AMC Rebel & AMX: Complete Generation Guide (1967–1970) — The Independent Muscle Car

The Independent Muscle Car

American Motors Corporation (AMC) was the independent challenger to the Big Three (GM, Ford, Chrysler). AMC built muscle cars from 1967 to 1970 — the Rebel (mid-size) and the AMX (compact, shortened Javelin). The AMX was unique — a 2-seat muscle car with a 97" wheelbase (13" shorter than the Javelin). Only the Corvette and AMX were 2-seat American performance cars in the 1960s. The Rebel was AMC's mid-size muscle car — the platform-mate of the GM A-body and Ford Fairlane. The 1970 Rebel Machine was the performance flagship — a 340hp 390 V8 with a ram-air hood, heavy-duty suspension, and distinctive red/white/blue paint. The 1969 SC/Rambler was a collaboration with Hurst — a 315hp 390 in a compact Rambler American body with wild red/white/blue paint. AMC muscle cars are rarer than Big Three muscle cars — total AMX production was ~25,000 vs ~87,000 GTOs in 1968 alone. The AMC 390 V8 (315–340hp) was the biggest AMC engine — it couldn't match the Big Three 454/427/440 in displacement but it was lighter and more nimble.

The AMX (1968–1970, 2-seat) is the most collectible AMC muscle car — it's one of only two 2-seat American performance cars (Corvette, AMX). The Rebel Machine (1970, ~2,000 built) is the rarest and most valuable AMC — the performance flagship with ram-air 390. The SC/Rambler (1969, ~1,500 built) is the most distinctive — Hurst collaboration with wild red/white/blue paint. The Rebel (1967–1970) is the mid-size muscle car — the 343 is the best value entry.

Production Numbers

Production data from American Motors Corporation. The 1970 Rebel Machine (~2,000 built) is the rarest and most valuable AMC muscle car — $50,000 (#2). The 1969 SC/Rambler (~1,500 built) is the rarest AMC variant. Total AMX production: ~25,000 across 3 years (1968–1970). Total Rebel production: ~350,000 across 4 years (1967–1970). The 390 V8 was built 1968–1970 (~11,500 in AMC muscle cars). The AMX was discontinued after 1970 (became a Javelin option package). The Rebel became the Matador in 1971.

Engine Specifications

The 390 (340hp, 430 lb-ft) is the biggest and most collectible AMC engine — it was the only AMC big-block. The 390 was smaller than the Big Three 454/427/440 but the AMC was lighter (~3,200 lbs for AMX vs ~3,500 for Camaro), so performance was competitive. The 343 (290hp) is the best value entry — reliable and good value. The 290 (250hp) is the base V8 — good for daily driver. The 232 I6 is the base engine — not a performance engine. AMC engines are reliable and durable — AMC used forged cranks and heavy-duty blocks throughout.

AMX, Rebel Machine, and SC/Rambler: The Defining AMCs

Market Values by Condition (2026)

Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, Bring a Trailer, and Hemmings sold data (2024–2026). The 1970 Rebel Machine (~2,000 built) is the most valuable AMC muscle car — $50,000 (#2), appreciating 15% annually. The 1969 SC/Rambler (~1,500 built) is the most distinctive — $40,000 (#2). The 1968–1969 AMX 390 is the best all-around — $40,000 (#2). The 1967–1969 Rebel 343 is the best entry point — $22,000 (#2). The AMC muscle car market is 30–50% below the Big Three muscle car market, making AMC the best value muscle car brand.

Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)

AMX vs Camaro vs Javelin: The Compact Muscle Wars

The AMX is lighter than the Camaro (~3,200 vs ~3,400 lbs) and has more torque (430 vs 380 lb-ft) — it's faster and more distinctive. The AMX is the only 2-seat muscle car besides the Corvette — that uniqueness drives collectibility. The Javelin is the 4-seat version of the AMX — same engine, same platform, but less rare and less valuable. The AMX is 15% more expensive than the Camaro SS 350 but 20% rarer. The AMX is the best value 2-seat American performance car — the Corvette is $80,000+ (#2), the AMX is $40,000 (#2).

