Some American performance cars are renowned for their subtle and restrained good looks, while others are as “in your face” as it is possible to be. The 1970 AMC Rebel “The Machine” falls firmly into the latter category. From its striking paint scheme to its distinctive wheels, this was a classic that left members of the public in no doubt about what they were looking at. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this one for us. It has a healthy V8 under the hood, but the numbers-matching 390ci monster is included in the sale. Located in Rhine, Georgia, you will find The Machine listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding sits at $8,100, with the reserve unmet. If you are interested and want to avoid the hassles of an auction, there is a BIN option of $12,000.
The Red, White, and Blue color combination was about as patriotic as paint schemes got in 1970. Initially only offered in this mix, other shades joined the palette during the car’s production run. These did tone down the appearance, but the paint that this vehicle wears is instantly recognizable and the most sought by enthusiasts. The paint has deteriorated significantly, and the car will require a full restoration if it is to be returned to its former glory. The panels wear a few dings and dents, but some of the more critical features remain intact. Chief among these is the function hood scoop with the integrated tach. There is evidence of some frontal accident damage, but this has been repaired. The owner says that everything lines up as it should, and the comprehensive set of supplied photos would seem to confirm this. All of the chrome is present, while the glass is in good order.
It is almost without exception that one of the greatest battles that any classic car owner will face will be with rust. Mother Nature can be pretty cruel, and more than a few prized classics have found themselves at the mercy of this evil problem. This Machine is no exception, but it is a long way from being a lost cause. This photo of the floor shows the worst of the problems because most of what remains could be addressed with patches. The car is structurally sound, and whipping the body and underside into shape should not be a difficult undertaking.
It is when we lift the lid on this AMC that things become interesting. The car would originally have been home to a 390ci V8 that pumped out 340hp. Original equipment on this classic also included a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and a limited-slip rear end with the optional 3.91 gears. The performance was all that you might expect from this combination, with the journey down the ¼ mile taking 14.8 seconds with the standard rear end. The 3.91 should shave a good chunk off that time, making The Machine seriously fast. This AMC has been parked in a barn for years, but the owner has done everything required to get the car to a state where it can be yard-driven. The fuel tank has been reconditioned, and a new Holley carburetor has been installed. There is also a new distributor, a new starter, a master cylinder, and a booster. The brakes still need some work, so the car isn’t roadworthy. However, the 304ci V8 that currently occupies the engine bay does sound healthy. You probably just did a double-take when I mentioned the 304, but the fact that the Rebel is not currently numbers-matching isn’t the end of the world.
Ta-dah! Yep, that’s the numbers-matching (but disassembled) 390, and it is included in the sale. It isn’t just the original engine that the buyer will receive. There is also the original intake, carburetor, and all of the Ram Air components. Everything appears to be in decent condition, so returning the car to its muscular best is definitely possible.
Apart from a missing carpet set, the AMC’s interior appears to be complete. The dash pad will need to be replaced, but many items might respond positively to a deep clean. The seats will need new covers, but the remaining trim and upholstery look pretty good. This might be a car with a firm focus on performance, but that doesn’t mean that the owner should miss out on a few of life’s creature comforts. The original owner splashed out the extra $380 to equip the vehicle with air conditioning. The system is complete, although the lack of a compressor belt suggests that it might need some work before there is ice-cold air blowing out of the vents.
It is incredible to think that an independent company with the ability to produce cars like the 1970 Rebel Machine could find itself in such a perilous financial position that it was eventually absorbed by one of the “Big Three.” That was the fate of AMC, and its ultimate demise meant the end of some remarkable vehicle development and production by a company that operated on a shoe-string budget. Estimates vary on just how many of these classics rolled off the production line in 1970. Some organizations place the total at 1,936, but the 1970 Rebel Machine Register sets the count at 2,326. Regardless of which figure you choose to believe, it represents a drop in the ocean when you consider that American consumers slapped down their cash for 8.4 million passenger cars in that year alone. Many of these classics lived hard and fast lives, while rust consumed a decent percentage. We can never be sure how many have survived, but with AMC’s death, we do know for sure that there will never be another model like it. That would seem to justify returning this classic to its former glory.
Numbers never match at AMC.
Neither does the price. 12K? Really? After you’ve bought it and spent 70K repairing what you can (good luck finding lenses and trim) you’ve have an 82K car worth about $8500.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool and it’d be fun to see a TV show tackle it but as a financially sound investment? Woof.
