5 AMC Rambler Rebel station wagon

An estate from the States must have been a novel idea in 1967 Britain, but the Rambler Rebel 6 was a viable – and capacious – alternative to the conservative Triumph 2000 or the left-field Citroën DS Safari. Imported by Chiswick-based Rambler Cars, the Rebel 6 sported a 7ft 81/2 in x 5ft load bay with the rear seats folded and a drop-down tailgate that could extend its capacity still further.

Autocar tested the AMC in June ’67 and praised its ‘very adequate performance,’ despite its 3436lb kerbweight. A capacity of 3.8 litres for the Rebel’s straight-six liberated 155bhp and gave it a 94mph maximum, delivered via the three-speed ‘Flasho-matic’ auto ’box. The well-equipped Rebel was priced at £2131, £675 more than the Triumph 2000 Estate, but considerably less than wagon versions of the Chrysler Valiant and Mercedes 230.

Anorak fact The steering was light, but its 61/2 turns from lock-to-lock gave British drivers a workout