It never got the credit it deserved. Maybe it was the name. The Gremlin wasn't really-a gremlin, that is. The Gremlin not only got onto the market ahead of its competitors as the first subcompact in America, it consistently outperformed the others. It was safer than the Pinto and never suffered a recall. It was faster than the Vega and lighter than the VW Bug. It offered the first bumper-to-bumper warranty and got 30+ miles to the gallon. (Where is it now when we really need it?) Its demise in 1979 is attributed to other subcompacts that finally got better-more doors, better interiors, front wheel drive and lighter weight.

Perhaps it was the styling. The Gremlin came to be sketched on the back of an air-sick bag on an airline. AMC chopped off the back end of a Hornet to reduce the size and beat Ford and GM to the subcompact market. Was it considered an April Fool joke coming out on 4/1/1970? What a way to start almost a decade of of AMC's most popular car! It had three doors and sold for $1,879. Those were the days! It was also the butt of many jokes; "What happened to the rest of your car, Man?"

Maybe the Gremlin is laughing last. It certainly is a collectors' item now, known as the icon of the 70's. And it still gets that great mileage.

Learn more about this author, Martha Leonard.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Automotive history: AMC Gremlin?
We want to hear your view. Write now!