I have long admired AMC because it marched to the beat of a different drummer when the question of styling was considered. Cars like the Matador and Pacer continue to divide opinions decades after the last cars rolled off the line, and the same is true of the Gremlin. It proved an acquired taste that has only recently developed a genuinely strong following in the classic market. This 1974 Gremlin X is a solid survivor, although the seller made a dramatic change to its appearance. However, it is reversible, so why not take a close look to decide which you would prefer if this AMC found its way into your garage?
AMC released the Gremlin for the 1970 model year, and there is no doubt that it divided opinions. Some people loved it, while others couldn’t warm to styling that included a dramatically truncated rear end. Initial sales were slower than expected, but the Gremlin hit its stride in 1974. The tally of 171,128 cars moved that year represented an impressive 40% increase over the 1973 record. This was also the high water mark for the badge, with sales spiraling downward before AMC pulled the plug at the end of 1978. Our feature Gremlin might be the perfect example of the “happy wife, happy life” philosophy. The seller’s wife wanted this classic but wasn’t attracted to its original Snow White paint with the distinctive Gold stripes that were part of the “X” options pack. Therefore, the seller handed it to a company that applied a Satin Black metallic wrap that dramatically changed the car’s appearance. I typically prefer my vehicles unmolested, but there is no doubt that the wrap adds a touch of menace. The attraction of this process when compared to a repaint is that it is easily reversed. The photos indicate that the stripes are still present, but I wonder whether they would remain intact if the wrap was removed. It isn’t the end of the world if they don’t, because replacements are readily available and typically retail for under $150. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the underside shots reveal some of the cleanest floors I have seen on a Gremlin. This is unsurprising, because AMC focused heavily on corrosion prevention strategies, stealing a march on other manufacturers in that area. The trim and glass are excellent, and the wheels further emphasize this Gremlin’s aggressive appearance.
Rust wasn’t typically a significant issue with the Gremlin, but interior trim and plastic often proved fragile. Ongoing use, age, and UV exposure all exacted a hefty price, and it is common to see otherwise tidy vehicles looking quite tired and worn. That isn’t a consideration here, because the seller treated this Gremlin to new seatcovers, carpet, and new door and rear window seals. The dash and pad look exceptional, and there is no significant wheel wear. This AMC appears to retain its original radio, while the seller confirms that the air conditioning blows ice cold.
AMC continued to offer 1974 Gremlin buyers an entry-level six-cylinder engine to power their new purchase. However, this car’s first owner teamed the range-topping 304ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Delivering 150hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque, the car’s performance was hampered slightly by the dramatic 160 lb increase in the curb weight resulting from changes to comply with safety regulations. However, many owners have since tweaked these engines to deliver measurable performance improvements. It appears that this Gremlin might be numbers-matching. The seller indicates they added front disc brakes and a Delphi electric fuel pump for improved safety and reliability. There is no specific information on how it runs or drives, although an embedded video in the listing allows us to hear the V8 running. It sounds as sweet as a nut, with no rattles or other nasty problems.
I typically prefer my classics unmolested, but the seller’s decision to apply the Satin Black wrap to this 1974 AMC Gremlin X might be a blessing in disguise. It offers excellent protection from stonechips and other minor damage that could detract from its appearance. It is also worth noting that removing the wrap would be easy, returning this Gremlin to its former glory. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Greeley, Colorado. Fifteen bids have pushed the price to $10,000, which is below the reserve. They also provide a BIN option of $25,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process. That figure is well above the market average and sits halfway between the values quoted by Hagerty for a #2 and a Concours example. There are only two questions for readers to consider. The first is what you might pay for this classic. The other is whether you would retain the wrap, or you would return this classic to its original form. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback.
Unwrap this gift and drive it. 304, Torq-flite, 3.15 gear ⚙️
The wrap RUINED it!
Agreed!
Unwrapped = sweet unmolested classic.
Wrapped = where is the puke emoji?
What’s not to like about it?
Small car
V8
RWD,
Ok it’s auto, but……… See
I realize it’s early, and I had to really look at this posting, then thought, what happened here? Greeley isn’t that far,( home of the famous, to me, Monfort Trucking) I’m going to go and punch this guy in the nose, and um, scold the wife sternly. Not really, I realize big talker, the old man, but I’m really frustrated, well, not frustrated, more like a gratifying feeling knowing my beliefs are somewhat founded. It, to me, and others I hope, is a clear indication of what’s happening. You mean to tell me, they took a pristine Gremlin X, optioned to the 9s, and DID THIS? I, I don’t know how to end this civilly, except,,pixx poor in my eyes.
Get in line Howard. What kind of demented fiend would perpetrate such an act of feckless vandalism? What’s not to like about white with gold stripes. My supposition is “wifey” didn’t like the white version and also hates the “crappy-wrap” version too, thus driving “hubby” to conclude “wifey” isn’t on board with the enlightened concept of AMC uniqueness. Realizing that this is an irrevocable difference in world view he is jettisoning the Gremlin now in preparation of the divorce to come later.
Let’s take it a step further and question the mindset of the bidders and their intentions.🤔
Paolo, you are a Pulitzer prize winner with that commentary. Bravo.
It’s not bad enough that they wrapped the whole car black, but they had to do the bumpers too! At least they didn’t wrap the wheels black.
Unwrap, maybe open up the 304 to 390 (or 401), convert to manual and rock it!
Actually, I’d enjoy it nearly as much with the 304 and slushbox, but that black wrap has to go. If the seller insisted on the $25K hit, I’d definitely want him to get the de-wrapping (and any needed paint/decal corrections) done before I bought it.
Still, V8 Gremlins are attractive to me.
She even had him wrap the garage floor in black to match the car.
