AMC  built cult classics with muscle and fearless design. Although auto giants like General Motors and Chrysler dominated the spotlight, AMC quietly released some of the boldest and most unique cars of the muscle era. Want to take a look at the forgotten muscle cars that dared to challenge the Big Three?

1969 AMC SC/Rambler

Only 1,512 were ever made, which makes it a prized rarity today. It featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine cranking out 315 horsepower. Its red, white, and blue paint was bold marketing. Among muscle car fans, this one stands out for its sheer uniqueness.

1957 AMC Rambler Rebel

This early muscle car ran on a 5.4-liter V8 to deliver 255 horsepower. Just 1,500 units hit the market, and its acceleration outpaced the fuel-injected Corvette of the time. The Rebel redefined what AMC could do with power and street-level credibility.

1970 AMC Rebel Machine

AMC’s most powerful muscle car came loaded with a 6.4-liter V8 that made 340 horsepower. Its factory paint job—red, white, and blue matched its muscle. Built to rival the Chevelle SS and Road Runner, it stood out as a bold alternative during the horsepower wars.

1968 AMC AMX 390

The AMX 390 marked AMC’s venture into the two-seater sports car arena. Powered by a 6.4-liter V8, it hit 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. It wasn’t just a straight-line bruiser but a car that won SCCA racing titles and earned real track-day respect.

1971 AMC Hornet SC/360

Built as a budget muscle car, the SC/360 packed a 5.9-liter V8 with 285 horsepower. AMC only made 784 units. Positioned against the Mustang and Camaro, it was smaller and lighter but surprisingly competitive in raw acceleration and handling for its price class.

1969 AMC Hurst SC/Rambler

This was no ordinary Rambler. Hurst Performance helped design its racing identity. It came with a 6.4-liter V8 pushing 315 horsepower, topped with an oversized hood scoop. Its collectible status today stems from low production and its purpose-built drag strip reputation.

1970 AMC Javelin SST Mark Donohue Edition

Racing legend Mark Donohue lent his name and aerodynamic skills to this limited-edition Javelin. The model housed a 5.9-liter V8 that offered 325 horsepower. A rear spoiler designed by Donohue himself sealed its legacy. Its exclusivity and pedigree make it a high-value find for collectors.

1977 AMC Matador Coupe

With a 5.9-liter V8 generating 175 horsepower, the Matador leaned more toward luxury than raw speed. What made it famous? Sleek, futuristic styling and a feature role in “The Man with the Golden Gun.” It stood apart in a decade dominated by performance and flash.

1966 AMC Marlin 343

AMC’s take on the personal luxury fastback, the Marlin, came with a 5.6-liter V8 and 280 horsepower. Its distinctive sloping rear set it apart on the street. A rarer factory-tuned version delivered 320 horsepower, making this overlooked coupe a surprising performance option in disguise.

1975 AMC Pacer X

Though remembered for its odd shape, the Pacer X packed a 5.0-liter V8 and 125 horsepower. Bubble-glass windows and wide-body proportions defined its look. It found pop-culture fame in “Wayne’s World,” but its uniqueness had gearheads talking long before Hollywood noticed.