Well, this may be a first on BF – a 1970 AMC Rebel SST station wagon, courtesy of Rocco B. I honestly didn’t know that AMC’s midsize was produced in station wagon form. No surprise, as this Rebel SST wagon is one of only 6,800 assembled 55 years ago – not exactly an everyday find. The owner details some of the mods that he’s made, and as the title denotes, this Rebel has some cause. Pidgeon Forge, Tennessee is where you’ll find this very sharp looking family hauler, and it’s available here on craigslist for $14,750.
As I have often opined, older station wagons are hot properties these days, but AMC? Not so much so. Sheer production volumes coming from GM and Ford have kept the former American independent automaker from making the collectible scene in a big way, so it’s always a treat to discover a specimen such as this AMC wagon. The Rebel wagon was available in both SST and non-SST trim levels, and this particular car could have been slathered with optional faux wood side panels, since removed, or gone the also-optional two-tone route. Whatever the case, the result is fabulous – the burnt orange and white hues, which present beautifully, contrast perfectly. Custom adjustable suspension coilovers have been included and account for this Rebel’s lowered stance. As is often the case, American Racing-style (Bart, in this case) wheels have been attached to all four corners, completing the look.
The original 210 gross HP 304 CI V8 is still holding court in the engine room, but it has been modified with an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, a Lunati “Voodoo” cam, Patriot headers, a custom exhaust system, and an aluminum radiator. Unfortunately, the engine image isn’t very revealing, illustrating mostly the stock air cleaner assembly. Backing up the small displacement V8 is a Chrysler A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Completing the upgrade list is the inclusion of front disc brakes – always a wise move, especially when forward motivation has been enhanced. The listing compactly states, “runs perfect.”
The interior is not referenced but looks clean with cloth upholstery that does not match the original material or pattern. It does, however, correspond with the door panels and carpet, and in its entirety, looks fine. I always appreciate an included image of the wayback area but unfortunately, none was offered.
What’s not to like? Especially if you’re an AMC afficinado. This Rebel is a completely different twist on the AMC models that we have covered here before and I certainly appreciate the diversity that this Rebel station wagon brings to the table. Price-wise, at $14,750, I’m not surprised; how about you?
RATS on the engine pic!
6800 wagons built like this? Hard to believe there were that many takers for a souped up AMC wagon back in the day. Hmm…
No, not 6,800 like this, just 6,800 ordinary, not souped up, not anything but ordinary Rebel SST station wagons.
JO
If it’s as nice in person as the pictures and description suggest it’s a bargain for someone looking for a late-60’s or early-70’s station wagon that isn’t married to a specific make or model.
One thing I’d want to know is why there are different license plates front and rear.
Steve R
I think SC is a one plate state and there’s a 1970 one on the front.
Hi, my name is Andy and I’m the owner of the car. To answer your question yes the car is as nice as it looks and it runs perfect with a completely rebuilt, engine transmission brake system, front steering and suspension, etc. This car is set up for driving. There’s two different license plate plates because South Carolina. Only requires one and the front one serves asa 1970 South Carolina vanity plate.
Thank you for your response. Where I live red light cameras, express lanes and toll booths read off the front plate. It’s always been illegal to be without a front plate, even before they started using readers. When you could still go cruising (1980’s) the police would wait at the turnaround and flag cars without a front plate, line them up, inspect them and write fix it tickets for everything they could. I didn’t realize other states allowed only one plate, let alone different ones front and rear.
You have a nice car, good luck with the sale.
Steve R
Very cool car.
Certified Swagon
Great looking wagon but… only 9 photos? Where are the photos of the engine and chassis? The engine choice. So it came with a little 304. What not hop up a 360 or go big 390/401. That would be more fun. You paint and fix it up with nice wheels and interior clean up.But to spend money on a 304 does not make sense. I would of left the 304 alone and save the money. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
It does make sense to keep the 304 if you are on a budget, finding a 360 or 390/401 core then having a stock rebuild will cost at least several thousand dollars then use considerably more gas which is a detriment for a car that’s driven long distances. Inexpensive used carbs and intake manifolds are not hard to find at swapmeets or locally on online selling platforms. Many of the parts used on this cars other modifications can easily be found at considerable discounts from new through eBay and Facebook. Once at a coffee or cars, with an open hood, all that matters is how something looks, if it can be done on a budget, that can be a good thing.
Steve R
This wagon has so much going for it. Its beautiful. I agree with Steve R above. Nothing wrong with the 304 V8. I’d leave this wagon as is and enjoy it i usually prefer stock rims, but I think in this case I would make an exception. It has a great stance. And looks just right the two tone really makes it pop too. Hope it goes to a good new home.
This car belongs to my brother who was at the Rod run in pigeon Forge this week. The car and my brother are back in the Charleston South Carolina area and the telephone number for more information and to get more pictures is listed in the ad. I am leaving his number here at his request but if that is not allowed, it is in the craigslist ad that is still up in Knoxville.(843) 9981089. That ad will be coming down tomorrow sometime but he will put it back up in the Charleston craigslist if it isn’t sold because he has had quite a few inquiries. Thanks for your time.
My brother drug one of these into his junkyard about 25 years ago, it was so cool and I wanted it but during the negotiations about buying it from him another car nearby that was being cut on caught fire and it went up in flames. That was a shame, only 70 AMC wagon I ever saw and I am not an AMC person but that car looked so cool to me for a little while, then it was crispy
Perfect mild Hot Rod AMC wagon w the Torq-flite autoloader for our Howard 😃🏁🙌
I have a 1971 Ambassador wagon, which is essentially the same car as this (minus the performance mods). The main difference in the Ambo aside from front clip styling is a useless wheelbase stretch ahead of the cowl and more standard features.
These are good cars but were a really tough sell in the face of the Big 3 intermediates. At least in 1970 AMC finally went to full ball-joint front suspension, but vacuum wipers and the ancient Borg-Warner automatic trans would still be part of the deal for another year.
vacuum wipers were part of the deal to keep base price down. Many did order the electric wipers.
I always thought about a “muscle wagon “and this one fits the bill. The 304 engine is perfectly fine because it’ll get you where you need to go, have the V8 rumble and be decent on gas. I don’t know how much this weighs, but it’s certainly lighter than many other wagons in that time. I would think because it’s a little bit smaller. For the price it looks like a great deal!
My parents had a 68 Rebel wagon with the 232, when we were kids. My dad then got an ex gov’t 4 dr 68 Rebel. I always liked the look of them. This one is beautiful.