Amc American Motors Rebel Fifth Generation 1967-1970
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
1967 Rambler Rebel 4-door sedan
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| Overview | |
| Also called |
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| Model years | 1967-1970 |
| Assembly |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 114 in (2,896 mm) |
1967
For the 1967 model year, all of AMC's intermediates took the Rambler Rebel name. They were of a completely new design from the predecessor models. The new Rebels were bigger and rode on a longer 114-inch (2,896 mm) wheelbase allowing for more passenger space and cargo capacity. The new styling featured sweeping rooflines with more glass area, as well as a smooth, rounded "coke-bottle" body design. The Rebel was now available not only in 4-door sedan, 4-door station wagon, and 2-door hardtop versions, but also for 1967 as 2-door sedan (coupé) with a thin B-pillar and flip out rear side windows, as well as a convertible.
Traditional Rambler economy came standard with the redesigned Rebels featuring six-cylinder engines and overdrive transmissions. However, the Rebels were upgraded in numerous areas including a new four-link, trailing-arm rear suspension system. American Motors also introduced advanced V8 engines, and Rebels could now be turned "into a decent budget-priced muscle car" with the new 343 cu in (5.6 L).
Moreover, American Motors expanded its racing activities in 1967 by partnering with automotive performance parts company, Grant Industries, to build the Grant Rambler Rebel, a "Funny Car" racer to compete in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) X/S (Experimental Stock) and Super Experimental Stock classes. The relationship provided both companies with national exposure and publicity. The racing Rebel had an altered wheelbase 122-inch (3,099 mm) with chrome moly steel tube chassis and powered by the 343 cu in (5.6 L) AMC V8 engine that was bored and stroked to 438 cu in (7.2 L). The engine featured a GMC 6-71 blower and Enderle fuel injection, producing 1,200 hp (895 kW; 1,217 PS) at up to 9000 rpm on a mixture of alcohol and nitromethane. In 1967, Hayden Proffitt drove the Rebel on the quarter-mile (402 m) from a standing start in 8.11 seconds at 180.85 mph (291.0 km/h).
1968
For the 1968 model year, the historic "Rambler" marque was dropped and the line was named AMC Rebel. The cars received only a modest restyle, but incorporated new safety features mandated by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), engine control systems to reduce unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions, and the availability of the "AMX" 315 hp (235 kW; 319 PS) 390 cu in (6.4 L) V8 engine.
Declining sales of convertibles in general during the late 1960s saw discontinuance of this body style by AMC after only 823 were built in 1968.
Production of Rebels continued through the 1970 model year until replaced by the similar AMC Matador for the 1971 model year.
Production
Fifth generation Rebels were built at Kenosha, Wisconsin and Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Foreign assembly from Partial Knock Down (PKD) kits was undertaken by Australian Motor Industries in Australia and by Campbell Motor Industries in Thames, New Zealand and from Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits by Renault in Europe and by Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos in Mexico. Both Australia and New Zealand retained the Rambler marque for the entire run of Rebels as well as for the replacement Matador.