Rat rod that baby keep the patina as is, make it safe for the road and just make the drive train as powerful as your budget allows
Actually, they do if you know what to look for. It’s just a different process for an AMC and a Machine in particular.
With AMC some people have been defining “numbers matching” as meaning the engine and transmission type matches the VIN. The factory did not keep track of actual drivetrain component IDs such as serial number or date codes. So the engine and or trans could have been swapped out for another of the same type on an AMC vehicle and it would still be “numbers matching”.
The good news is that I make the stripes and the floor pans this car needs and I’m working on getting all the SS trim and the pot metal parts reproducable. My parts fit like paint. The rest of the car looks pretty solid though I’d be checking the underside of the front fender tops. With the floors this bad, the underside of the fenders are usually pretty thin. The trunk drop-offs are usually gone too.
No Machine Wheels with this car either, apparently. A pretty good starting point.
Most AMC guys do their own work and we help each other right through the AMC hobby, so no one is stuck for long if they have a reasonable amount of diligence. Not every car needs to be show car quality. This car could be a driver if it was parked in my driveway in less than a week.
In a year the 304 would have been passed on to Sportabout or Spirit the original 390 shown above would be back in it. The ram air hood seal is even there. This car is a no-brainer. For more information go to rebelmachineparts.com and learn about Rebel Machines.
You’re right John, only thing holding it back is it’s an automatic. 40-50k when done.
Automatics were slower back in the day by less than half a second. But for many years now automatics are faster any much safer to race with than 4 speeds. Plus they can be set up to shift like a 4 speed if that’s what you need.
With the Service Package installed you’re doing 12.81 in the quarter at least. That is pretty respectable for a car of size. Plus Rebel Machines handle like sports cars unlike any other muscle car.
Plus they are extremely comfortable to sit in and drive.
You get a lot for your money with a Rebel Machine.
If someone pays $12k for this it would be more “in your rear end” than “in your face”.
Rest assured it will be sold. The asking price is irrelevant. By the time this car is done, the value will have risen enough to offset the extra money.
Because the car has good quarters on it, it beats a more complete car with rusted out rear quarters. I charge $750 per side for the new parts. Plus they still have to be welded on.
The air cleaner gasket and the intake makes up the rest of the difference. Then there’s the old carb that was removed. If they didn’t throw it out, your now down to 8 grand in what you’re really paying for a pretty good shell.
Since this car is an automatic, it needs no smog equipment. It has air. That is easily fixable and a huge bonus. This car is priced right at $12,000.
“This listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing.”
Yes, it should have been described as ‘junk’.
So sad to see people leave such asinine comments
Steve Clinton–have you ever left a comment that is not degrading>
As I said last week–“picking flysh*t out of pepper”
To the right professional restoration/hot rod shop, this car’s condition would be no problem.
I agree with you Tim. I feel like there are a lot more negative comments about some of these cars than positive ones. After all it is called barn finds for a reason
Those ancient gas pump(s) in the 1st pic above (& in the ebay ad) are still be used??!! I’ll be damned.
For the price, I would bought the car. Wonder if their was a actual error or just sold it off ebay.
I like it. I don’t care for tbe rex, whit and blue and would go a with a different color. Or stripes. I prefer a stick but the AC parts help a lot. I hope it goes to a good home if they try again…Looks like it didn’t sell…
Well some people are just ignorant and/or naive. Just because its not a belly button its worthless or just cause it has rust its worthless. Why cant we have more barn finds than shiny cars? Then more barn finds are posted, why are we looking at junky cars and not shiny ones? True Barn find cars shouldnt be in the greatest condition and in need of some degree of restoration. If cars didnt have issues there would be a lot of people in our hobby out of jobs. Im a lover of all cars that are petroleum burning and think that this one too deserves a second chance at life. It has good bones and is priced reasonable. Despite what some think these will fetch between $40-60k when restored. Not surprising that this one is automatic being the 4 speed ones are more rare but the a/c is a bonus.
Just crush the piece of crap and put it out of its misery.
At last!
Someone actually included the good parts that are supposed to be in the car.
Maybe at the last minute he’ll decide to keep the rims or something
There are no rims. Those are from an AMX or Javelin.
Damn. I had a Brown Machine, 4 speed with hurst shifter and a/c. In great condition 390/340 and ran like a bat out of hell. Bought it in 1972 and sold it in 78. Wish I had had the fore site to keep it but I was young and dumb. Haha.
Now I can afford to buy one back, if I could find one.
I may post my red Machine on here next year. 401 with a 727 transmission, 400 hp.