The quirky Gremlin made its last appearance for 1978 before being replaced by an updated model, the Spirit, a name that lacks the same sense of whimsy that a Gremlin with fake denim seats presents to the world. Yes, this is a “Levi’s” Gremlin, as all Gremlin X’s were in 1978, according to the AMC full-line brochure. No longer a performance package, the Gremlin X was labeled an “appearance option.” Even so, it makes an appealing barn find, as our reliable classified ad comber T.J. found out; he noticed this little AMC on craigslist in Great Bend, Kansas, and sent it our way. With only 45,000-odd miles on the clock and a few decades of dry storage behind it, this Gremlin might be worth the $9,500 asking price.
The main calling card of the Levi’s Gremlin was, of course, the seating material. Although the fabric itself wasn’t true denim, the accoutrements were genuine Levi’s. Aside from the special upholstery and Levi’s callouts, the Gremlin X came with the special body stripes, “slot style wheels,” a sway bar up front (this was an option?), “brushed aluminum instrument panel overlays,” some extra insulation, and some blacked-out trim. The standard engine was the AMC 232 inline six, with the step-up option being the 258; the seller doesn’t mention which one this Gremlin has, but there wasn’t a big difference in power (about ten horsepower based on a variety of sources; AMC didn’t mention power in their sales material). Whichever engine this X has, it’s hooked to an automatic transmission.
The seller says that the Gremlin was found in western Kansas and was stored in a “mouse free and heated shop.” Considering that and its low mileage, it hasn’t fallen victim to the usual antagonist of American sheet metal, rust.
It’s hard to read that second digit on the odometer, but the first one is clearly a “4.”
Based on the language in the seller’s advertisement, they’re throwing out a price to see if someone bites. This is a picture of the Gremlin’s “first bath in 30 years,” and the owner will continue to clean the car up over the “next week or so.” The posting doesn’t say if the car is running and driving, if it needs brakes and/or tires, or if there are any other mechanical problems. Based on the image at the coin-operated car wash, however, it’s easy to feel optimistic that it’s a runner, but it would be worth reaching out to the owner to learn more if you’re interested. Gremlins will never be high-dollar collectibles, but there’s always an AMC contingent out there who likes to find solid, low-mileage originals, and this one certainly fits that description. Maybe it will fit you like an old pair of Levis.
Nice one, Aaron and T.J.! What a great-looking car.
It’s more than a bit strange that the seller has included exactly one partial photo of arguably the car’s biggest feature (the seat fabric), isn’t it?
Basically looks pretty good as far as can be seen but these are lousy photos even by craigslist standards. Can barely see the engine compartment or interior, and no underside photos at all. (I guess there’s something to be said for tradition.)
I often think that an online course titled “Selling Your Collector Car” could be a money maker.
The last line in the ad says, drove to car wash. So I’d say it’s a runner.
Yep, you’re absolutely correct. My eyes just skipped over that part, so we can close the book on that one.
Aaron, poor ads are a long-time pet peeve of mine. I haven’t thought of your idea from this perspective, but you might be on to something. “Want to improve the sales price on your collector car by hundreds, even thousands of dollars? Enroll in my course which provides help in generating useful and appealing verbiage, and teaches you how to take good pictures, even with a cell phone. Only $xx.99!!” And the thing is, the “claim” about increasing the value wouldn’t be hot air.
Speaking of pics, that’s one of the best undisturbed dust-in-place pics I’ve ever seen. No cat prints or anything.
Never say never about Gremlins (or any other AMC) becoming high dollar collectibles. There is an a$$ for every seat.
Oh those seats! My 1978 AMX (Concord hatch in reality) had the same package. Loved them!
I helped my friend drag a 1978 Gremlin X Levi’s home about a month ago. It hadn’t been stored and cared for like this one. It had rust in corners and floor pans. The plastic on the front was excellent until the chain got wrapped around the corner and obliterated one side. He should have left it where it was.
Why is the back glass heated? So your hands wont get cold when you’re pushing it.
“Never be a high dollar car” Guess you haven’t looked at these lately?
Mid 1980 Jeeps also had Levi seats editions.
I always have liked the Gremlin.