When it
comes to muscle cars, American Motors Corporation (AMC) seemed to know just
what they were doing. Not only did they release the first factory-made muscle
cars in 1957 with the Rambler Rebel but they were also the brains behind one of
the most famous versions of the Rebel which was known as The Machine.
Background
of the Machine
Before
the machine, the Rebel name had been used by AMC for everything from
family-friendly station wagons to funny cars. However, the Machine brought the
name and the car back to its roots with the rest of the muscle cars.
AMC’s
Rebel: The Machine
When it
comes to muscle cars, American Motors Corporation (AMC) seemed to know just
what they were doing. Not only did they release the first factory-made muscle
cars in 1957 with the Rambler Rebel but they were also the brains behind one of
the most famous versions of the Rebel which was known as The Machine.
Background
of the Machine
Before
the machine, the Rebel name had been used by AMC for everything from
family-friendly station wagons to funny cars. However, the Machine brought the
name and the car back to its roots with the rest of the muscle cars.
The idea
for the Machine started back in 1968. The car was originally designed to be
couple version of the Rebel that was going to be painted black with black
wheels. Most of the traditional muscle cars accessories were going to be left
off, including scoops and spoilers. Instead, an earlier concept car version was
used and modified with a 500 horsepower engine. The Machine’s design made it a
legal drag racing vehicle.
The
Machine’s Launch
The car
made its debut in 1969 at the World Championship Drag Race Finals held in
Dallas by the National Hot Rod Association. When it hit the streets, the car
contained a powerful V8 engine that was capable of 340 horsepower. Most of its
features were some of the most powerful that could be found on any other
vehicles in the AMC line-up. Although it was powerful enough for racing, the
car was also completely street legal.
The
Machine also sported a hood scoop which included a built-in tachometer that
could be viewed by driver. Rear springs designed for a station wagon helped add
to the car’s unique appearance. Mag wheels, bucket seats, and vinyl upholstery
rounded out the design of the automobile. On top of everything else, the high
octane gasoline requiring engine could push from 0 to 60 miles per hour in
about 6.4 seconds.
After the
first 1,000 versions of the Machine were sold for just under $3,500 each, a
newer version of the car’s exterior paint was made available. One of the most
unusual color options became the Frost White choice. The hood was painted flat
black but only three were ever built. Eventually, the design scheme originally
sold was made available for an extra $75.
A former
editor of Motor Trend called the Machine one of the best cars ever created.
The End
of a Short Era
Although
the Machine is given high marks by the experts of the auto industry, the car
wasn’t available for very long. In fact, just over 2,300 models were built in
1970. Just one year later, the Machine was replaced by the Matador which had
already been in production when the Machine launched.
Despite
its brief period in the spotlight, the Machine is still considered one of the
best muscle cars to ever hit the market. Because so few were created, they are
also highly collectible. That’s especially true for the incredibly rare Frost
White versions of the Machine.