It was very sharp looking before the wrap! Looks awful now in comparison, hopefully the wrap will come off without damaging what’s underneath. Super nice Gremlin, looks like it even has the seat belt interlock bypass button under the hood. Passenger door looks like it’s not closing quite properly in the post-wrap photos. AMC used nylon door hinge bushings on their Hornet-based cars and it’s very common for those to fail and lead to hinges wearing badly and doors sagging.
Still it’s a Gremlin and it’s hard not to see $25,000 as a crack-pipe price. Who knows though, maybe some wealthy AMC fanatic will see that as chump change and snap the thing up.
I wonder if it really was the wife who wanted the satin black wrap? It looks to me more like a somewhat juvenile male idea of a ‘hot rod’ with the menacing black badass look – “honey, trust me it’ll look really cool”. Either way, it’s too bad they screwed up a really nice looking car – like others, I sure hope it can be peeled without damaging the original underneath.
Overpriced even if it hadn’t been wrapped, which only makes it a harder sell. Not sure what they were thinking. Maybe they can reconsider their approach over the winter then try again.
Steve R
The wrap looks awful and I think that is a unanimous opinion. Wrap is supposed to be easily removable without damaging paint. But a lot of that depends on how it was applied.
Unfortunately here you’re not going to know that until you buy it and try to take it off. The seller might be able to get more money if they would remove the wrap now.
Wrapping this black is like tattooing your whole face, what where you thinking ?!
The v8 emblem is gone, and the headlight trim looks different, is the motor bay still white? A 17000 dollar car turned into a 6000 dollar black turd
The two black rubber bumper guards on the rear bumper have also been removed! Just because you can legally do something, doesn’t mean you should. Even the tan interior looks weird now.
Was a nice v8 car untill it was wrapped!!
Was a nice v8 car untill it was wrapped!! Some people just can not stop with doing extra things to there cars
Even in class 8 highway tractors the black out thing has become very popular, but it’s not for me. The general feeling is younger people are not going to continue the hobby going forward and I under stand but here is an example where the change is completely reversable and to be truthful it looks kind or cool. If you bought it you could enjoy it the first season black and the next summer have a completely different car . Just sayin.
Lincoln you drive commercial truck?
Fixed them, recently retired.
Fugly with the wrap. Big dummy
In 74 I was 24 and worked at a place that made OEM sunvisors for AMC, Chevy and Dodge truck… about 16,000 per day in all the colors.
This car’s interior is called ”cinnamon”….
=====
The Monfort trucks used to pass through my state eastbound on Sundays….and were something to see…. I was on the turnpike once and was following one when it pulled off into a service plaza. talked to the driver a bit… he explained that the source of their speed was engine rpm… about 400 more than normal… the rest of the driveline was standard stuff… maybe the tires were oversize….
This comment was supposed to be a reply to Howard A above….
What’s worse than applying “fake patina”? This.
Saran Patina.
Talk about sacrilegious. Maybe the owner is just a 19 or 20 year old kid who doesn’t know any better. You have a super nice looking car, and you make it look like a junker that you can’t afford to paint?!?!
Dramatically Truncated .
Was that a pun?
I’ve witnessed wrap removed from a vehicle and the paint beneath was wonderfully preserved.
It would take another person possessing a single digital IQ to understand the rationale behind doing something this hideous. And the grammatical errors listed in his writings further iillustrates this. Put this guy’s brain in a bird and it would fly backwards. P.S. don’t have kids.
Frog. You’re comment is maybe just less verbally agile as Paolo’s but you skate with your stick held high. I like it.
ruined!
Another car ruined now they want too sale there mistake I would to yuck
I love Gremlins and this wrap looks like sh$t. Spend the money on a decent paint job.
“Black wrapped”. Why?
I hope the seller regrets what he did, it looks horrible now.
I wonder how the factory graphics will hold up undoing that crap….er….eh hmm… wrap.
Wrap HER and SHIP HER!! Oh My Jesus why do they do this?? 🤦🤦🤦🤦 I remember these new! Neat example of a Gremlin X.Please take that stupid wrap off!!!
When it comes to women and cars, “no wife equals happy life.”
Unless you’re paying alimony and child support.
The wrap isn’t horrible, not a chance this car pulls 25 large
It’s amazing how far the Gremlin has come with car enthusiast. Back when this car was new it wasn’t nearly as appreciated as it is today. I love it back then as much as I appreciate it’s risen in popularity today. What this guy has done to such a lovely example is a Sin as far as I’m concerned.
I think it’s ANYTHING that transports us mentally, back to a better time, not just this (unwrapped) Gremlin.
Obviously they weren’t wrapped too tight. Then again.. Let’s take it a step further and question the mindset of the bidders and their intentions.🤔
Had a wrapped new 2015 Audi Q5. It came that way with advertisement for Widmer Hefeweizen beer. They used it in promotional advertisements. No complaints from me as I won it in an Oregon statewide drawing. Offered to leave it on for a case of beer a week. No dice. So peeled it off as family project. Absolutely no damage after being on it for several months.
Kill the rap ! Better the way it Better the way it was
Rust wasn’t an issue??
I acquired a gremlin from a friend and it needed an engine swap..
My goal was to sell it at a profit and after prepping it for the paint shop I found out that the lower quarter panels were rusted through..
Granted it was a northern NJ car but the whole underside was completely rust free
In 1978 when living in Virginia Beach, VA the AMC dealer gave me a nice looking Gremlin as a loaner. I was not used to power brakes at that time. So when I had to come to a sudden stop when the light turned red and it was wet pavement, I fish tailed. That was my experience in a Gremlin. A 304 C.I. engine that only produced 150 hp, why bother?
Looking back, when I bought my new Pinto in 1970, I now wish I would have bought a Gremlin instead, much better looking car than the Pinto.