Times have certainly changed and names are everything these days. Many automobile monikers don’t make any sense or are unpronounceable. One Korean auto conglomerate, who will remain nameless, has a model line-up that sounds more like a geography lesson than actual car names. And forget about the failed experiment in alphanumeric combinations, as in, “Yes, I do love my new a new CT4R1/3LZ-Sport CUV Coupe!” Try remembering that without the trunk lid badge right in front of you. Years back, there were some great ones, my favorite probably being the “Road Runner” – it was perfect for what it conveyed and executed brilliantly. AMC had an interesting one with the Gremlin, but their selection of “Machine” for a hopped-up Rebel says the most by saying the least. A Machine? As in a nineteenth-century colloquialism for a car? A washing machine? A machine of machinery? Or is it just something that is open to interpretation but you know it has machinery or machismo involved. Well, let’s figure it out as we review this 1970 AMC Rebel Machine that is located in Rochester, New York, and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $11,100, fifteen bids tendered as of this writing.
The Machine was a one and done in that it was a high-performance package offered on AMC’s mid-size Rebel in 1970 only. Total production was just about 2,300 copies, with 1,000 in the familiar red, white and blue appearance scheme. Hard to miss? You bet, the bright white finish with red, white, and blue stripes is hardly inconspicuous. Throw in a sizable hood scoop and it is not a car that will go unnoticed.
That said, all machines weren’t white and striped though that is how they are fondly remembered. At the beginning of ’70, AMC offered the machine package in stripeless and non-white colors. Other than the above image, this author has never encountered one, or just wasn’t aware, even though the non-white/non-striped livery versions accounted for about 1,300 units; well more than the familiar red, white and blue, typically seen examples.
So what makes the Machine a Machine? Why the machinery of course. And in this case, it is a 390 CI, AMC V8 engine producing 340 gross HP – pretty up there for AMC. Unfortunately this example, according to the seller, is powered by an AMC 360 CI V8 motor of unknown provenance. It is listed as a running/driving example (albeit with some wiring problems) but there are no other operating highlights mentioned. This Rebel has had some brake and suspension work performed but that’s all that is listed. The seller claims that the original Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission is still in place. Beyond the powertrain, the Machine also benefited from a taut road-suspension (using station wagon rear springs), one that was criticized, in some circles, as being a bit too stiff. And capping off the performance vibe is the air induction hod scoop for what’s coming in and a low restriction dual exhaust system for expelling what’s going out.
The exterior of this Machine is a bit worn but the seller states that this 71K mile example is still adorned with its original paint and stripes. He further adds that while the body is “very solid” it has rust in the “usual” places. What does that mean? Based on appearances, probably the lower quarters and rocker panels. There is no word regarding the driver’s side fender as in, is it a replacement or a primered original? The American Racing wheels are a nice touch but the original steel wheels, IMHO, would be even better. Beyond that, there appears to be some missing front trim, but all in all, this car appears to be a good project base.
The interior is claimed to be original and the driver and passenger side footwells have been replaced – thus explaining the missing carpet and probably the kick panels as well. The seats appear to be in good shape with no rips or tears, though perhaps in need of a cleaning. The instrument panel is in a similar state, all there, just showing some indication of age. No reference is made to the operability of the gauges; and yes, the original and unique AMC Rebel radio is still holding is own.
The Rebel Machine is a historically significant product from the “David” of American car manufacturers, the one that boldly stood up against the Goliath Three for as long as it could. This AMC muscle car has possibilities, though the missing and correct engine will adversely affect the value and the attraction for this particular car. That said, it definitely has possibilities, wouldn’t you think?
Great writeup. Oh, we, in Wisconsin took a ribbin’ with these cars. AMC wasn’t really known for classy cars, oddballs mostly, and a car painted red, white, and blue, with some corny name like “Machine”, fit right in with all the other oddball AMC offerings. We were kind of “known” for that. Gremlin, Pacer, Marlin, Matador, to name a few. Looking back on this car today, it had everything you could want in a muscle car. Okay, the name is still corny, but it wasn’t so corny when all you saw was their tail lights. These were stout, durable, quick cars, that took a pounding. You could probably tell people it’s a 390, and they’d never know. At the time, it was just a fast Rambler, like a ’57 Rebel, certainly made to enjoy and throw away. At the AMC reunion, there were a bunch of these, but some were clones, still, an impressive sight to this Milwaukee raised kid, who grew up with AMC cars. This was our “moment in the sun”,,,as it were.
