AMC Rebel - Other Markets

Other Markets

The AMC Rebel was produced under a number of business ventures in foreign markets. In these markets, "the Rebel was still the epitome of the modern mass-produced US sedan."

Under a partnership agreement that was developed in 1961 with the French automaker Renault, the Rebel's two-door hardtop was added for the first time to the traditional 4-door sedan body style of the Renault Rambler. The new for 1967 designs were assembled in Haren, Belgium and sold by Renault dealers in Algeria, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The Rambler served as the executive car in Renault's model line, but the entirely new design was larger car with more power than the previous Rambler Classic and no longer suitable for European automobile tax regimes or road conditions. The 1967 models were priced 20 to 25% more than the previous year's, so production ended in the summer of 1967.

Rebels from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits were assembled by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) in Port Melbourne, Victoria, as well as by Campbell Industries in Thames, New Zealand. NZ models had a two-dial (Ambassador) instrument pack rather than the North American rectangular speedo. The cars were built with right-hand drive and the body had the engine, transmission, front suspension, rear axle, and doors installed in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Other parts were boxed and shipped inside the car for final assembly in Australia or New Zealand. Australian models had to have aftermarket amber rear indicator lights fitted in the boot lid as flashing red indicators (allowed in New Zealand) were barred across the Tasman. Numerous other parts and components were sourced locally to gain tariff concessions.

Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM) produced Rebels in only two body styles, the two-door hardtop called the Rambler Classic SST, and the four-door sedan called the Rambler Classic 770 under license from 1967 through 1970, no other trim levels or designations were available. In addition to different model names, the Mexican versions also adapted AMC I6 engines (232 from 1967 to 1969, and 252 from 1969 to 1970) to local conditions and came with more upscale interiors, compared their counterpart models sold in the United States and Canada. They were restricted to a three-speed manual transmission in 1967 but available with an optional three-speed automatic since 1968, both column-shifted only.