear drum; and the rear suspension featured torque links to prevent axle hop. A limited-slip differential and heavy-duty radiator rounded out the mechanical roster. This example has a T-10 augmented with Gear Vendor’s overdrive unit, though the original ‘box comes with the car.
While AMC knew to raid the performance bin for its little race car, somehow everyone went to sleep when it came to the interior. Red, white, and blue headrests were the only nod to the car’s special status; the drab grey seats were from the Rambler Rogue, and the instrument panel came from the American. At least the SunPro tach mounted on the steering column was spicy.
Externally, AMC whooped it up with two paint schemes. This one is the “A” version – the most exuberant. That hood scoop is operated via an electrical solenoid, and fortunately, it’s labeled so the air knows where to go.
The SC/Rambler couldn’t save AMC – it took the far more prosaic Hornet to drag the company toward (temporary) profitability. But these rare cars occupy a hallowed corner in the muscle car mansion, with prices hovering around $50,000 for restored examples. This car will be the star of every “orphan makes” car show, your local AMC Rendezvous, and maybe even a concours or two.
What an excellent write-up, I couldn’t have said it better. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d say she was from the good old Badger herself, THAT WON THE WORLD SERIES,,sorry,,,it’s good to “have one before we die”.
Now, I’m probably the most patriotic American you will find, drives a frtekin’ army Jeep for heavens sake, but,,,I don’t think patriotism is the same today as it was in 1969. Perhaps the war had a big influence then, I think people today are good Americans and proud, just not to the extent of having corny red white and blue paint schemes on their cars. I can understand how younger folks may roll their eyes at this and may want it strictly for it’s corniness, completely overshadowing what a heck of a car this was for us. Car makers, due to lack of regulations, pulled out every stop they had in the name of performance. DeLorean was right, performance sells cars. Not since the ’57 Rebel, did AMC have much to brag about. Steadfastly, an old folks car, and it was marketed as such. I believe it was Dick Teague that convinced then president Roy Chapin, they were missing the boat, and conjured up the car. An employee named Walt Czarnecki teamed up with Hurst to create the car, but few knew that.
The car itself was not the best. There’s an inherent danger putting a high HP motor in a car not designed for it. The motor was under rated, and probably closer to 400 hp. Some say it was 1 of the 10 most dangerous cars to drive. Regardless, it was our answer to the rest of the bunch, and that old Rambler American or that frumpy Rebel, (the Machine) with the goofy paint job, just blew our doors off, and we can puff out our chests at that. This car could do 0-60 in 5.7seconds, and low 14s @ 85mph in the 1/4. Not bad for a Rambler, 13s easy with minor mods. And,,,AMC kept the car under $3grand($2988), with a slew of options not many had, like electric wipers this car has, was a $12 option. This car is for us old timers, and the corny graphics are sure to turn people off, “AIR”? What the heck is that? If for nothing else, it shows what companies were willing to try, and fail miserably. It was our moment in the sun, as it were and a fun find.
Yay Brewers! About time, right? Thanks for the compliment, Howard, and for always adding color to these posts.
First off, this is a great write up Michelle, and a phenomenal find Curvette!!! And, what a great car. I have always liked the graphics on these, especially telling the air which direction to go, and what it was about to get fed into. You have to hand it to AMC to have come up with this Rambler to go up against “The Big Three” and what they had to offer ( a big block Nova comes to mind). I like the updated Gear Vendors overdrive too, it definitely makes trips on the highway more livable. Once again, thanks for a great write up on a great SC/Rambler.
If I were going to drive this — which I would if I could afford it — I’d find the exterior a bit too dramatic for my taste. Otherwise, AMC really got it right.
So, naturally, did Michelle.
But no, I wouldn’t repaint it or remove the decals. The late ’60s and ’70s were a time when flamboyant color and decal packages were popular — even my humble Renault 5 had extra vinyl trim stuck on it — and they should be preserved and appreciated.
And I sure want to take it for a drive, especially after reading Howard A’s comments! To me, the more potential for getting caught out by too much power, the bigger the challenge.
This would be the ideal little car to park next to your Rambler Rebel!
Personally, I’d drive this one in a heartbeat AS IS! There is nothing so flamboyant about it, that (sadly) is being portrayed today by aggressive styling quirks, tortured sheet metal creases, gaping maw front grilles, etc. Then, all of that pitiful effort is overlaid by some of the most grayscale colors!! GLWTA on this underdog beauty!! :-)
These are very underrated.
They surprised quite a few people at the stoplights!!
Nice one here!!
Howard and Michelle cover it. AMCs street fighter 🚥 🏁
No such thing as “numbers matching” on AMC vehicles.
That should be so well known at this point that I wonder if the authors of these articles use that phrase for AMCs just to get a reaction!
As one of my “bucket list” vehicles, every time I see one of these, I regret that I didn’t take a swing at a “B Scheme” Scrambler (in need of complete restoration) that came up for sale near where I live. My son had just been born, I had to keep my priorities in order.
Got to buy them when you find them as the saying goes. Worry about the rest of the logistics later I guess…
I dont think there is such a thing as numbers matching AMC car.