A set of the original wheels would look much better on this car.
MACHINE wheels will set you back 4-5 grand. I sold my set for 4 grand 5 yrs ago and they weren’t in good shape. I think they are ugly and to small but other than that I don’t understand why he didn’t source a 390. He prolly couldn’t afford it. So 15k just in wheels and engine to get this one right.
I have an extra set wheels. They are complete with caps and solid. With tires mounted and will hold air. Most won’t and rust away under the pressed on (non removable trim ring although there are those that remove anyway)
Also have the correct 1970 only 390 engine that has never been apart since leaving American Motors. Should someone on here buy the car and want these items they could be available. Hit me up.
It worries me when I see a collector car for sale and see another like it parked in the garage. Makes me think the one for sale has been used for parts so to speak. The 360 engine I understand not being there. Most were blown up and long gone. I had two Machines with the wrong motors back in the 1990’s. The wheels I am sure the guy is keeping them. They rarely get separated.
As for FLMikey getting run by a Ford wagon. Not possible when the 390/340HP is in proper tune and condition. No way. Seems your buddy out drove you!
Not to bad!! Looks solid and all the parts are there interior and engine compartments look good!!
Not the $5,000 wheels! I would scream like a wounded animal the first time that I curbed those. Yikes.
Say Mark Donahue on the trunk lid. Isn’t that supposed to be something special with these cars?
That looks to be a decal. And to answer your question… no… The Machine was not offered with the Mark Donahue pkg.
Mark Donahue drove a Rebel of that vintage for Roger Penske for at least part of a season in NASCAR. If AMC didnt promote the car with that, they should have.
Donahue drove a Javelin in 71 and a Matador in 74 for Penske. Though he did not ‘officially’ compete in NASCAR with the Matador. Hence, there was no “Donahue pkg” offered on a Machine. It was offered on Javelins and Matadors.
I noticed the seller is keeping the good Machine in his garage…I drove one in the early 70’s…it was kind of a dog…I raced my friend who was driving his mom’s 69 Ford wagon and I got stomped on…
Another cool car NOM sadly 🥺
But another way to say non original engine with “engine of unknown providence”.
I like it over replacement block ✅
There is no NOM for AMC
UP with the Rebel Machine!
Can’t the 360 be punched out to 390 or 401 cubes?
Surprised AMC didn’t have a mega cube motor like the big three – could the 401 be punched out to say 450 cubes?
A 390 and 401 have forged steel rods and crank. Wouldn’t be worth it. The most one can be bored with a nice block is 427. Nothing wrong with the 360 under the hood now for motivation. Very very few would ever know the difference. A cool legit driver Machine you could beat on now.
AMC kept engine making simple. They won races with one basic block design. Same thing Ford does now. Wasn’t a new concept. Interestingly enough they kept the bore at a 4 inch as to not change the old Rambler milling equipment at the factory when they designed the new 290 in 1966.
I may be interested in your 390 I have a 1970 Amx
All AMC engines were made from the same block. Just varied the bore and stroke. No big block. They produced 290, 304, 327, 343, 360, 390 and 401 CUI V8 engines. 289 HO in a 69 AMX would run with most 350 powered Comaro’s. The 390 HU in the AMX was a handful to drive.
The Gremlin was the only good AMC. LoL
Being a body man I would have saved that factory paint if factory.
The factory paint on a AMC is what ever Chrysler did not want to use any more. Why do you think they had so many colors on one car.
Great comments. Here a few observations of my own. Seller posts photos of the rough MACHINE in your driveway and allow a glimpse of the excellent Rebel in your garage. Betcha this car has been picked clean and the non-functional stuff from the better car is on the one for sale. Secondly, this is the only time IMHO where a set of Torque Thrust style wheels do nothing for the stance (as it is) of the car. Even some bum steelies would be preferred as these TTs just look odd to me. The interior shot tells you the seats look good, if peering in from the passenger side quarter window (!!!). My guess is, they are a flat mess. Finally, I can tell you from experience that AMC had a reason to put that radio in the dash vertically. I tried in vain to install one further down the dash toward the glovebox and couldn’t find enough depth for a standard unit back around 1981. My Rebel wagon came with no radio as it was a utility company route vehicle in white (no graphics….lol)
The trunklid in the photo near the top looks like someone attempted to
open it with a crow bar – unless that was accpetable construction tolerances at AMC back then!
