Fast Facts
'70 American Motors Rebel Machine
Tony Branson
Abingdon, VA
Mopar (and AMC) Power
Engine: Though it was more mild than the cross-ram-equipped '69 S/S AMX package, the 390 Rebel Machine engine was rated at 340 hp. This was also the top power number to ever appear in the AMC lineup. This was done by using a 10.0:1 compression, cold air from the hoodscoop, a loping cam, and a free-flowing exhaust system. This engine has not been rebuilt, but a replacement Carter 750 carb resides in place of the original 600-cfm version. and those chrome valve covers are OEM.
Transmission: The standard issue for The Machine was a Borg-Warner T10 four-speed, with an optional automatic available if you wanted to add the console. A Hurst T-handle did gear duty, especially needed since gear changes in the B-W got tougher at the top of the rpm band in drag testing.
Differential: The differential was an AMC unit that featured a 3.54 ring with a Sure Grip unit, reportedly by Dana. If it wasn't enough, the friendly parts guys at the dealership could get you a ring as tight as 5.00, though that move might not have helped any warranty claims.
Horsepower & Performance: The 340 at 5,100 hp and 430 at 3,600 torque numbers were probably pretty honest for this car, which tipped the scales at under 3,700 pounds and ran 14.5 in bone-stock trim.
Sure Grip
Suspension: The Machine got kudos for its handling due to rear sway and heavy springs. However, the fast steering power ratio (16.5:1) had Jim McCraw stating the manual version was a better choice.
Brakes: Front discs were standard, with 10-inch drums in the rear and a power-assist unit on the firewall.
Wheels: American Motors supplied fat, trimmed-out 15x7 road rims for the Machine as part of the package.
Rubber: Goodyear Polyglas E60x15s were standard. Due to their scarcity, this one has a set of F60-15 shoes instead.
High Impact
Body: The body was a tribute to AMC creativity and may actually be one of the epitomizing designs of the musclecar era. Scoop, graphics, crisp styling, and an inset grille all led to give the Machine a look of performance, and no styling cues that lent itself to exact comparison with one brand or another.
Paint: Three cheers for the red, white, and blue, though in the era of the SDS and war protesters, it might not have been the best way to get girls, brochure advertising notwithstanding. It is believed the first 1,000 examples got this paint and its custom stripes; "The Machine" decals were part of every one of them.
Interior: Black was the color; the steering wheel shown in testing and the brochures ended up being optional. The aftermarket tachometer is in place due to the inaccuracy of the scoop-mounted version.
Best Performance: Street cruiser.