According to the former editor of "Motor Trend" magazine, before BMW took "The Ultimate Driving Machine" moniker for itself, American Motors dubbed its high-performance model that could hold its head high in fast company simply "The Machine" and it deserves to be considered among the Greatest Cars of All Time. The 'Machine' option was offered again as a package for the 1971 re-styled Rebel named Matador. During the 1967 model year, American Motors produced a total of 1,686 Rambler Rebel convertibles; all in the top-trim SST model. Automatic power operation of top was standard. The new convertible top design featured a "streamlined" look blending smoothly with the lower body with the top up. Its new "split stack" folding mechanism also allowed a lower stack height with the top folded down, as well as for a full-width backseat with room for three passengers. For 1968, the Rambler name was dropped and two convertible versions were offered in the Rebel line. A total of 1,200 were produced (823 in the SST version and 377 units in the base 550 model). Since convertibles in the Rambler American and Ambassador series were dropped after 1967, the 1968 Rebels were the only open models built by AMC. This was also the last year for AMC convertibles until this body style was added to the compact Renault Alliance in 1985. The AMC Rebel was produced under a number of business ventures in foreign markets. In these markets, "the Rebel was still the epitome of the modern mass-produced US sedan." 4-door sedan and station wagon Rebels were assembled from Semi- Knock-Down (SKD) kits by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The cars had the engine, transmission, front suspension, rear axle, and doors installed in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and were built with right-hand drive (RHD.) Other parts were boxed and shipped inside the car for final assembly in Australia. RHD Rebel dashes used in all export markets were a mirror of the 1967 Ambassador dash and two-dial instrument pack rather than the North American dash and rectangular speedometer. This RHD dash and cluster had originally been used by AMC for the RHD Ambassadors they assembled for the United States Postal Service during 1967. The dash and cluster were reused for all RHD-market Rebels and Matadors. Australian models had to have aftermarket amber rear indicator lights fitted in the boot (trunk) lid to 1969 and amber lenses fitted behind the clear reverse lenses on 1970 models, as flashing red indicators were barred in Australia.