Ah the boxy greenhouse of a car that was first born penned on the back of an air sickness bag during a flight.

Not the most flattering of birthplaces, but a car that is universally recognized and has seen a resurgence in cult status that has pumped up some impressive auction lots. Especially valuable are the large block V8 packages and the rare Levi interior optioned model. Think denim as far as the eye can see

Brought to bear in 1970, many people do not know that the Gremlin was the first sub-compact hatchback to be built in the US. It beat the Pinto and the Vega by a model year, so received a nice bit of initial market share. What many other people preferred about the Gremlin was the fact that while being economically minded, it had an inline six cylinder versus the ensuing competition's four cylinder power plants.

Throughout the life of the Gremlin, the body style changed little, and some other power plants including a 304-cubic inch V8 would be offered that would take the ungraceful looking car down the road in a hurry.

It is no doubt an awkward car, but it handled well, had surprising performance, and has grown a following akin to the boxy Volvo crowd who subscribes to the mantra "you either love it or hate it."

A successful car by the numbers in terms of sales, it never lit up any dealerships' lamps but will certainly be a car that one would never forget if you were lucky enough to drive one much less own one.

Learn more about this author, M.L. Brooke.
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