Introduced to the automobile market back in 1970, the AMC Gremlin is a two-door hatchback manufactured by American Motors Corporation (AMC). The Gremlin has an impressive speed of 100 MPH, features a three-speed manual transmission, and has a six-cylinder capacity engine.
AMC motors produced memorable cars that are still cherished across the globe. Besides the Gremlin, the company manufactured the Hornet, Pacer, Matador, Marlin, and Ambassador, among many others. Though the company failed to stand the test of time, the legacy is still felt through the existing stylish models.
The AMC Gremlin has so far been restyled, giving birth to the famous Gremlin X. The model comes with a tilt steering wheel, sun-proof fabric, AM/FM radio, inside hood release, and front disk brakes. The AMC Gremlin also comes in different models, among them AMC Gremlin 4.9,4.2 and 3.8.
So, what makes the AMC Gremlin one of a kind? Let’s find out.
The AMC Gremlin has an engine performance of 112kW (152PS-150hp)
The AMC Gremlin has an engine capacity of 4971cm3 which produces 112kW (152PS -150hp) of horsepower. However, the car has 332Nm (2500RPM) of torque and weight to power ratio of 11.46kg/kW. Various AMC Gremlin models have varied engine power. AMC Gremlin 4.9, 4.2, and 3.8 have engine power of 152 PS, 112ps, and 101 PS, respectively. This also determines the speed across the different models.
Other features include a strong braking system which includes drums at the rear and front end. For traction, the car is fitted with an anti-roll bar, semi-elliptic leaf springs, coil springs, and a De Dion axle. This provides strong stability for the car as you cruise around.
The AMC Gremlin has a top speed of 109mph
In terms of speed, the AMC Gremlin covers 175km/hr. The electric version of the AMC Gremlin had a top speed of 50 miles per hour (80/km/hr). One of the improvements made on AMC Gremlin back in 1973 was strengthening bumpers to withstand the speed of 5 miles per hr (8km/hr).
The AMC Gremlin has since undergone a series of improvements which has resulted in better speed and high-performance features.
The AMC Gremlin’s stylish design features
The AMC Gremlin has a nostalgic feel about it. Just like the Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Pinto models, the styling adopted by the AMC Gremlin puts it ahead of the pack. The two-door, front-engine compact vehicle can accommodate four passengers.
Richard Teague, the creative mind behind the design of legendary models like the Rambler Classic, Packard Predictor, and Ambassador, among others, introduced a myriad of changes that transformed the design of the AMC Gremlin models. A key design feature includes the production of a longer AMC Gremlin model than the Volkswagen.
The innovation put the car ahead of other small cars during its time. Changes in design resulted in the famous AMC GT model. Though the version was not produced, the AMX model name was adopted to design a shortened two-seat car.
Other changes in design include the design of the Hornet model, a compact car. The design reduced the original AMCs Gremlins wheelbase to 96 inches from 108 inches. However, the length of the car was then reduced to 161 from 179. This resulted in a longer AMC Gremlin than the Volkswagen beetle and shorter than Chevrolet Vega and the famous Ford Pinto.
The main similarities between the AMC Gremlin and the AMC Hornet were the Bi pillars and car front. The main difference between the two competing models Volkswagen and AMC Gremlin, was the hood length over the front-mounted engine, which appeared longer.
Just like any other standard cars, the AMCs back seat was meant for smaller children. The wider design provided more stability and comfort to the front passengers. The interior width was more than average, which created enough room for the seats and the legs.
Though the luggage space appeared inadequate, folding the back seats helps create enough room for cargo. The upright design of the tail helps create space in the interior of the car. Later, various manufacturers made adjustments to the chassis of the compact car which curtailed the trunk.
The AMC Gremlin’s major mechanical changes
Just like other cars, the AMC Gremlin has undergone a series of transformations to improve its performance. In April 1970, the key improvement focused on boosting engine performance. AMCs 199 cu in (3.3L)16 with 128 hp (95Kw,130ps) engine was introduced into the market.
Another engine set with AMCs 232cu in (3.8L) 16 producing 145hp (108, kW, 147ps) was also made available. Overall, various changes made to the AMC Gremlin resulted in a better performance which boosted the car's popularity.