The early ‘70s were a weird time in the auto industry. Gasoline prices were spiking, emissions controls were on the horizon, insurance companies were making it very hard to insure performance cars, and safety standards were changing. It shouldn’t be any surprise that automakers struggled to build cars that could meet all these new demands. Subcompacts were not a new idea—the Bantam in the ‘30s and the Metropolitan in the ‘50s demonstrated that some Americans, at least, were open to a small car—but building them in the wake of the muscle car era was rather problematic. Would anyone embrace the idea that less was more? AMC was banking on it, introducing a whole lineup of small- and mid-sized cars that would form the backbone of their product line until the bitter end. And I would argue that notoriety is just as good as fame itself, and the AMC Gremlin was notorious in its own time.

This 1972 AMC Gremlin X is perhaps the nicest example of its kind, showing just 13,514 original miles. It isn’t entirely original, thanks to some recent high-quality paint work, but the interior and running gear are as the factory made them in 1972. Bob Nixon’s design, which really is just a Hornet with an abbreviated rear end, has arguably aged better than its competitors, the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega, and the clean, sharp lines do carry a sporty look that works well. The X package was purely stripes and decals, but combined with the Grasshopper Green finish, it’s period-perfect. About 50% of the paint is original, and it was freshened last year to correct some bumps and bruises that it had collected over the past 50 years. Is that a demerit? I’m not sure because this Gremlin looks like a million bucks from any angle. There’s an appropriate shine to the finish that’s glossy enough to look fresh but not too glossy. The gold tape stripes accentuate the funky C-pillar, the blacked-out grille and domed hood give it a muscular look, and the chrome roof rack looks right. The chrome is excellent, the emblems and plastic trim are almost like new, and even the original dealership sticker from Ramme’s, Inc. in Delaware, Ohio is still clinging to the taillight panel. I just can’t imagine there are many nicer Gremlins than this one.

Muscle car fans will probably feel at home in the Gremlin thanks to high-back bucket seats, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, and some of the most attractive gauges we’ve ever seen. The entire interior is original: seats, door panels, headliner, carpets, everything. The seats are still firm and comfortable and thanks to the durable materials, there’s virtually zero wear. An engine-turned panel implies performance and it houses those beautiful brushed stainless gauges that would almost look at home in a modern car today. Options are pretty light, but it does have a “Torque Command” 3-speed automatic transmission with a column shifter and the original AM radio is still in the dash and works correctly. The headliner is unusual patterned vinyl like the seats, and this car is so original the transmission interlock instructions and pre-delivery checklist sleeves are still on the visors. The back seat looks completely unused and the cargo compartment, while abbreviated, is neatly upholstered with matching black carpets. The original spare tire and jack assembly are still tucked back there, too.

AMC alternately identified the larger of the two available inline-6 engines as a ‘4.2 liter’ and a ‘258’ but either way, it makes 110 fairly energetic horsepower (it was 1972, after all). Its descendants have powered Jeeps for decades and its reliability is legendary. The engine bay is exceptionally clean and nicely finished with correct details throughout, including original air cleaner, decals, and even little details like the hose clamps. It starts easily and runs great, as you can see on an episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” where it was the reliable back-up car when Jay was visiting with former owner, Jeff Dunham. There’s a nice wave of torque and the six is surprisingly smooth, making the little Gremlin feel more upscale than you might have expected in 1972. Wiring is excellent and there have been no modifications over the years so it should continue to be reliable in the future. Get in and drive it and watch everyone around you smile!

The undercarriage is unquestionably original and shows off the kind of quality you were getting in 1972. Rust protection was virtually non-existent (remember when cars would rust after two or three winters?), but it’s only surface scale so don’t sweat it. Chrysler was supplying their TorqueFlite automatic transmissions in 1972, so that’s bulletproof and works right, and the rear end is full of 2.73 gears that make this Gremlin a comfortable highway cruiser as well. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than performance and the brakes are manual drums, but it’s not fast enough to make discs a mandatory concern. The exhaust features a new muffler and tailpipe so it has a pleasing 6-cylinder grumble to it, and it has been properly serviced all its life, so the systems are 100% ready to go. There’s zero rust or evidence of damage in the past and it has that tight, all-of-a-piece feeling that only good original cars can offer. And we have to admit the sporty Rally wheels and reproduction D70-14 Firestone Wide Oval tires give it a sporty look that’s very appealing.

Documentation is extensive, including two sets of owner’s manuals, original certi-card (AMC’s version of a build sheet), reproduction window sticker, and some maintenance receipts. And as I mentioned, this car was formerly owned by comedian Jeff Dunham and featured on “Jay Leno’s Garage” in 2016 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9w2e8SzuMc).

Is it expensive? Maybe, but if you’re going to own a Gremlin, you may as well own the best one. And quite honestly, the guy who owns this car is going to have more fun per dollar than someone who spends four times as much money. You will make friends everywhere you go and this car will attract more attention than a Ferrari or Duesenberg at any show you attend. It’s a car that’s built on good memories of a simpler time, and that’s what owning an old car is all about. The fact that it’s also fun to drive and inexpensive to own is simply icing on the cake. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections on any car in our inventory prior to purchase.