Curious as to the alignment of the deck lid (agree with above comment… looks like someone opened with a crowbar!) and the missing badge at the top of the rear valance. Also curious as to what looks to be hood pin mountings on the hood. And the mismatched paint between the outer edges of the hood and the upper surface of the fenders (where hood meets fenders, there are 2 different colors of white on either side of the seams). There are quite a few details that are “off” on this one. I’m inclined to side with those that are leary with the “nice” Machine in the garage. This one just looks mis-matched with quite a few discrepancies from what is stock!
And just to mention… the 1970 production numbers (on factory forms) show 1936 of these built. The 1st 1000 were red/white/blue and were not offered in what this story is calling “non-white” until March of 70 after having debuted in October of 69. Of the remaining 936, there was a mix of RWB and the 17 available solid colors.
Hod scoop? Half of what AMC needed to cement the Machine’s reputation I suppose. Did they ever race it at the Brickyard?
It was too old then…
Love it! Only quarrel, is the radio sideways, bad design. But, back then, no one cared, and probably thought it was cool.
Bad ass ride.
Showing the passenger seats that get nowhere near the wear of the drivers seat makes one suspicious of any descriptions
Was there ever a movie “Rebel without a Grill?” I bet the grill was scavenged off and put on the ‘better’ car in the garage.
Believe me, people do stuff like that to get top dollar on one then pass of a ‘scavenger’ unit at highest price. I know of a man that bought four 1953 F100’s just to get one good one 40 years ago.
Dunno what happened to the other three, but, some poor saps had to buy lotta parts.
If I put one of my Phlatheads in this car it would prolly go faster.
But, then this idea could be just a phantacy!
BTW 🍻!
Never liked the R-W-B colors. Now that blue green car is painted the proper color. Later………………….JIMMY………………………………………………
Car names from back then are the best. No technology can replace that.
The Machine, even without the wild paint or hood scoop any gear head would have picked up on that badge of honor and knew what it meant. Another name I always really liked was Eliminator, although a rare Cougar which actually hauled. The 428 Eliminator, oh that’s so much better than 428 cobra jet,, can’t change history so that’s enough from me…..
I actually don’t like the tires and torque thrusts on this car which is the only time I’ve ever felt that way about those wheels,,,they look small or overwhelmed a bit on this body, the none original engine makes it a driver with the good 360, most of all people will get excited over this car at any show or cruise as it will be the first time they ever witnessed ……The Machine. Run it hard!
I owned one in Tijuana Tan. It had the ford block 390 that Rambler used. I replaced the original carb with a 780 dual pumper Holley. It also had a slap stick Borg Warner trans. Was blowing off Chargers, Road Runners, Etc. Top end in first was 65. Top end in second was 95. Top end in third I have no idea cuz the speedo went to 140 and I had it back around banging on the pin by the 0 mark.
Ford block 390? The AMC 390 was not related to the Ford 390 except in CID. Ditto the AMC 327 and the Chevy 327.
That was just a Saturday night to many beers BS story 😂😂
The Machine had a “sweep” style speedo. It is a straight line not round! You may have “pegged it” but you certainly didn’t have it “back around and banging on the pin by the zero mark”.
…Unless the speedo (and dash) was changed out when the carb and “slap stick” were.
Sorry, mine was factory installed, and was round. I purchased it new from a Rambler dealer on Rand Road in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Edward, the round speedometer is for the Ambassador car line. If the assembly line ran out of correct speedometers, they put in an Ambassador Speedometer and the Ambassador overlay. The customer could take it back for warranty replacement.
Round speedometers ARE NOT CORRECT for any version of the Rebel.
So then mine was an oddball of an oddball.
Absolutely!