Key Option Codes

Buying Guide

• Best investment: 1970 Rebel Machine 390
  • 340hp 390 V8; ram-air hood; ~2,000 built; $50,000 (#2)
  • Rarest AMC muscle car; performance flagship; appreciating 15% annually; holy grail
  • Verify Machine package, 390 engine code, ram-air hood, red/white/blue paint, build sheet
• Best distinctive: 1969 SC/Rambler 390
  • 315hp 390 V8; Hurst; wild paint; ~1,500 built; $40,000 (#2)
  • Most distinctive AMC; Hurst collaboration; 1 year only; appreciating 15%
  • Verify SC/Rambler package, 390 engine, Hurst shifter, original paint scheme
• Best all-around: 1968–1969 AMX 390 (340hp)
  • 340hp 390 V8; 430 lb-ft; 2-seat; $40,000 (#2)
  • Best all-around AMC; 2-seat unique; only Corvette and AMX; appreciating well
  • Verify 390 engine code, 2-seat interior, build sheet, Twin-Grip preferred
• Best value AMX: 1968 AMX 390 (315hp)
  • 315hp 390 V8; 425 lb-ft; $35,000 (#2)
  • Most attainable 390 AMX; 2-seat; good investment; appreciating 15%
  • Verify 390 engine code, 2-seat interior, good frame, original components
• Best entry AMX: 1968–1969 AMX 343 (290hp)
  • 290hp 343 V8; $27,000 (#2)
  • Most affordable AMX; 2-seat; reliable; good driver; appreciating
  • Verify 343 engine code, 2-seat interior, frame condition, 4-speed preferred
• Best value Rebel: 1967–1969 Rebel 343 (290hp)
  • 290hp 343 V8; $22,000 (#2)
  • Most affordable AMC muscle; reliable; good driver; good value
  • Verify 343 engine code, SST package preferred, good frame, original interior
• Best Rebel 390: 1968–1969 Rebel 390 (315hp)
  • 315hp 390 V8; 425 lb-ft; $27,000 (#2)
  • Big-block Rebel; good value; powerful; rare; appreciating
  • Verify 390 engine code, SST package, Twin-Grip, 4-speed preferred
• Avoid: 1967–1970 Rebel 232 I6 (145hp)
  • 145hp 232 I6; $10,000 (#2)
  • Not a performance car; base engine; no muscle car appeal; not collectible
  • Only buy as a cheap cruiser; otherwise get a 343 or 390 Rebel

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the AMC AMX?
  • The AMC AMX (1968–1970) was a 2-seat muscle car — a Javelin with 12" removed from the wheelbase (97" vs 109") and the back seat deleted. Only the Corvette and AMX were 2-seat American performance cars in the 1960s. The AMX 390 (315–340hp, 425–430 lb-ft) was the performance version — 0-60 in ~6.5 seconds. Total AMX production: ~25,000 across 3 years. The AMX was discontinued after 1970 and became a Javelin option package. The AMX is the best all-around AMC muscle car — performance, rarity, and distinctive 2-seat styling.
• What is the AMC Rebel Machine?
  • The 1970 Rebel Machine was AMC's performance flagship — a 340hp 390ci V8 with a ram-air hood, heavy-duty suspension, and distinctive red/white/blue paint. Only ~2,000 were built — the rarest and most valuable AMC muscle car — $50,000 (#2). The Rebel Machine was AMC's answer to the GTO Judge, Chevelle SS, and Road Runner. The ram-air hood was functional. The Rebel Machine was a 1-year-only model — it was replaced by the Matador in 1971. The Rebel Machine is the holy grail of AMC muscle cars.
• What is the AMC SC/Rambler?
  • The 1969 SC/Rambler was a collaboration between AMC and Hurst — a 315hp 390ci V8 in a compact Rambler American body with wild red/white/blue paint and a functional ram-air scoop. Only ~1,500 were built — the most distinctive AMC muscle car — $40,000 (#2). The SC/Rambler was AMC's answer to the Plymouth Road Runner — a budget muscle car with a big engine in a small body. The red/white/blue paint scheme was designed by Hurst and is one of the most recognizable muscle car paint schemes ever. The SC/Rambler was a 1-year-only model.
• Why are AMC muscle cars cheaper than Big Three muscle cars?
  • AMC was the independent challenger to the Big Three — less brand recognition, smaller production numbers, and a perception of being "not a real muscle car." But AMC muscle cars are rarer than Big Three cars (AMX: ~25,000 vs GTO: ~87,000 in 1968) and have unique features (2-seat AMX, Hurst SC/Rambler). The AMC 390 (340hp) is smaller than the Big Three 454/427/440 but the AMC is lighter (~3,200 lbs), so performance is competitive. AMC muscle cars are 30–50% cheaper than comparable Big Three cars, making them the best value muscle car brand.
• What is the best AMC muscle car to buy?
  • For investment: the 1970 Rebel Machine ($50,000 #2, ~2,000 built). For best distinctive: the 1969 SC/Rambler ($40,000 #2, ~1,500 built). For best all-around: the 1968–1969 AMX 390 ($40,000 #2). For best value AMX: the 1968 AMX 390 315hp ($35,000 #2). For best entry AMX: the 1968–1969 AMX 343 ($27,000 #2). For best value Rebel: the 1967–1969 Rebel 343 ($22,000 #2). The AMX 390 and Rebel Machine are the models to target — they're the rarest and most collectible AMC muscle cars.