This 1966 Rambler Rebel is powered by a 287 V8 and has been regularly maintained through the years. The Rebel was the top-of-the-line version from the final year of the Rambler Classic and featured standard bucket seats, special trim inside and out, and hardtop roofline. This survivor example is offered in its original white over turquoise with just under 96,400 miles showing. Originally from Salinas, CA the car was purchased by its current owner after seeing it at an Oregon car show. Its sale will include the original owner’s card, manuals, license plate frames, many service records and a clean Oregon title.
The seller believes most paint is original and it appears to have weathered well, remaining shiny over straight body panels with no evidence of past rust repair. A handful of flaws including various small touchups and tiny dings are extensively detailed in the gallery below. All glass looks good, and chrome accents are straight and bright with a few dings and slight pitting in places.
Stock painted steel wheels clad in Kelly Charger white-letter rubber look good with their original hubcaps, or they can be left off for a more aggressive look.
The previous owner located a roll of NOS Shimmer Turquoise material and had the seats reupholstered – the fronts fold down into a bed. The carpet was replaced at the same time, and the headliner is vibrant and untorn with bright chrome bows, and an original mirror still resides on the passenger side visor. Other items are in good overall shape, though light wear and discoloration are evident on the steering wheel and other surfaces.
The seller says that all exterior and interior lights work, and even the stock radio is in working order. The stock fan switch is not working – an under-dash toggle switch operates the fan on high speed for the time being. All other HVAC functions such as defrost and heat work as they should.
Out front lies the original AMC 287 mid-level V8 hooked to a three-speed automatic. A Tri-Poised Power decal, referring to AMC’s then-new method of engine mounting, is a nice original touch along with other stickers and stock washer fluid reservoir bag.
Mechanically the car is said to have no major issues, running and driving well – the seller points out the motor may have had some work done since it looks to be repainted. Starts can be finicky due to a worn neutral safety switch, but the seller says car starts up well if the shifter is positioned properly.
Underneath, the galvanized unibody is very clean, showing minimal corrosion in the form of light surface rust on fender lips – more photos are in the gallery below. No substantial leaks are visible, and the strut front and Panhard rod/torque tube rear suspension is equally clean. Side-exit exhausts are muffled with a pair of attention-getting glasspacks.
Many service records are included, along with the original owner’s card, technical service and owner’s manuals, documents showing ownership history, and a clean Oregon title.
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