1968 AMC Rebel Resources

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1968 AMC Javelin  Facts – Body Paint Color Codes

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1968 Rebel

1968 AMC Rebel Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1968 AMC Rebel Facts

The 1968 model year Rebels were introduced on 26 September 1967 and no longer used “Rambler” in their name. These mid-sized cars were now merely called “AMC Rebel”. Otherwise, little was changed except for the government mandated safety features and the availability of the 315 HP 390 CID V-8 that was developed for the new two-seat AMX. AMC and strictly observed the American Automobile Association’s “anti-racing resolution” but following a management change in 1967, the AMC Rebel began to be campaigned on the dragstrips. The SST model came standard with the 290 CID “Typhoon” V-8 and could be upgraded to either the 343 CID or 390 CID engines. All the other Rebel models were available with the 232 CID I-6 engine.

The 1968 models had a modest restyle of the trim, grille, and taillamps. New federally mandated safety standards for all 1968 model passenger cars were incorporated, including separate shoulder harness for the front seat belts, two rear lap belts, side marker lamps, padded seat backs, non-glare finishes, safety designed interior door handles and armrests, energy-absorbing steering column, and optional headrests. American Motors did not wait until after 31 December 1967 to institute these mandates but incorporated these features starting with the early 1968 model year. Other federal requirements for all cars manufactured after 1 January 1968, including exhaust control systems.

A new AMC safety and styling feature was also introduced on the 1968 Rebels – the flush-mounted paddle-style exterior door handles. These replaced the former push-button design, and they remained on their passenger cars through 1988, even continued on the Jeep Wranglers until 2006. The door lock buttons were moved to within the armrests making them easy reach and once set, the door would automatically lock by shutting it from the outside.

Also new for 1968 were two trim versions of the convertible body style in the Rebel line, as both the compact-sized Rambler American and the larger AMC Ambassador convertibles were discontinued after 1967. The 550 was the base-level trim replacing the convertible model in the American series and was still the lowest-priced drop top in the marketplace. The top trim version moved from 770 to the SST model. Both featured room for six passengers and a power-operated top with a glass rear window. As for the SST, the two body styles included trim such as simulated air-intakes ahead of the rear wheels, full wheel covers, and a unique grille. On the interior, coil spring seats were fitted, with the front units being individually adjustable with reclining backs.

American Motors changed its advertising agency to Wells, Rich, and Greene as the automaker wanted to attract the “non-average buyer”. The new agency established innovative campaigns and promotions for AMC that emphasized value for the money through direct comparisons to the competition. The advertising was highly controversial because it violated the accepted rule of not attacking the competition. This marketing was successful in bringing AMC back to the firm’s economy and practical-car roots in customers’ minds, which resulted in higher overall sales.

Historical
The automaker’s profits returned for 1968. Buyers purchased the firm’s newly introduced pony car, the Javelin, the two-seat AMX muscle car for 1968 as well as the Rambler American and the full-sized Ambassador. This hampered the popularity of the Rebel line whose sales declined to 73,895 units.

1968 AMC Rebel Facts – Powertrains

• Engines
  • 232 CID one-barrel 145 HP I-6 – Standard – N/A SST.
  • 232 CID two-barrel 155 HP I-6 – Optional – N/A SST.
  • 290-CID two-barrel 200 HP V-8 – Standard SST.
  • 343-CID two-barrel 235 HP V-8.
  • 343-CID four-barrel 280 HP V-8.
  • 390-CID four-barrel 315 HP V-8
• Transmissions
  • Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
  • Automatic transmission was optional on all – with floor control when console mounted.
  • Four-speed manual floor shift transmission optional, with V-8 only.

1968 AMC Rebel Facts – Powertrain Options

• Transmissions
  • Shift-Command automatic transmission with floor shift and console ($249).
  • Three-speed Overdrive manual transmission
  • Four-speed manual transmission with floor shift ($184).
• Transmission Ratios
  
