25. 1971 AMC Matador “Machine”
They don’t make ‘em like this anymore! Seeking a new direction for their signature muscle brand, AMC changed their base for The Machine from the Rebel to the Matador. It was released only as a performance package option for two-door hardtops Matadors. Most reports say that around 50 Matador Go-Machines were produced in 1971. It was the only year that this package existed.
The ’71 Machine featured slot-styled steel wheels with white-letter belted tires, dual exhaust system, a heavy-duty handling package, power disk brakes. Engine wise, the 401 CID V-8 engine was where the real power was. It came equipped with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. Lacking the bells and whistles of its predecessor, the ’71 Matador Machine did not have the Ram Air, hood scoop, tachometer, or the recognizable red, white, and blue paint job. As much as a shame as this was, The Machine was still American muscle at its finest.
Sadly, dipping sales for muscle cars and economic factors had slowed the muscle car movement to a crawl in the early 70’s. With such low production numbers, and relatively few verified originals, most call the ’71 Machine “The Rarest of all Muscle Cars”. Even if you do have one, finding parts to restore it to glory are a task.
Engine: 401 CID V-8 – Top speed: 114 mph –
Quarter mile time: 14.9 seconds – 0-60 mph time: 6.3 seconds