The AMC Rebel had a rather short lifespan, lasting from 1967 through 1970, and was replaced in the brand’s lineup by the Matador beginning in 1971. When it comes to performance, AMC certainly saved the best for last, unveiling its one-year-only Rebel Machine as a 1970 model. Early in production, these cars were painted in a combination of Matador Red, Frost White, and Electric Blue, making them instantly recognizable. However, later in the run, buyers could choose any AMC color they wanted, with this 1970 Rebel Machine here on eBay featuring the catchy Bittersweet Orange Metallic paint. This beauty is Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with the present bid of $33,500 falling short of the reserve. Curvette, thanks a lot for your great tip here!
The Rebel Machine came standard with AMC’s most powerful engine, a 390 that delivered a very satisfying 340 horsepower in stock form. The letter Y in the VIN confirms this one left the assembly line with this high-performer under the hood, and it’s also believed this one has only traveled 39,617 miles, though there are no supporting documents to positively confirm this. Just about every component in the bay appears to be in excellent order, and hopefully, there’s plenty of good life left here for the next owner to enjoy.
It’s reported that one respray has been performed, but there’s no word on whether any bodywork or sheet-metal repairs were made before it was applied. The exterior appears very straight, and if the condition of the underside is any indication, I’d say there’s a good chance the body has always been this solid. The seller mentions that the paint in the engine bay, door jambs, and inside the trunk is still original. A hood-mounted tachometer is one of the coolest instruments ever, and kudos to AMC for taking the concept up a notch by incorporating it into the ram air scoop system.
The interior is stated to be original, and its excellent condition makes me think the low-mileage claim could be accurate. I really like the dash layout here, with the rather large speedometer and easy-to-reach controls. It’s simple yet effective, helping keep the driver’s main focus on the nifty outside tach. This is one nice muscle car, and there’s very little I’m spotting to find fault with here, with my main question being how much higher the price will have to climb before this beauty is eligible to change hands. How much would you be willing to spend on this 1970 AMC Rebel Machine?
The silent muscle car… Many folks were surprised with the performance.
These would smoke some of the Big 3 muscle…
This one w the autoloader and steep 3.91 gears , brown/orange paint is a bit of a sleeper Dennis. 😎 👍
I have never owed an AMC, but this is a nice looking car and the current price is appealing. I wonder how the AMC 390 stacked up against the competition?
I guess this answers my question:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l222PPY3KPA
Both cars are impressive in that video. But yes, that 390 can run. Thanks for posting that.
I love these cars,but not too fond of the color.
This is listed on the dealers website for $54,950.
Steve R
In the mid 60s, about the time shortly before the Marlin came out, AMC used a slogan in the face of burgeoning interest in muscle cars such as the GTO, 4-4-2 and Mustang. “The only race Rambler cares about is the human race”. Well, about a year later the Marlin was released, and a few years later, the Rebel Machine and SC Rambler. So much for “the human race”.
…..then humans raced
I do not know much about AMC cars, but i thought the Rebel Machines were red, white and blue?
Per the author’s write-up above: “Early in production, these cars were painted in a combination of Matador Red, Frost White, and Electric Blue, making them instantly recognizable. However, later in the run, buyers could choose any AMC color they wanted…”
This was our, our meaning Milwaukenoshas, middle finger to the rest. I’ll admit, the R,W, and B thing was a bit corny, but this was the best we could muster. Not the fastest, Chrysler had that covered, but a fair representation, and looked sharp too. At the AMC reunion (2014?) there were a bunch of these. In fact, I think there were more of this color type, than the RWB, most I heard were clones anyway. I read, this car would do 0-60 in 6.4 sec and the 1/4 mile in 14.8@93mph. 4 speed a tick faster, and with some mods, 13s easy. Not bad for a Rambler, huh.