[6] The new Rambler was designed "to split the market wide open with a mid-size model that featured aggressive styling and plenty of power.

Edmund E. Anderson and Bill Reddig styled the new model with a "dramatic reverse-sloped C-pillar" as well as borrowing the Nash-Healey's Pinin Farina-designed inboard, grille-mounted headlamps.

Although AMC was best known for their reliable economy cars, this special model came with a bigger engine than anything found at Chevrolet, Ford, or Plymouth—the Rambler's most popular competitors at that time.

[12] All Rebels came with a manual (with overdrive unit) or GM's four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, as well as other performance enhancements such as a dual exhaust system, heavy-duty suspension with Gabriel (brand) shock absorbers, and front sway bar.

[16] The Rebel's engine also differed from the 327s installed in the 1957 Ambassador and Hudson Hornet models because it used mechanical valve lifters and a higher compression ratio.

[19] The Bendix Electrojector electronic manifold injection (EFI) was to be optional on the 1957 Rambler Rebel with a flashy introduction at the Daytona Beach Road Course trials.

[21] A Rambler Rebel with the optional EFI was tested by Motor Trend, and they recorded this sedan going faster from a standing start than the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette with mechanical fuel injection.

The Bendix system's public debut in December 1956 was followed by a March 1957 price bulletin listing it as a US$395 option, but because of supplier difficulties, EFI Rebels would only be available after June 15.

[24] The Rambler's EFI was more advanced than the mechanical types then appearing on the market and the engines ran fine in warm weather, but encountered difficulty with starting in cooler temperatures.

[28] The 1959 model year Rambler Rebels featured hoods without ornaments, a new full-width grille with large inset turn signal lamps, bumpers, and bumper guards that reduced the overall length by 1.6 inches (41 mm), a thinner roof panel look with narrower C-pillars, windshield and rear window slanted at a greater angle reducing wind resistance, simpler bodyside trim, and restyled rear doors and fenders with a smooth line to the smaller tailfins.

Station wagons with two rows of seats came with a conventional tailgate (roll-down rear window and drop-down gate) while three-row models received a new side-hinged door.

A big feature was the 80 cubic feet (2.27 m3) of space, compared for example to the much larger-sized Oldsmobile station wagons that offered only 80 cu ft (2.27 m3) of cargo room.

The Rebel name reappeared for the 1966 model year on a version of the Rambler Classic two-door hardtop (pillar less body style).

[33] This effort moved AMC once again toward the muscle car market segment; however the Rebel was criticized for its antiquated torque tube suspension system.

[33] The 1966 Rambler Rebel "poses a great bargain for the muscle-car enthusiast [today] ... rarity and performance wrapped up into a single cost-efficient package.

As part of his plan since 1965 to shed AMC of its "economy car" image, CEO Roy Abernethy ordered a completely new design from the predecessor models.

Abernethy's objective was to position the 1967 Rebel and Ambassador designs on an equal basis with competitive models marketed by the Big Three's volume brands.

The new coupe was only available in the lowest trim level, but was design was marketed as a "Sports Sedan" as it is identical in style to the hardtop including frameless door windows.

[41] The convertible body style included a power-operated top that featured an all-new "fastback" profile with a "split stack" folding roof mechanism with concealed side rails that did not intrude into the backseat area, thus offering room for three adult passengers in the rear.

[42] The station wagons now had featured a new second-row seat mechanism folding it down and forward to offer 91 cubic feet (2.58 m3) of flat-floored cargo space with the tailgate opening also made wider and taller than the 1966 versions.

[33] American Motors expanded its racing activities in 1967 by partnering with automotive performance parts company, Grant Industries, to build the Grant Rambler Rebel, a "Funny Car" racer to compete in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) X/S (Experimental Stock) and Super Experimental Stock classes.

[45] The engine featured a GMC 6-71 blower and Enderle fuel injection, producing 1,200 hp (895 kW; 1,217 PS) at up to 9000 rpm on a mixture of alcohol and nitromethane.

[38] Foreign assembly from Semi Knock Down (SKD) kits was undertaken by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) in Australia and by Campbell Motor Industries in Thames, New Zealand and from Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits by Renault in Europe (for the 1967 model only) as well as by Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM) in Mexico.