When the American Motors Corporation released the Gremlin in April of 1970 it was a big deal! Not only was this car economical, it is credited by some as the first domestic sub-compact vehicle. The AMC Gremlin was manufactured six months ahead of its Ford and Chevy sub-compact competitors. America was in need of a smaller mode of transportation, and the Gremlin was a best-selling answer to that demand.
This car was deemed a good choice for a low price. It remained at a reasonable cost without sacrificing performance. It also maintained a better fuel economy than most of the larger models available at the time. Its long body and Kamm-back, cutting off abruptly, made it stand out to say the least.
AMC was able to cut manufacturing costs by shaping the Gremlin from a Hornet platform already in use. They also manipulated the same platform for several other cars in different lengths. The company stopped making the Gremlin in 1978. But they continued to use a similar format for the Spirit and Eagle through 1983.
Initially the Gremlin was offered in a 2 passenger model. The 4 passenger hatchback was what the company ultimately kept making. Anyone could enjoy the spacious front seat, but the back seat was slightly smaller. The luggage space could be tripled by folding down the rear seats. The vehicle was updated with more safety features and increased in outward appearance and inward comfort through the years.
Its age and lack of availability now make this vehicle an interesting item to collect. The most popular models wanted are the ones produced with a larger V-8 engine and an "X-package", which includes extras such as side stripes and bucket seats. Since parts are scant now, particularly for the interior, it makes restoring this car a difficult task. But there are some die hard followers that will try.
The AMC Gremlin took on several competing cars in its class, both domestic and imported. It was seen as a leader in the family automobile category. It was also the first taste of freedom for new drivers due to its reasonable price. Its name and appearance may be unusual, but that's also its appeal. Have fun while looking back at a piece of American automotive history.
This car was deemed a good choice for a low price. It remained at a reasonable cost without sacrificing performance. It also maintained a better fuel economy than most of the larger models available at the time. Its long body and Kamm-back, cutting off abruptly, made it stand out to say the least.
AMC was able to cut manufacturing costs by shaping the Gremlin from a Hornet platform already in use. They also manipulated the same platform for several other cars in different lengths. The company stopped making the Gremlin in 1978. But they continued to use a similar format for the Spirit and Eagle through 1983.
Initially the Gremlin was offered in a 2 passenger model. The 4 passenger hatchback was what the company ultimately kept making. Anyone could enjoy the spacious front seat, but the back seat was slightly smaller. The luggage space could be tripled by folding down the rear seats. The vehicle was updated with more safety features and increased in outward appearance and inward comfort through the years.
Its age and lack of availability now make this vehicle an interesting item to collect. The most popular models wanted are the ones produced with a larger V-8 engine and an "X-package", which includes extras such as side stripes and bucket seats. Since parts are scant now, particularly for the interior, it makes restoring this car a difficult task. But there are some die hard followers that will try.
The AMC Gremlin took on several competing cars in its class, both domestic and imported. It was seen as a leader in the family automobile category. It was also the first taste of freedom for new drivers due to its reasonable price. Its name and appearance may be unusual, but that's also its appeal. Have fun while looking back at a piece of American automotive history.
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