1967 Rambler Rebel SST Convertible – Rare American Steel
🏎️ The 1967 Rambler Rebel SST Convertible — AMC's shot at the big leagues.
1967 was a pivotal year for American Motors Corporation. After years of selling sensible economy cars, CEO Roy Abernethy bet $60 million on an all-new mid-size line to take on the Big Three. The "Rambler Classic" was dead — long live the Rebel.
At the top of the lineup sat the SST Convertible, and only 1,686 buyers opted for the drop-top.
🔧 Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 114 in |
| Length | 198 in |
| Engine | 343 cu in (5.6L) AMC V8 |
| Power | 280 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 365 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 3-speed auto / 4-speed manual (Borg-Warner + Hurst shifter) |
| Price new | ~$2,300 – $2,875 |
| Total built | 1,686 units |
The 343 V8 was brand new for 1967 — AMC's first modern small-block, replacing the old GEN-1 Rambler V8s. With the 4-barrel carburetor it made a respectable 280 hp, and the 4-speed manual with a Hurst shifter gave it some real muscle car credentials.
🎨 Styling & Design
The SST (Super Sport Touring) trim brought bucket seats, console shift, deluxe interior trim, and distinctive badging. The convertible featured an innovative "split stack" folding top that sat lower when stowed, preserving the clean lines and allowing a full-width rear seat.
📉 Rare — and getting rarer
Only 1,686 SST Convertibles were built in 1967. For 1968 the number dropped to just 823 before AMC killed the convertible entirely (they wouldn't build another until the 1985 Alliance).
| Model Year | SST Convertible Production |
|---|---|
| 1967 | 1,686 |
| 1968 | 823 |
Despite the bold investment, the Rebel didn't fully deliver on CEO Abernethy's ambitious plan. Still, it remains a fascinating piece of AMC history: a genuine attempt by the scrappy underdog to take on the establishment, wrapped in clean, modern styling and powered by a brand-new small-block V8.