It’s about that point in the year where I start preparing for nice, long road trips. Trips to tracks. Trips to see family and friends. Trips because I need to get out and clear my head. Trips to shows, get togethers, and such. After staying inside through rain and snow all winter long, I have to go out and hit the road…it’s the best kind of therapy there is. And nothing against the current fleet of cars to choose from in the driveway, but a killer wagon truly is the way to go…lots of room for gear and equipment in the back, a good amount of legroom in the front, and in the case of this 1969 American Motors Rebel, you even get the small promise of some fuel economy, thanks to the inline-six under the hood. The seller isn’t clear on whether we are staring at a 232 or 258 or what, but there’s a buzzin’ half-dozen making the big green sled move.
I’m actually all about keeping the Rebel powered with a six…just with one that actually has some guts to it. For simplicity’s sake, a stroker-six mill would be the way to go. Which would you go with, a carbureted 258-based setup or a 4.2L Stroker based on an EFI mill yanked out of an XJ Cherokee? Either way, the six would fit the green wagon to a “T”. The wheels need to be changed out for something more fitting to the car, and I hope that the woodgrain appliqué peels right off myself, but overall, this Rebel is a winner in my book.
eBay Link: 1969 American Motors Rebel SST wagon
Aaaaah – I like the way the seller got his five yeard old kid to draw the fake wood on the body and choose those hideous wheels…….
My self I will be real glad when these ugly assed big wheels go out of style.A set of maybe 16″ wheels painted body color.Trim rings with chrome lug nuts. As for the engine. It would be a shame to off a 42K original engine. How about a little research and put a draw through turbo on it . Its the system GM used in the 60’s .And the first set up on the turbo Buick V-6’s .Not a huge horsepower gain. But you need the torque more than the HP here. I like the patina.And the 2 tone wood might grow on me after a while.I like Ramblers,Mopars adopted bastard children.
I like the EFI Jeep 6 idea and back it up with a 4L60E for smooth cruising. I too would change the wheels (easy) and the fake “Clark Griswold Truckster” paint.
Yes, that killer look woody is just killing me. Peel it off, put in a 401 and add a Rebel Machine grill and hood and you’re done.