Both VAM Rebel-based Rambler Classics included almost the same equipment between the two body styles with only a few exceptions. A Popular Science road test comparing six-cylinder intermediate-sized 4-door sedans (Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Torino, and Plymouth Satellite) reported that the Rebel 770 was the quietest, offered the most interior space and trunk room, "yet burns less gas than the others. The most successful dealers actually raced the cars at local drag strips. "[76], According to the former editor of Motor Trend magazine, before BMW took "The Ultimate Driving Machine" moniker for itself, American Motors dubbed its high-performance model that could hold its head high in fast company simply "The Machine" and it deserves to be considered among the Greatest Cars of All Time. [49] With Hayden piloting, the car consistently ran the dragstrip in the mid-eight second range at speeds around 180 miles per hour (290km/h). [27], American Motors produced an innovative advertising campaign for the 1969 AMC Rebel that became one of the best TV commercials in one of 15 categories as selected by a team of experts. "[56] The car was considered a legal drag racing car, according to National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) rules and regulations in effect during those years. [119], Today, surviving models of the Rebel Machine are bold reminders that tiny AMC once took on the big boys on the streets and strips of America and won. Standard were a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission with a Hurst floor shifter backed by either 3.54:1 or 3.91:1 rear axle gear ratios in the "Twin-Grip" differential, as well as power disc brakes, wide E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas white letter tires mounted on "Machine" mag-styled steel 15-inch (381mm) x 7-inch (178mm) wheels, and a black interior with bucket seats and a center armrest upholstered in red, white, and blue vinyl. The cars had the engine, transmission, front suspension, rear axle, and doors installed in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and were built with right-hand drive (RHD.) The Rebel Machine's distinctive paint job, rakish nose-down attitude and obvious performance characteristics lets the supercar buyer express his identity, or, in the words of today, 'Do your own thing'. [35][36] This was the most powerful engine AMC would ever offer in a regular production vehicle. For example, New Zealand models came with U.S seats, door cards, and sun visors, whereas these were all locally supplied on Australian models. Australian models had to have aftermarket amber rear indicator lights fitted in the boot (trunk) lid to 1969 and amber lenses fitted behind the clear reverse lenses on 1970 models, as flashing red indicators were barred in Australia. "[15] Journalist and automobile critic, Tom McCahill, summarized his Mechanix Illustrated road test, "there isn't a better intermediate size car sold in the United States than the 1967 Rebel".[16]. It replaced the Rambler Classic. A unique paint schemes for the Machine is Frost White with a flat-black hood (paint codes: 72A-8A), with only three made. For ten years AMC "strictly observed the auto industry's anti-racing resolution" but following the management change in 1967, the AMC Rebel began to be campaigned on the dragstrips. Trim level badging differed from U.S. models. [45] Other standard features on the Raider included black upholstery and carpeting, black front grille, black vinyl roof, a sports-type steering wheel, AM radio, power steering, and power brakes. The Rebel station wagons saw no change to their rooflines, doors, and rear fascias. [47] As Rambler's sales reached third place in the domestic marketplace, AMC continued to advertise the only race the company was interested in was the human race. The Rebel was replaced by the similar AMC Matador for the 1971 model year. AMC described them as "15-inch styled road wheels" in brochures and catalogs. [49] Starting in June 1967, the car was driven by "Banzai" Bill Hayes and painted red featuring a blue racing stripe with white stars. [108][109], American Motors also exported Rebels in factory right-hand-drive to the United Kingdom. [79] Since convertibles in the Rambler American and Ambassador series were dropped after 1967, the 1968 Rebels were the only open models built by AMC. The Cross Country station wagons featured a standard roof rack, all-vinyl upholstery, and a drop-down tailgate for carrying long loads. [39], Designed to spur interest in all of AMC's products and to generate increased sales for the company, the special wagons were limited for sale to geographical areas. Previously the company imported the Rambler Classic, American, and Ambassador. [33] The "AMX" 390cuin (6.4L) engine now produced 325hp (242kW; 330PS) and was optional on SST models, while a special high-performance 340hp (345PS; 254kW) at 5,100 rpm and maximum torque of 430lbft (583Nm) at 3,600 rpm version was standard on The Machine,[34] with a single 4-barrel Motorcraft carburetor. American Motors repositioned the Rebel line to a more "family-oriented" direction and only the two-door SST model received a new simulated "louver" trim ahead of the rear wheel openings. Based on the Ambassador platform, the new Rebel models were designed under the leadership of Roy Abernethy, but the automaker changed management in January 1967 with the appointment of a new chairman and CEO, Roy D. Chapin, Jr., whose objective was to change AMC's "frumpy" image. Other parts were boxed and shipped inside the car for final assembly in Australia. A total of 1,200 were produced (823 in the SST version and 377 units in the base 550 model). In addition to different model names and marketing concept, the