The V8 engine was selected by almost 87% of owners for its combination of performance and durability. The AMC Rebels also excelled "in freedom from mechanical troubles and workmanship complaints" with the magazine noting that owners took "delivery of perfectly-put-together cars – quite a remarkable feat." The basic 1970 design continued into the 1971 model year with changes to taillights, hood, grille, front fenders, bumper, and valance panel along with the line being repositioned and renamed the AMC Matador. Regional models Station wagons All regular Rebel station wagons were called Cross Country by AMC. During the 1967 model year, AMC issued a series of three versions of regionally marketed Rebel station wagons each with unique appearance trim, and all included a package of power and convenience equipment. Designed to spur interest in all of AMC's products and to generate increased sales for the company, the special wagons were limited for sale to geographical areas. According to automotive historian James C. Mays, the regional wagon marketing program was a success and it contributed to increasing confidence among the public in the "feisty" automaker. Standard equipment on all regional wagons included V8 engine (the was optional), automatic transmission, power steering, power drum brakes, as well as special duty springs and shock absorbers. Each featured a distinctive interior and exterior trim: The Mariner (600 units) in Barbados Blue paint with bodyside panels and rear tailgate trimmed in simulated bleached teak wood planking accented by narrow black horizontal stripes and a "nautical anchor" medallion. The interior featured anchors and stars decorating dark blue suede bolster panels of the seats, which also had white piping and broad horizontal pleated inserts of medium blue antelope grain vinyl. The Mariner was sold along the coastal regions of the United States. The Briarcliff (400 units) in Matador Red paint with simulated black camera grain bodyside panels and "regal" medallions, as well as its own black "antelope grain" vinyl interior. The Briarwood was marketed in major markets in the east and south. The Westerner (500 units) in Frost White paint with wood plank trim side inserts for the body side and tailgate, as well as a "Pony Express" medallion. The interior featured stallion brown vinyl that simulated "richly tooled" leather on the seats and door panels in combination with white antelope-grained vinyl. The Westerner was available west of the Mississippi River. Each version included the color-coordinated upholstery and door