AMC Rebel - History

History

The Rebel name was introduced by AMC in 1957 as a special model with a big V8 engine: the Rambler Rebel, the first factory-produced lightweight muscle car, and the first hint that muscle cars would be part of the company's future.

The Rebel name reappeared in 1966 on the top-of-the-line version of the Rambler Classic two-door hardtop. It featured bucket seats, special trim, and a revised roofline. For 1967, AMC's entire intermediate line took the Rebel name.

The new Rebel models were designed under the leadership of Roy Abernethy, but the automaker changed management with Roy D. Chapin, Jr. as Chairman and CEO was trying hard to change AMC's frumpy image. The redesigned intermediate line began to be promoted with a focus on performance and print advertising as one of the "Now Cars", as well as having numerous factory and dealer installed high-output options.

During its production from 1967 to 1970, the Rebel was available as a six-passenger 4-door sedan, and 2-door hardtop, and a 4-door station wagon with an optional third row seat for two more passengers. In addition, a 2-door sedan (coupé) with a thin B-pillar and flip out rear side windows was available in 1967 only, and a convertible was offered in 1967 and 1968.

The six-cylinder engines that were introduced by AMC in 1964 were continued. However, the 1967 Rebel models introduced the first of a family of all-new V8s that replaced AMC's long-lived "GEN-1" designs in the mid-sized automobile market segment. These included the 290 cu in (4.8 L) and 343 cu in (5.6 L) engines that debuted in the 1966 Rambler American. With a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, the 343 V8 produced 280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS) at 4800 rpm and 365 pound-feet (495 N·m) of torque at 3000 rpm. The new Rebels also eliminated the torque tube design used in the Rambler Classic in favor of an open drive shaft with a four-link, trailing-arm rear live axle rear suspension system to provide a more comfortable coil spring ride. The independent front suspension continued AMC's unequal-length control arms and high-mount coil springs.