Rare Color Project: 1970 AMC Rebel Machine
The AMC Rebel Machine was a one-year-wonder, built only during the 1970 model year. It was a mid-size muscle car, something of a larger follow-up to the SC/Rambler from the year before (it was based on the compact American). The Machine was a rare automobile then and now, but this one is even more scarce as it’s not painted in the more recognizable red, white, and blue colors.
AMC Machines were hot cars with a 390 cubic inch V8 engine that produced at least 340 horsepower. They had hood-mounted tachometers which helped set them apart visually if the wild R, W & B paint didn’t do the job. Roughly 2,000 Machines were produced in ‘70, and this is one of the few that were finished in Glen Green. And it has a vinyl top – the first one I’ve ever seen on a Rebel Machine (and it just doesn’t look right to me).
The seller found this “Rambler” in a building where it had been stored for 34 years. He’s done nothing with the car cosmetically – not even washing it – but has been working on its mechanical state as time permitted. The completed list includes new tires, a rebuilt radiator, new brakes, a servicing of the gas tank, a tune-up, and more. But some things have yet to be tackled, including the fuel pump, master brake cylinder, air conditioning, and work on the interior of the once-hot car.
Whether the green paint grabs you or not, this is a vehicle that you may not find an exact copy of anytime soon. The body is going to need some work – and when you get done – probably a few gallons of new Glen Green paint. This evolving project can be found in West Fargo, North Dakota, and is available here on eBay where the current bid is $15,600 but the reserve has yet to be met.
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Comments
Nice! I just want to thank the staff, in particular, the writers, who seem to have a knack for featuring AMC. Not sure if it’s intentional, but I sure like it.
A green Machine, you say? But, but, but, the RW&B,,,well, ’tis so. I thought so too, and just shows to go ya’, how often a Machine was spotted. If any were seen, they were always RW&B. It’s what set them apart from a mere Rebel. When I went to the AMC reunion in Kenosha, I was flabbergasted, at 1st, how many freakin’ Machines there were, and 2nd a slew of different colors. There were all blue ones, maroon ones, gold ones, yellow ones and yes, many had vinyl tops. Fact is, most times, if any, the hood scoop was the only clue. The RW&B graphics never did anything for me, fact is, I mean no disrespect to the good ol’ USA, but I think all these kooky paint schemes made a mockery of what great cars they were. The Rebel was a nice car, the 390 puts out more than enough power, closer to 400, I’d say. The old mans ’69 ex-forest ranger Ambassador with 390 AMX pursuit motor, could spin both back tires for a block. I read, there was another( in my best Yoda voice). In ’71, AMC came out with an even more rare car as the 1971 Matador with the “401 Machine Go Package”, I never heard of, with only about 60 made, and was dropped mid-year.
AMC was probably at their zenith right here, not so much for the goofy Machine moniker, but what great cars #4 could produce. With Studebaker gone, we held #4 unchallenged for another decade, at least, but you know who took care of that in the 80s. And yes, Reed and Malloy had a profound effect on sales then. The Machine just wasn’t one of them. Again, the cost. I read, these were pricey as a Machine. Almost $3600 bucks, which was almost a grand more than a regular Rebel. It was more than a GTO( $3267) or a 429 Torino( $3270). when a Rebel SST could be equipped the same for a lot less. Not that they were breaking down the doors for that either, with only about 7,000 sold. With the Concord and Eagle cars around the corner,, this was the end of AMCs traditional cars. It’s a smokin’ find, for sure.
OK, the Rebel SST could have a 390, but i have consulted with an expert who is of the opinion that if one wanted a 390 Rebel with a 4 speed, the only choice was the Machine. The quickest way to tell a genuine Rebel Machine is the VIN has a Y engine code and the valve cover tag also has a Y code. A hood tach could be easily added whereas changing the dash mounted VIN is a bit more difficult….and of course a violation of state & federal law. not that that would deter some people.
Great comment Howard. 👍
Love these, very fast, 3.54 gear ⚙️ std. The sporty Shift-Command autoloader apparently encourages manual shifting, no lockout.
Perfect colors.
i have never seen a machine with a/c
Kind of strange that the car was ordered with AC but not electric windshield wipers. I wonder if it was a case where the original owner was new to AMC and didn’t realize they were still using vacuum wipers.
Mu parents had 68 Rebels when we were growing up so I miss seeing them. A 4 spd would really have me sweating but the color is perfect. My Grandparents had a 69 Rebel 4 dr too, in a dark green. It got wrecked when he hit an ice patch.
I love seei g a different color. Not a fan if the Red, white and blue ones. They looked hokey. I hope this goes to the good home.
Nice car. (Just taking a break from the TV. My governor is presently on most local channels here talking about wind.)
Sweet !……but does any one else get a car running before putting more money in or brakes on ?
Look at the blue 67 Firebird 400, 4spd featured a few hours after this. It looks like they went through the entire car with fresh paint, interior and upgraded suspension but left the front manual drum brakes.
Steve R
The seller says it is a real Machine, so there must be a way to prove it.
I’m not sure how.
Apparently, according to one chap at the reunion, there were almost more clones than original ones. On an AMC forum, the 390 Machine has a “Y” engine code in the VIN, where as a 390 Rebel has an “X”. It was the hood that I hear is in short supply these days. Since this has a “Y” in the VIN, I’d say it’s the real deal.
Glad to hear that there is a way to distinguish a real one.
Yes, Rebel Machine has a VIN with engine code Y not X. Also the tag on the valve cover should have a Y code not X or the 68-69 W code. Of course, the engine tag can be easily moved from engine to engine so it is advisable to check casting numbers to verify that the correct manifolds are present…….
Not sold with a high bid of $19,301, did not meet reserve.
Steve R