by David Braybrooke

Created on: April 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

The AMC Gremlin has become quite a collectible as far as cars go as they are fast becoming scarce in number. Designed by the late Richard Teague and first shown at the New York International Auto show in April, 1968, the AMC Gremlin was the first American subcompact car on the market, (being a vehicle class smaller than a compact car and larger than an urban car.)

It debuted for the princely sum of $1879 and the original model came with 2 or 4 seats, and a choice of a 128 or 145 horsepower motor. Manufactured by the smallest of the U.S.'s auto companies and aimed at being a competitor to the Volkswagon bug, the Gremlin had very ambitious beginnings.

The Gremlin's shape was quite peculiar looking and was devised by altering the AMC Javelin, a former model. Essentially the back section of the Javelin was cut off to produce the Gremlin's unique shape; "What happened to the rest of your car?" and other quips were common in regards to the car's strange appearance.

With over 670,000 units being sold, the AMC Gremlin achieved an extraordinary popularity considering its particular oddities. Nine models were made between the years 1970 - 1978 and much restyling and updating occurred over this time period.

An interesting fact about the Gremlin was the experiments conducted by Universities in the early 1970's to run it with alternative fuel sources such as natural gas, hydrogen and even electric power; a forerunner of things to come.

With 28 to 30 miles per gallon, the Gremlin was not the most economical car in its class, yet its small six-cylinder engine did produce an impressive power ratio, once clocked as going from zero to 60 mph in just 11.9 seconds. It was used as a racing car by some drivers and was recorded at traveling as fast as 100 mph at the Daytona Speedway.

The year the AMC Gremlin was released one critic stated that it was the "best American buy of the year" which was quite a big rap for such a small performer. Being quite sprightly its appeal was enhanced amongst buyers.

Although the AMC Gremlin may not go down in the history books as one of the best performing cars in history it did inspire and excite many with its unique qualities. An 'Open Fire' Gremlin, 'Gremlin Grinder', and 'Greased Gremlin' were three models that were released as toys, thus expanding on the models overall popularity and impact; a clear plexiglass Gremlin replica was even constructed at one stage.

From the 'Concept 1' and 'Concept 11' through to the 1979 Spirit Liftback (the model that eventually replaced the Gremlin), this funny looking car will always be remembered as being an American phenomenon. It retains a unique place in the annals of American car culture and is renowned as being a featured car model in the hit T.V. series "The Simpsons"; Marge Simpson was a proud owner of a Gremlin when in high school and a few other characters also drove them.

Whilst the V8 sporty X package is regarded as the most valuable of the Gremlin line, the many models of this charming automobile that were released shall live on in the memories of its numerous enthusiasts. Start your engines!

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