1976 AMC Gremlin

The Gremlin was a response to the imported cars that were invading America's shores—small cars that were light, efficient, easy to park and of notably better quality than the domestics. Though American Motors had always specialized in compact cars, the sudden need for a subcompact could not have come at a worse time for AMC. It was the smallest of what was then called the Big Four, and cash was in short supply, as it was developing the all-new Hornet and had just spent $70 million to buy Jeep from Kaiser-Fraiser.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and back in 1976 this writer sought after one of these as I thought it was the coolest thing since sliced bread! And this one brought back that dream that never happened. Here we have a fine example that either you will love it or hate it. The former should come on down to our halls filled with classics and check this 1976 AMC Gremlin out. It has a totally rebuilt engine and transmission, and the interior has been restored. Nice paint and rechromed bumpers and it's off to the races.

Exterior
With its unique shape only to be surpassed by the next thing to come down the pike: the Pacer, which when talking about things only a mother can love…but I digress. This unique sliced off hatchback car has straight steel with well minded gaps. The grille is all neoprene but it retains the chrome bumper. All panels are bathed in Orange, and a nice white belt line stripe runs from stem too lopped off stern. A stainless steel rocker covering is on and for the large C pillar some highlighting “venting is noted on either side. The slanted hatchback opens up to reveal a surprisingly large cargo area, and if you flip the back seat down even more. It has a look that is sporty yet utilitarian, wonderful yet a bit odd, but I am still in love! Polished 15 inch Ansen Slots are wrapped by 195/60R15's in the front and larger 235/60R15's in back giving this car a look like it will hustle. All exterior surfaces are just covered beautifully with few faults overall in the new paint.

Interior
Tan vinyl covers the door panels, and this continues to the front buckets and rear bench with just a bit darker tan for the bolsters and some tuck and roll broadcloth inserts in light tan. The buckets have a sleek design, and the headrests are part of the buckets making a seamless transition to the top. The dash is like new and has been restored. Here we see simplicity at its best with a tan padded dash top, a bump up in the center and some round gauges with machine metal faces behind slightly fogged plastic, all within a black oval. In the center are the temp sliders and a modern AM/FM radio which is digital but looks retro. The everpresent lighter and ash receptacle are just below the new radio. Note the glove box panel is slighty askew, but it does close and stay closed. LED lights are now in and in the center of the hump is a simple tan console with a black plastic knob topper on the shifter. Very clean like new tan carpeting is on the floors, and above is a nice tight headliner.

Drivetrain
Under the hood within a shiny orange engine bay is a beautifully and fully restored and rebuilt inline 6-cylinder engine in 258ci form. It is painted a beautiful metallic blue and has all new wiring, and a 1-barrel carburetor on top. On the back is a 904 3-speed automatic transmission and a 2.73 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Underneath some patina and surface rust, but all structurally sound. The engine seems to have an oil drip on the transmission covering which is bent at the edge slightly. You can see the blow back on the structural crossbar behind the engine. Independent coil springs and drum brakes are on the front and leaf springs and drum brakes are on back.

Drive-Ability
I had to drive this one as it was a lost dream. Fortunately, it was not a nightmare to handle, and it ran beautifully. Smooth shifting although the brakes on this car have a heavy bias to pull to the right, and the driver needs to put a lot of pressure on the pedal. The horn and temp gauge are also not working.

An interesting design right out of the mid 1970's and a nice job on the restoration. Is there a Gremlin in your future? What was once ubiquitous is now a classic where few have survived, and even fewer in this condition.

VIN DECODE
A6E465A131690
A-AMC
6-1976
E-3 Speed Automatic, Floor Shift
4-Gremlin
6-2 Door Sedan
5-Gremlin
A-258ci I6
1-Kenosha, WI Assy Plant
31690-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.