The comments here crack me up. I would like to know how many of you have actually ever built a car from the 50 year old hulk you found in someone’s yard. Demanding the original wheels and/or the air cleaner after 50 YEARS? Get serious. I looked at dozens of cars in 1988 when I re-entered this world, and most were missing original wheels, wheel covers, air cleaners, jacks, spare tires, arm rests, the original seats were trashed, obvious accident damage and plenty of bondo….I had a restored ’68 GTX that I took to a cruise-in, the first kid to speak to me demanded to know if it was “rebuilt front to rear with NOS parts”. I just looked at him and said, “Have you ever restored a car?” And the paranoia I see, as if everyone here selling a car is purposely misrepresenting it and/or trying to cheat someone, STOP IT. FYI, a lot of people don’t know what they have, a lot of people don’t have any idea about the minutiae you guys are asking about. Rant over…
Roy,
I have and currently in the middle of one right now. (Javelin) I have been collecting parts for 40 years. Certain parts of a car define what it is. Specific are the wheels on a Machine. Every time I saw them in a junk yard I had the hindsight to pick them up. There are others like me. When you happen to be into a certain brand or make you quickly be a so called expert. You get that way by doing. Not by reading Wiki articles on the web.
Lucky you and your GTX.There are 100’s more of them made vs. the Machine. I am also sure you have a catalog that has a 1-800 phone number that you can get what ever you want. All you need is a phone and credit card.
With American Motors one isn’t so lucky. With our catalog it is full of service parts I can get at Auto Zone and molded carpet I have to cut and trim to fit. There is no such thing as NOS parts unless you pay a ransom. Diamler made a few re pop parts in the 1990’s. but were not as good as the originals. Now long gone.
Obvious the kid that asked you about NOS parts used on your car you should have put your arm around him. Seems he actually knew more about old cars then you gave him credit for.
More like he heard some buzz words….I relate to your dilemma with parts. When I was trying to do the GTX, repro parts were still a few years away. Luckily, trunk fllors and the end panels came out as I was finishing, it was my third try for a trunk floor. The front fenders were from VA, trunk lid from GA, driver’s quarter from AZ, passenger quarter was an NOS 4 door piece, tail lights from a yard in TX, you have been through it! That was actually the fun part, finding the part you need at a swap meet or a yard. Once it was done, cruise-ins were not that fun, so I sold it and built something I could drive and enjoy without having to worry about rain and engine detailing. Good luck in your continuing quest.
Unfortunately, the “minutiae” you speak of is what makes a Machine a Machine and a barn find a barn find. The seller may not know what they have, however, the author of the article should know better before he publishes it as a “barn find”. There are way too many discrepancies with this vehicle to be considered a barn find. And the fact that there is another Machine in the garage in the pics makes one skeptical of the idea that they “don’t know what they have”.
OK, maybe I need to make a deeper clarification. I have been following this site for a while and I love to see the cars, but I have almost stopped trying to read people’s comments. My comment is not just directed at THIS car but all of the cars that people want to make their expert analysis on from a few pictures. I DO like it when someone offers constructive info, and this car actually had some, but others…not so much.
Where did I classify this Machine as a Barn Find? Sure it’s on the Barn Finds website but that’s where any connection ends.
JO
It sure is nice to see that this very special car is still being enjoyed but incase you didn’t notice the owner has a mint one in the garage so I’m thinking he already picked off all the good parts he needed and now it’s time to make room . The Rebel Machine was let’s just say unique I can’t say it was beautiful but just had a let’s go make trouble vibe about it . AMC did not put a lot of markings on there engines except a small tag on the top of the valve cover so finding the correct codes is very hard if your not a AMC junkie the made one block from 290 to 401 and just beefed up the interior components and changed the rod sizes much like GM,s small block Chevrolet. Finding parts for these cars can be like trying to date a super model or you need a heavy bank roll to pay for them because guys know what they have and the value of them . You are way better ahead to spend the $45000 and up to land the real deal because it would take many years and beers to make this one right !!! . I would paint the fender and try to leave it as original as possible and drive it .
