One of these American Motors cars left the factory painted red, white and blue. AMC never had the sales numbers of Ford, Chevrolet or Dodge, but between 1968 and 1971 it built some of the […]
One of these American Motors cars left the factory painted red, white and blue. AMC never had the sales numbers of Ford, Chevrolet or Dodge, but between 1968 and 1971 it built some of the most distinctive muscle cars in Detroit. Here are four of AMC’s best, counted down from number four to number one.
#4: 1970 AMC Rebel Machine
A 390 cubic inch V8 rated at 340 horsepower, with a hood mounted tachometer and red, white and blue paint.
AMC’s Rebel was a midsize car sold from 1967 through 1970, replacing the Rambler Classic. For 1970 it got The Machine, a performance package with a 390 V8 rated at 340 horsepower, a hood-mounted tachometer and a loud red, white and blue paint scheme. It was the closest AMC came to a full-size muscle car statement.
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#3: 1969 AMC SC/Rambler
Built with Hurst, this compact Rambler packed a 390 V8 rated at 315 horsepower.
The SC/Rambler came from a partnership between AMC and Hurst Performance in 1969. It took a small Rambler body and dropped in the 390 V8, rated at 315 horsepower, then dressed it in red, white and blue. Small, light and loud, it is one of the oddest and most fun muscle cars of the era.
#2: 1968 AMC AMX
A two seat muscle car that went after the Corvette for much less money.
The AMX was a two-seat muscle car built from 1968 through 1970. Based on the Javelin with a shorter wheelbase and no back seat, it was one of only two American-built two-seaters and went after the Chevrolet Corvette for substantially less money. A 390 V8 was available.
#1: 1971 AMC Javelin AMX
A 401 cubic inch V8 rated at 330 horsepower, and Javelins won the Trans-Am title in 1971 and 1972.
For 1971 the Javelin was redesigned and the AMX became a trim level on it. The top engine was the 401 cubic inch V8, rated at 330 horsepower, and Javelins also raced in the SCCA Trans-Am series, winning titles in 1971 and 1972. It capped AMC’s run as a real muscle car maker.
Which of AMC’s muscle cars is your favorite? Tell us in the comments, and follow Muscle Car Fan for a new ranked list every day.
Image credits: 1971 AMC Javelin AMX 360 in Mustard Yellow at 2024 AMO show 2of5.jpg by CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used anywhere other than Wikipedia. (CC BY 4.0) · 1971 AMC Javelin AMX 360 in Mustard Yellow at 2024 AMO show 5of5.jpg by CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used anywhere other than Wikipedia. (CC BY 4.0) · 1968 AMC AMX white at Rockville Maryland show 2007.jpg by CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, releases all rights but a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used anywhere other than Wikipedia. Please leave a note at Wikipedia here. Thank you! (Public domain) · 1969 AMC-Hurst SC Rambler, front left, 07-20-2024.jpg by MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 2022 Downtown West Allis Classic Car Show 098 (1970 AMC Rebel Machine).jpg by Michael Barera (CC BY-SA 4.0). Facts from Wikipedia.
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