The years 1969 and 1970 are considered the high-water mark for the domestic muscle car era. That’s when every manufacturer pursued horsepower—including humble little American Motors, which in 1968 introduced its enticing Javelin into the pony car field and Plymouth successfully introduced the no-frills low-budget Road Runner. Then, in 1969, American Motors collaborated with Hurst Performance Products to develop a quarter-miler based on the bread and butter Rambler American two-door hardtop. This was certainly not your grandparents’ little grocery-getter.
Priced at $2,995, the car was called the Hurst SC/Rambler - opens in new window or tab., which most shortened to simply the “Scrambler.” While many first thought the car would be an underdog compared to its competition, the Scrambler would become a surprise hit. It was only built for the 1969 model year, with total production numbering just 1,512 units.
The car was equipped with AMC’s 390 cubic-inch V8 with a 315-horsepower rating. The only transmission offered was a T-10 four-speed with close gear ratios and a T-handled Hurst shifter, coupled with a limited-slip differential. The package also included front disc brakes and a beefed-up suspension. The claimed quarter-mile speed was a very respectable 14.3 seconds.
Like the Road Runner, the Scrambler’s spartan interior featured reclining bucket seats with stylized upholstery. The stock gauges were augmented by a large Sun tachometer mounted to the right side of the steering column. The only factory option was an AM radio.
What really set the Scrambler apart from the pack was its patriotic exterior graphics and large snorkel-style air intake with a vacuum operated flapper mechanism. All cars left the factory in white, with just two types of red, white, and blue color schemes.
A very early production Scrambler was offered on eBay a few years ago. Showing just over 39,000 miles, the car is described as being number three of the first 10 examples specially produced and prepared for test drive features by the leading automotive magazines of that era. The build sequence number indicates that this Scrambler rolled off of AMC’s Kenosha, Wisc. assembly line in early February 1969.
Following that program, the car was sold by Jeffries AMC in Rockford, Ill. to the original owner. It subsequently went through several other owners, one of which performed a thorough restoration—retaining nearly all its original components and helping to preserve the legacy of the all-American underdog muscle car.
This article was originally published on May 3, 2016.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.