In this case, the dealer ordered the car loaded with options, showcasing it on the showroom floor. Finished in Sungold Amber with a black roof (the same color scheme featured in Rebel magazine ads), the extensive option list included the 270hp 327 engine topped with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, new-for-1966 BorgWarner T10 four-speed transmission, Twin-Grip limited-slip rear axle, front and rear bumper guards, Turbo-Cast wheel covers, vinyl top, and dash-mounted tachometer. Adding to the comfort and convenience of the driver were the optional air conditioning system, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, tilt steering column, AM/FM radio with reverberator, left-side remote mirror with matching right-side mirror, and a deluxe custom interior that features reclining bucket seats, Hialeah Plaid upholstery, and two matching throw pillows.
In 1966, Mr and Mrs Mills parked their 1958 Rambler Ambassador in front of the dealership in Georgia and walked in. Her mission was to buy a new car equipped with a manual transmission and good brakes. She liked her Ambassador, but the brakes didn’t work well in the rain.
The couple was just about to move to California and decided it was the perfect time to get a new car before they made their cross-country journey. They expected to find another standard three-speed column-shift car like her Ambassador; however, only one car at the dealership had a manual transmission and excellent brakes: the new disc-brake-equipped Rebel with the four-speed stick-shift and console. They fell in love with the Rebel and took it home.
The Mills drove the car for many years. At some point the clutch was replaced, making the pedal too stiff for her to use. She quit driving the Rebel, but her husband had mounted a hitch to it and continued using the trusty Rambler to haul his small boat to and from the harbor at Morrow Bay, California, where they lived. Eventually the boat was sold in 1996 and they no longer had any use for the car.
Only 7,512 Rambler Rebels were sold in 1966. According to Ken, of these, a mere 125 four-speed cars were produced
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/with-a-327-v-8-4-speed-1966-rambler-rebel-showed-signs-of-amc-muscle-to-follow/
Jesse I love this poster. AMC took some heavy criticism for their cars, and maybe rightfully so, but if you look closer I think these cars did have some merit. There's a line on that poster that says, "Won't cramp your style, or your legs." Amen to that. New cars today seem to have the worst comfort for seating and leg room one could possibly imagine. I hate new cars. I'm sure I'm going to be stoned for that observation. Just my opinion though.
ReplyDeletewell, I'm not posting about new cars! Ain't no stones getting thrown around here!
DeleteAlso, looking at the manual shifter, how the hell does one shift with that little movement n the gate area? ??? Looks more like an automatic shifter.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like an auto, with zero side to side, and I don't have an answer. Gee, thanks for starting out my morning with a quandry! (lol)
Deletesmooth as silk, that's how it shifts. even reverse is a breeze. you wouldn't think so, but it goes right through the gears.
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