  • Three-Speed Manual Transmission
    • I-6 –  First: 2.64:1, Second: 1.61:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.64:1. Synchromesh all forward gears.
    • 290 V-8 –  First: 2.55:1, Second: 1.56:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.55:1. Synchromesh all forward gears.
  • Four-Speed Manual Transmission
    • 290, 343, 390 V-8 Wide Ratio – First: 2.64:1, Second: 2.10:1, Third 1.46:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.55:1.
    • 290, 343, 390 V-8 Close Ratio – First: 2.23:1, Second: 1.77:1, Third: 1.35:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.16:1.
  • Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
    • I-6 & 290 2-barrel V-8 – Low: 2.39:1, Second: 1.45:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.09:1
    • 290 4-barrel, 343, 390 V-8 – Low: 2.40:1, Second: 1.47:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.00:1
• Rear Axle Ratios
  • 145 & 155 HP I-6:
    • Three Speed Manual: 3.15:1; Optional: None.
    • Three Speed Manual w/Overdrive: 3.54:1; Optional: None. NOTE: 145 HP only.
    • Automatic: 3.15:1; Optional: 2.87:1.
  • 200 HP 290 CID V-8:
    • Three Speed Manual: 3.15:1, Optional 3.54:1.
    • Three Speed Manual w/Overdrive: 3.54:1; Optional: None.
    • Four Speed Manual: 3.54:1, Optional 3.15.
    • Automatic: 3.15:1 Optional 2.87:1.
  • 235 HP 343 CID V-8:
    • Automatic: 2.87:1 Optional 3.15:1.
  • 280 HP 343 CID V-8:
    • Four Speed Manual: 3.15:1 Optional 3.54:1.
    • Automatic: 2.87:1 Optional 3.15:1.
  • 315 HP 390 V-8:
    • Four Speed Manual: 3.15:1 Optional 3.54:1.
    • Automatic: 2.87:1 Optional 3.15:1.

NOTE: Axle ratios available from 2.87:1 to 4.44:1 with some Dealer installed. Twin Grip axle available on all ratios. See AMA Specifications, page 17 for all available ratios – HERE.

1968 AMC Javelin Facts – Significant Options

• Prices where known
  • • 70-amp battery (40-amp alternator standard with air-conditioning).
    • 70-amp battery and 40-amp alternator (for cars less air-conditioning).
    • 8-track stereo tape player with two rear speakers in sedans and hardtops ($134).
    • Adjust-0-Tilt steering wheel except column-shift manual transmission ($42).
    • All-Season air-conditioning, includes 60-amp battery, 40-amp alternator and heavy-duty engine cooling ($356).
    • Appearance Group for 550 and 770: side moldings and wheel discs. Visibility Group; remote-control left-side mirror, clock, visor vanity mirror (except convertible), electric windshield washers and electric wipers.
    • Automatic transmission oil cooler for Sixes (standard on V-8’s).
    • Black or off-white convertible powered top (no charge).
    • Black, off-white or blue vinyl-covered roof for 770 and SST sedans and hardtops.
    • Bumper guards, front and rear – wagon, front only ($23).
    • Cruise-Command automatic speed control – V-8’s with automatic transmission ($44).
    • Custom steering wheel for 550 (standard on 770 and SST).
    • Dual exhaust system for 343 V-8’s (except wagons).
    • Engine block heater.
    • Handling Package for 6-cylinder sedan, hardtop, convertible; front sway bar, heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers.
    • Handling Package for 6-cylinder wagon and all V-8’s; heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers (sway bar standard). Heavy-Duty clutch for 3-speed transmission (232 Six or 290 V-8).
    • Headrests, right and left, bench seat ($35).
    • Headrests, right and left, bucket seats ($49).
    • Heavy-Duty engine cooling; radiator, power-flex fan and shroud (standard with air-conditioning).
    • Individually-adjustable reclining seats (standard on SST).
    • Insulation Group for 550 and 770; undercoating and hood Insulation.
    • Light Group; trunk or cargo light, two courtesy lights, glove-box light, ashtray light, parking-brake warning light, headlights-on warning buzzer, front-door switches for 550 and rear-door switches for 770.
    • Power brakes ($42).
    • Power disc brakes for V-8’s ($97).
    • Power steering ($84).
    • Power-Lift electric side windows for SST only ($100).
    • Power-Lift electric tailgate window standard on 3-seat wagon ($112).
    • Radio, AM push-button ($58).
    • Radio, AM/FM push-button ($134).
    • Rear speaker for radio in sedans and hardtops (except stereo).
    • Rear-facing third seat for 770 wagon (includes side-opening tailgate and electric tailgate window).
    • Reclining bucket seats for SST with fold-down armrest and center cushion or console with floor Shift-Command transmission ($91).
    • Shoulder belts and mid-passenger seat belts.
    • Side or lower-opening tailgate on 2-seat wagons (no charge).
    • Side paint stripes for SST ($14).
    • Simulated wood-grain side panels for 770 wagon only ($100).
    • Solex glass, all (except rear on convertible) ($34).
    • Solex glass, windshield only ($21).
    • Sports wood-grain-look steering wheel for 770 and SST ($24).
    • Tachometer for V-8’s ($48).
    • Twin-Grip rear axle differential.
    • Two-tone paint (except convertible) ($32).
    • Undercoating, standard SST ($17).
    • Ventilated vinyl upholstery, standard on wagons (fabric, no-charge option), convertibles and bucket seats.
    • Wheel discs – standard on SST ($45).
    • Wire-wheel covers, SST ($45), others ($66).

    NOTE: Prices for V-8 engines other than base 200 HP engine are in addition to basic cost of V-8 fitment.