The Gremlin in its introductory year was the first subcompact to be offered by American Motors was well received by the public and over 26,000 were sold. It was equipped with an economical 6 cylinder engine, either a 199 cu. in. or 232 cu. in., and a low price tag. Standard Gremlin interior came in black or white vinyl, with blue, green or red pleated bench seats (buckets optional). Design was based on the Hornet and the two cars were quite similar although the Gremlin had a shorter rear end causing the wheelbase to be a foot shorter and overall length a foot and a half shorter.