Everyone likes to make a comment because that’s there way of getting out in the world. I would rather see and speak at a car event but those have been discontinued for now . Owning a rare car is a excellent experience but I’ve owned AMC,s and loved them until something broke and then it became a headache to find replacement parts and proper ones to keep it authentic and working properly. Sometimes it’s just better to go find a complete car over patching and hacking to try to make one . Life is short and time is money . Unless you have both but I’d rather be polishing then sanding .
An AMC 360 with a mild street cam, headers, a 3000 rpm stall converter will easily surpass the performance of an AMC 390. I have such in a Rebel SST and it will stomp a stock Machine no problem.
AMC people, STOCK means the way it was advertised and delivered to the dealership, no dealer installed aftermarket stuff. Dealerships were NOT an extension of Kenosha Assembly. Try that crap on someone with half his brain cells missing.
I know all too well about a AMC 360,s performance because I had a built 73 Javelin with a Pierre Cardin interior the car won the Motion car show and was later in a Car Craft magazine. Anyhow the car sounded the part and played it as well . I also had a 70 AMX 390 4 speed with the go pack and standard is by far 10 times the fun . As for originality It’s how I roll now because I paid large when I sell my cars and that’s how people want them . Now about the dealerships adding parts later on you better bet me lunch because yes indeed they did . Here’s one extremely nice feature they added at the dealerships group 19 side pipes that added that total 70,s vibe to your ride . AMC,s are my pride just because they were the total underdog in there day due to there wacky styles that I quite dig and will always.
gotta wonder if this was a parts source for the one in the garage.
Sold for $13,433.00. Much more than I thought he would get. but, that just goes to show you. Actually, I believe it is just the right price for such a rarity..I wish I had some money and a place to keep it. This really tickles my fancy. I liked them when they first came out and the guys I worked with in the USAF all laughed at me. I just kept my mouth shut and went about my business. AMC made some really good cars. This was one of them. I still can’t figure out why they lost so much popularity.
They lost popularity because of the Rambler name, which is where they came from. It was known as a cheap economy car for the elderly. So no youngsters wanted them.
How ironic today, that no car is geared for youngsters OR EVEN Y O U N G E R NON RICH SINGLE PEOPLE!! – just well to do FAMILIES (arrgh!), all 4 doors – the 2 door civic has now been dropped! Forget about affordability being mentioned in ads(much less “lower price than last yr’s model”) – all they mention is 0% financing.
They did not loose popularity they actually gained. In 1966 AMC figured out to crack the younger market they needed performance.
One of the most overlooked early performance AMC’s is no doubt the 1967 American 343 4 spd. A one year only performance car in GTO territory. Too few made depending who you talk to some say 12 some say 56. Only two were cars people walked in and ordered. The rest were made and sent to dealers and beat on and raced.
In 1968 they brought out the Javelin 390 followed by the AMX. The Machine and SC/Rambler were nothing more then to drive people into the dealership. Nothing more. They were made to look bold for a reason. To get attention.
Edward They went from no performance in 1965 and average buyer was 40 years to all out in 1968 and the average was 25. With limited resources they did everything right.
Were any ’70 sleeper FLAT hood(no tach or scoop) Rebels specially ordered “under the table” with all of the rest of the Machine’s goodies?
http://bangshift.com/general-news/project-cars/amc-projects/ebay-find-this-1968-amc-rebel-is-as-close-as-youll-get-to-the-original-the-machine-prototype/
Wish i had this magazine issue
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/XccAAMXQlgtSpOCD/s-l300.jpg
Has anyone noticed how much thinner & WAAAY more expensive modern car magazines have gotten, like R/T, M/T, etc?
It’s a disgrace!
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/mhwAAOSwUEVYEWYd/s-l1600.jpg
http://www.modelroundup.com/v/vspfiles/photos/JoHan-2670-2.jpg
It is believed that a few may have been ordered “Hood scoop delete” but no PROOF (Car orders) have surfaced.
Anyone at American Motors who would have info on a Machine with a flat hood is long gone. Production records were not saved. It would make little sense to do that since Ram Air air cleaner base matched under the hood and helped with performance.
It would make more sense and be entirely possible to order a Rebel in 1970 with a 390 engine as it was available across the board. So essense to have a 390 powered Rebel with a flat hood. Group 19 parts across the parts counter cam shaft, gears intakes were also available. Again why? When American Motors built it for you in one package.