RAMBLER REBEL/ MATADOR

PARTS WERE SHIPPED RIGHT-HAND DRIVE FORM THE USA, USING A RIGHT-HAND DRIVE DASH CREATED FOR THE US POSTAL SERVICE

During the 1960s when US-owned carmakers dominated Australia’s motor market, each of them was obliged to offer a big, American-designed model as the ‘flagship’ of its range.

Local content rules decreed that these cars arrived for assembly in timber crates and items including trim, tyres, paint and some mechanical parts were sourced from Australian suppliers.

The American Motors Rambler was a little different. Its products were built in the Australian Motor Industries (AMI) factory in Melbourne, mixed in with Toyotas, Triumphs and even Mercedes-Benz. Using a wider range of locally sourced parts and materials they managed to achieve higher Aussie content levels than rivals and gain tax concessions.

For 1967 there was an entirely new, large format Rambler to replace the long-serving Classic and its name was Rebel. The new car came with a V8 engine – six-cylinder buyers still could choose the Holden-sized American – automatic transmission and disc front brakes.

Parts were shipped right-hand drive from the USA, using a dash created for use in RHD vehicles supplied by American Motors to the US Postal Service.

As American cars went, the Rebel wasn’t mega flashy and usually painted in whatever drab shade AMI had in the guns when spraying its more prolific brands.

They did make them in blue however, and that helped attract various Police forces that for years had used Classic models as pursuit cars and wanted to keep the relationship.

What these cars also did to great effect was deliver the qualities demanded by fleet and rural buyers. Among these was the ability to waft along at 55-80mph (that’s 90-130km/h for the metric speakers), with 4-6 people on board and a brimful boot.

The suspension was conventional with coil springs and an anti-roll bar helping with the handling. Matadors had radial-ply tyres as standard and surviving Rebels will almost certainly have them as well.

Performance, a roomy interior and eight seat accommodation in the wagon made these a popular choice with people who had big families and might also tow a caravan or boat. Jacking the rear suspension with heavier springs or installing height adjustable rear shocks countered the problem of a significant rear overhang.

Pushing a Rebel or Matador hard will translate into hefty fuel bills and frequent visits to the petrol provider. Tests of a Rebel with the smallest 4.7-litre V8 returned average consumption of 16.5L/100km but that would climb beyond 20L/100km when cruising quickly or towing.

Heightened interest in Rambler has influenced demand for good examples and caused values to pretty much double. As a result, very good rebel or Matador sedans exceed $30,000 and some wagons have been advertised at more than $50,000.

Finding a really good Rambler can mean keeping your eyes open when car clubs traditionally hold shows and members let their cars out for a run.