It’s the Fourth of July! Get out the red, white, and blue and wave the flag as we celebrate America’s independence from those haughty royals back in England! And what better way to celebrate the occasion than with our Pick of the Day – nothing says “America” like a 1970 American Motors Rebel Machine hot rod. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lavergne, Tennessee. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Rebel name had been used by Rambler since 1957, but the mid-size Rebel model first appeared in 1966 as a special version of the Classic. In 1967, with the redesign, the whole mid-size series became the Rebel, which featured thoroughly modern styling and engines options up to a 343ci V8 and four-speed manual. The SST in particular featured a tasteful, nonfunctional rear quarter scoop that inversely mimicked the fender protrusions from the bumpers.
For 1968, the Rebel (along with all other models) was marketed as an AMC instead of Rambler. Come 1970, the Rebel featured a redesigned rear and C-pillars, though the grille was merely a facelift as done since 1967. The top engine was a 325-horsepower 390 but more horsepower would come with the introduction of AMC’s first mid-size muscle car: the Rebel Machine.
The original concept was initiated in 1968 as a collaborative effort between AMC and Hurst Performance. The car was a matte-black 1969 Rebel coupe, but the concept would not officially make its debut until October 1969 at the NHRA World Championship Drag Racing Finals in Dallas. The production version (all overseen by AMC) featured a white Rebel SST hardtop coupe with red/white/blue stripes running from the trunk lid and across the sides to the front in red, and the lower body was painted in blue. Other features included a 340-horsepower 390, Borg-Warner four-speed with Hurst shifter or automatic, Twin-Grip differential with 3.54 or 3.91 gears, partially blue-painted hood with ram air system featuring an integrated tachometer on the hood scoop, heavy-duty suspension, and 15-inch tires on slotted mag wheels. A black bucket seat interior was the only choice, with the armrest striped in red/white/blue.
It is believed after 1,000 Rebel Machines were built, AMC allowed any color and interior to be ordered. These cars received no stripes, and the hood was now partially painted black, though the signature scheme was still available. All told, 2,326 were built. The Rebel Machine was discontinued for 1971, but so was the Rebel – the Matador replaced it. A front restyle was new, as was a “Matador Machine” package that included 360 or 401 V8s, but fewer than 100 were built.
This 1970 AMC Rebel Machine hot rod is painted in the signature red/white/blue but, hold on to your socks, AMC fans: this is a tribute powered by an LS1 V8. “This 1970 AMC Rebel Machine Tribute LS Restomod seamlessly blends classic muscle car looks with the untamed power of a modern LS1 engine,” says the seller. Outside, this Rebel Machine tribute looks stock aside of the Weld wheels and fat tires. Inside, you’ll find a black interior including the Machine-specific striped armrest, plus a Dakota Digital meter computer for keeping tabs on things in a modern manner.
Under the hood is an electronic fuel-injected 5.7-liter LS1 – note the patriotic engine colors too. Other features include a modern five-speed manual, headers, Flowmasters, and a detailed underside that’s painted and undercoated.
They say that baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet represent the epitome of America. A little company from Kenosha vehemently disagrees, so let’s celebrate the red, white, and blue with this $79,995 AMC.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
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