In AMC circles, if there is a Holy Grail automobile, the 1970 Rebel Machine would have to be at the top of the list. It was a mid-size muscle car with flashy graphics (usually) that was produced for a single model year and then disappeared. Estimates for the number of them made vary but hover around 2,000 copies. Which makes it a shame when you find one that was cast aside like this project car. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this roller is available here on eBay where the bidding holds at $5,559.77 with a reserve set north of there.
American Motors came to the mid-size muscle craze just about the time it peaked. The Pontiac GTO, the Plymouth Road Runner, and others were already well-established names in that market space. So along comes The Machine, based on a 1970 AMC Rebel 2-door hardtop. Most – but not all of them – were painted white with red and blue graphics added, perhaps as a nod to the colors on the U.S. flag. They had functional hood scoops with a built-in tachometer, plus a 390 cubic inch V8 that produced 340 hp (more than the 325 hp in the last year of the 2-seat AMX). A 4-speed manual transmission was standard equipment.
From what little we know of this Machine, a restoration was started in terms of the floors, but that’s apparently where it stopped. The car is void of its engine and transmission, so both will have to be sourced as part of the work to bring this Rebel back to life. It does seem to have a complete interior, although it will need to be reassembled. The car has its factory wheels and a rear-end, so it should move around okay for loading onto a trailer.
The seller may have some of what you’ll need to fix this car, but they’re not included in the auction. An engine, transmission, and other parts are available, but they will cost extra (how much?). Fortunately, the title doesn’t seem to be encumbered and the listing does give the reserve away, which is $7,500. This could be a great car when put back right, one of the flashier hot rods from that era like the GTO Judge.
This is REBEL Without a Cause…
Im selling a car but the orig drive train and extra parts will be extra.
No thanks..
Respectfully, the Hurst S/C Rambler is the holy grail of AMCs. These are cool. But what’s up with those floor rivets?
The self tapping screws were a good laugh.
I disagree 100%…the Rebel Machine was just as cool and looked better than a SC/Rambler. I have owned one, a nice one, and a SC/360 Hornet as well, that were awesome cars. Just as cool as any SC/Rambler.
I like the Machine and SC/Rambler, but I always liked the hood detail on the SC/Rambler…the huge arrow pointing into the open hood scoop, rather than a plain old stripe!
You are right I believe the scrambler much more desirable. But if you want to buy this for me I’ll take it😁
“up with the rebel machine!”
“Rolling project” … = Please pay way too much for the lawn ornament that will be your nightmare money pit
100 per cent correct
Interested buyers dial
1-800-the-hook 🪝🛻
Lots of Rebel Machines for sale lately, considering how few were built and how few are left.
There’s no mention of a title. The registry on this car shows less than 500 listed out of less than 2000 ever built. Unless he has the original motor/ transmission finding one is next to impossible. That engine was a one year built for that car only. 390 ci with 340 HP There was other 390′ s built by AMC but the HP was less. The only way you would ever make big money on your investment is to go Retro Mod , since you won’t have matching numbers to bring it back to original. I bought one new in 1970 and the AMX with the same 390 ci only produced 325 HP.
“Clear title my name”, quoted from the description.
Yes D Rebal. He has the original drive train. He’s just another wonderful seller pulling it out to rip you off on the price. Really sucks there are people out there like this. Probably shouldn’t say this but I hope this one doesn’t sell and he has to put it back together to get his money out of it. I know I shouldn’t feel that way but the muscle car market is already way to overinflated and sellers like this only make it worse. Being as rare as this is, I really hope it finds itself back to original condition
It would be ok if there was something to work with here, but from waht I see it doesn’t have an undamaged panel. Without a drivetrain this car is just so much scrap.
I agree fully with Davey on his statement, I was a former AMC owner of four AMC vehicles.
Looking at the interior photo indicates the awesome acceleration these cars had. Tore the seats right out in the 1-2 shift, it did,,,okay, maybe not, but they had plenty of steam,,for a Rambler. Appealing to a very few, it wasn’t what Barracuda or Mustang buyers even remotely considered, but you can bet it was the topic of the evening “gas station” group of how they got their doors blown off by a red,white and blue Rambler. To a AMC fan, it was finally our comeuppance, as we were no longer relegated to being a loser. I can attest to the power( I felt way under rated, the style at the time) as the old mans 1970 Ambassador ex-ranger car had the 390 “AMX” pursuit motor. Kind of funny, AMC had this blast of speed for a short time. The AMX/Javelin, the SC/Rambler, the Machine, and probably the most under appreciated, the SC/360, all put MilwauKenosha on the map for speed. It didn’t last long, however, but for a couple years, we gave the big boys from the Windy City plenty to sweat about at Union Grove.
Especially when buyers purchase cars at inflated prices. Everybody loses (except the sellers).
I’ve been looking for one of these as a project for years, but will pass rather than do business with this kind of seller, who is clearly not an enthusiast. This business of withholding all the parts to extort more money from a potential buyer is disgusting. Once the car is gone, he has no use for them, so then what, sell the parts one by one on eBay for a few extra dollars?
Reserve is 7,500.00 Firm. Original parts ? Think I’ll pass.
Yes the Machine SC Rambler is a rare and desirable car. Does anyone remember the Hurst Super Stock Tran Am AMX? One bad A little monster INDEED and built from the factory for one purpose COMPETITION RACING.While the Machine is a much sought classic car the TranAm Super Stock AMX is probably at the top of any true AMC collector wish list. Not 🚭 as rare as a L88 it’s close with only 52 made. Makes it one of the most desirable AMCs of all. Opinion anyone?
1970 Trans Am Edition Javelin is the Holy Grail for AMC enthusiasts. Only 100 produced for homologation purposes. There MIGHT be a dozen left. I agree with the others, without the drivetrain, this car is worthless. I wouldn’t buy from anyone who holds parts of a vehicle hostage. Even if it was a Trans Am Javelin!