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1970 marked the last year of the Rebel line, and AMC let the Rebel speed towards the sunset, just like the SC Rambler. This was AMC's version of the "back to basics" muscle cars other manufucturers were producing, such as the Road Runner. The Rebel Machine was produced by teaming with Hurst Performance, Inc. , but there was no official connection between Hurst Performance, Inc. and AMC once production had begun. Unlike the SC Rambler, there was were no Hurst badges anywhere on the car.
Extra Horsepower
The Rebel Machine engine cranked out an extra 15 horsepower from the regular production 1970 325bhp 390 engine. This was created by a revised cam with higher lift and special cast iron intake and exhaust maniflods that were more free flowing. The cam was named the "White Stripe Cam" because of the white stripe painted on it.
All Rebel Machines had a fiber glass hood scoop with a built in hood tach. The idea behind the tach in the hood was that it was safer for racing, since you didn't have to look down to your dash panel.
Handling
The Rebel station wagon rear coil springs were used to raise the back end, giving it a nose down look. This may have looked "cool", but it didn't help the performance at all. It actually hindered it, since it put the balance of the vehicle from the front to rear. It tended to oversteer or spin around donut style around tight corners.
You could choose between a Warner Gear T-10 four speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter (3.54:1 rear gear), or a Warner gear three speed automatic (3.15:1 rear gear). A factory installed 3.91:1 rear gear was available.
Paint Schemes
The first 1000 Rebel Machines built had a standard paint scheme, consisting of a Frost White vehicle with 3-M reflective red, white, and blue striping. The hood, rocker panels and an inset on the hood were painted blue, and there was an optional red, white, and blue grille lip. The front fendersides and rear trim panel's righthand sides included "The Machine" emblems.
After the initial 1000 were produced, The Rebel Machine was available in any 1970 AMC solid color. These vehicles had a flat black section on the hood. The original color scheme became a $75 option.
Options
AMC learned their lesson from not offering any options on the SC Rambler. Most Rebel options were also available on the Rebel Machine.
1970 AMC Rebel Machine Engine Types, Specifications, and performance data
Engine
There was only one engine available on the Rebel Machine, the 390 V8.
Transmission
A Hurst shift four speed manual or an automatic transmission was optional, as well as a Twin Grip differential with 3.54:1 or 3.90:1 gears.