Mexican versions also adapted AMC I6 engines to local conditions. [26], The interior received a new deeply hooded instrument panel with clustered instruments and controls in front of the driver. The largest difference was in the front seats. Rebels came in the base 550 and deluxe 770 models, with a high-line SST available only as a two-door hardtop. [10] A hole in the transmission pan slowed them down, but the endurance racers were able to get the car to a town to get a new one. [99] Australian Rebels received no trim level badging throughout the entire run, whereas New Zealand Rebels were badged with "770" badging to 1969 and "SST" badging for imported coupes, and V8-fitted wagons. [64], The "Machine" wheels were also optional on the 1970 AMX and Javelin models through the 1972 model year, as well as part of the "Go-Package" on 1971 and 1972 Javelin AMXs, after which a more conventional 15x7-inch slotted steel rally wheel replaced it. 1968 New Zealand-market import Rebel 2-door hardtop. New Zealand-assembled 1969 Rambler Rebel 770, actually the U.S 1968 model assembled again in 1969. The Rebel was built at AMC's West Assembly Line (along with the Ambassador) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and in Brampton, Ontario, Canada (Bramalea Brampton Assembly Plant). Rebels were available in base or SST trim. The car was VAM's entry in the luxury segment of the Mexican auto market in contrast with its other lines that focused on economy. [97] The cars were restricted to a three-speed manual transmission in 1967 and 1968, but were available with an optional column mounted three-speed automatic starting in 1969, making the Rambler Classic the second regular production VAM to offer an automatic transmission after the Javelin the year before. The Chiswick plant had previously assembled Hudson, Essex, and Terraplane motor vehicles since 1926. New Zealand Rebels shared the same amber park/direction indicator lenses as U.S models whereas Australian-built ones were fitted with clear lenses. [114] For 1968, Rebel station wagons, SST coupe, and SST convertibles were sold in the UK alongside the Ambassador saloon (sedan) and Javelin. South Australian sales were managed by Champions Pty Ltd in Adelaide. American Motors' Performance Activities Director Carl Chakmakjian was charged to get AMC automobiles in racing, which would help to attract a younger customer base. The effect of the changes was summarized by the Auto Editor of Popular Mechanics, "the Rebel has a 'no nonsense' air about it I find appealing. The six-cylinder engines that were introduced by AMC in 1964 were continued. The Matador was sold in Australia until 1977. Standard equipment on all regional wagons included 290cuin (4.8L) V8 engine (the 343cuin (5.6L) was optional), automatic transmission, power steering, power drum brakes, as well as special duty springs and shock absorbers. After Renault ceased Rebel production in Europe, business operations between AMC and Renault continued in Argentina via Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) which Renault took control of in 1967. [69] According to a retrospective Motor Trend article, The Machine is the most strip-ready car of the group they tested. [41] Each featured a distinctive interior and exterior trim: Each version included the color-coordinated upholstery and door panels, individually adjustable reclining seats, sports steering wheel, as well as the 91 cubic feet (2.6m3) of carpeted cargo room, a locking hidden compartment, and a roof rack. Also in Australia, numerous other parts and components such as brakes, seats, carpet, lights, heaters, etc. Annand & Thompson Pty Ltd in Brisbane distributed Rambler vehicles for Queensland. [101] The 1970 Rebel sedan sold for NZD $6429.00. The Rebel-based Rambler Classic models in Mexico were never available as two-door sedans, two-door convertibles, or four-door station wagons. [111][112] The operation became a subsidiary of AMC in 1961 and changed its name to Rambler Motors (A.M.C) Ltd in 1966. [100] Local external colors offered were "Hialeah Yellow", "Mosport Green", "Bayshore Blue", "Frost White", and "Moroccan brown.". Retrieved 14 September 2014. The Machine was developed from a collaboration between Hurst Performance and AMC, but unlike the compact SC/Rambler, there was no official connection between the two parties once production commenced. Although the Rambler name was discontinued on the Rebel in the U.S. and Canadian markets after the 1967 model year, the cars continued to be sold in international markets under the historic "Rambler" brand. The 360 V8 was available with a 2-barrel carburetor producing 245hp (183kW; 248PS) or in a 4-barrel version producing 290hp (216kW; 294PS). AMI had been assembling AMC vehicles since 1960.[83]. We anticipate that the Machine will identify with this new brand of rebel, who demonstrates for something. The Rambler models served as the executive car in Renault's product line, but the entirely new design was a larger car with more power than the previous Rambler Classic and no longer suitable for European automobile tax regimes or road conditions. [18] The top-of-the-line model SST came standard with the 290cuin (4.8L) "Typhoon" V8 while all the other models were available with the 232cuin (3.8L) I6 engine. [29], 1969 AMC Rebel 2-door hardtop, with aftermarket wheels. As with all RHD market models, the dash and instrument pack from the right-hand drive Ambassador built for the United States Postal Service in 1967 was reused for all model years. [11], Offering traditional Rambler economy with six-cylinder engines and overdrive transmissions, the Rebel could also be turned "into a decent budget-priced muscle car" with the 343cuin (5.6L), the largest available engine from AMC in 1967.