THE
FIRST
REBEL
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As a long time Nash/AMC fan, (first car - '46 Nash, last AMC - '83 Concord), I have really enjoyed browsing through your Rebel pages. Have you ever heard the story behind the first Rebel? This is the story I got from the AMC dealer in Kingston, NY 40 years ago: He showed me a letter from the NYS Troopers expressing an interest in testing out a Rambler for use on the NYS Thruway. The dealer contacted AMC suggesting they put the 327/255 V-8 from the Ambassador/Hornet into a Rambler which was using a 250/190 V-8. The trooper deal fell through but AMC went forward with the bigger engine suggestion. Thus was born the 1957 Rebel. It was a limited edition of 1500 units and were all painted silver with an gold anodized strip down the sides (I eventually had mine repainted white with a red stripe). They were 4-door hardtops equipped with power steering and brakes (oversized), whitewall tires, AM radio with the antenna mounted on the trunk, special hubcaps, dual exhausts with special mufflers and adjustable shocks. They were scheduled to have a Bendix electronic FI engine rated at 288HP but problems forced them to cancel that option so all came through with 4bbl Carters. It could be had with a 4-speed automatic or a 3-speed stick with OD. It was pretty fast for it's time. Motor Trend reported a 0-60 in 7.9 sec. and Hot Rod ran the 1/4 in 17 sec. @ 84mph in an automatic. I ran mine (3-speed w/OD and 4.11 rearend) at the drag strip in Montgomery, NY with a best of 15.9 @ 89mph. That model configuration lasted only one year. In 1958 Rebel V-8's were rated at 215HP with the Ambassadors keeping the 255 V-8. Eventually even station wagons carried the Rebel tag. But the '57 hardtop started it all. I've attached some pictures of my '57 along with some official AMC pictures. I hope all this has been of some interest to you. Charles
