1970 AMC Rebel Machine

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©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The AMC Rebel Machine marked AMC's debut in the midsize muscle car market. The early models featured a bold, multi-colored paint job. Every version came equipped with a functional hood scoop and a robust suspension system, contributing to its aggressive, forward-leaning stance. Discover more muscle car photos.

The 1970 AMC Rebel Machine marked American Motors' entry into the midsize muscle car arena. It made a loud statement, unlike a typical quiet debut. Evidence of this is found in the AMC archives, where a photo exists of an alternative, more intimidating midsize muscle car concept.

The image features a sleek black coupe with commanding black wheels and wide tires. There are no stripes, scoops, or spoilers. Its body leans forward in a menacing, street-ready posture. On the fender, a decal displays two gears grinding out the name of this tough prototype: 'The Machine.'

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The photo is from June 1968, showcasing a '69 Rebel. For AMC, their 1969 high-performance sedan focus was the Rogue-based Hurst SC/Rambler, a compact car with an extravagant design, in contrast to the more subdued black Rebel concept. The SC/Rambler didn’t make it to 1970, but The Machine did. However, it wasn’t the ominous rebel seen in the prototype; instead, it became a vibrant, red, white, and blue spectacle, in line with the spirit of the SC/Rambler. As Road Test magazine remarked, 'You have to say this for American Motors, when they get their teeth into an idea they pursue it with a vengeance.'

Fortunately, The Machine proved to be a solid performer. Like the SC/Scrambler, it featured the AMX's ram-air 390-cid V-8, tuned to deliver 340 bhp. During its transition from concept to reality, the car gained a large hood scoop to support the engine, controlled by a vacuum-operated butterfly valve. A Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission was standard, paired with a 4:1 axle. AMC’s optional limited-slip diff cost $43, with a Detroit Locker and gear ratios up to 5.00:1 available.

The Machine was one of Detroit’s most rigidly sprung muscle cars. Its heavy-duty suspension included strong station wagon rear springs, which raised the rear and helped achieve the aggressive stance. Equipped with E60x15 tires, the car excelled in cornering, though rear-axle juddering off the line kept the lightweight V-8 from achieving low-14-second times.

The Machine turned out to be a one-year-only model, and after producing the initial 1,000 units, AMC started offering it without stripes and in any available color. While it wasn't the intimidating machine from that '69 photo, buyers could still enjoy the essence of the car with less flair.

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The 1970 AMC Rebel Machine

Specifications

Wheelbase, inches: 114.0

Weight, lbs: 3,650

Units produced: 2,326

Base price: $3,475

Standard Engine

Type: ohv V-8

Displacement, cid: 390

Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.

Compression ratio: 10.0:1

Horsepower @ rpm: 340 @ 5100