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Cheap Fun: 1977 AMC Gremlin With A 302 V8!

This 1977 AMC Gremlin is listed for sale here on eBay for a Buy It Now price of $7,500. What is unique about this car is that it is powered by a modified Ford 302 V8, four-wheel disc brakes and 4:11 Detroit Locker rear end. Located in Delano, Minnesota, this small but powerful car is listed for another 4 days before the auction expires.

Designed by Richard Teague and Bob Nixon, the AMC Gremlin was introduced in 1970 and produced through 1978 when it was replaced by the AMC Spirit. Over 671,000 Gremlins were built during its production run. This car looks very clean and the interior looks original with the exception of the column-mounted tachometer. There is no mention of any horsepower estimates or quarter-mile times but the curb weight of a stock Gremlin was 2,600 lbs.

What is special about this car is the drivetrain and suspension. The car has been modified to accept a Ford 302 V8 with GT40 heads. With the addition of four-wheel disc brakes and oversized wheels and tires, the car should handle and stop as well as it goes. The seller states that the car is reliable and can be driven anywhere. For a car that was advertised to compete with Pintos and Chevettes, this combination would be a lot of fun for $7,500 or less.

It sure looks great with this color combo and with the lowered stance. It doesn’t necessarily have the sleeper look, it’s got to be a hoot to drive and will definitely grab lots of attention. So, would you hit the street in this Gremlin?

Comments

  1. Avatar RayT

    This is roughly what I’d like to try with a Gremlin, though I’d prefer a five-speed manual and, if not already done by the seller, take a look at upgrading the springs, shocks and antiroll bars as well.

    Oh, and when pouring in a lot more horsepower to make long cruises, well, shorter, I’d want to have A/C as well.

    But this looks like loads of fun, and fairly priced, too.

    Can’t help but think of a long-ago line from Tom McCahill: “This is for the birds, but if you’re a bird, let’s go.”

    Like 10
  2. bobhess bobhess Member

    I like it! Agree on the suggested mods. Looks like fun.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Farhvergnugen Member

    too bad it wasn’t a SBAMC…but great ideas all around!

    Like 3
  4. Avatar jerry z

    Car looks clean, need to sell some assets!

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Troy s

    Got to admit, it looks better than a lot of today’s stupid little cars. Guys have been hopping these up for years but I particularly like the wheels and stance here.

    Like 4
  6. Avatar JOHN Member

    Not a fan of the wheels, something a little more stealth or a custom, stock appearing AMC styled steel wheel. Other than that, pretty cool, even though I’m not a Ford fan generally.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Classic Steel

    I luv it..

    Someone gave this Gremlin water snd feed it … its now one mean Gremlin 👍😉

    They should have watched the movie on Gremlins and understood the risks ..

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Pat L Member
  9. Avatar Jwinters

    a guy walks into the auto parts store and says, “i need a thermostat”
    the parts guy says sure what kind of vehicle is it?
    a 1977 amc gremilin.
    does it have the 258 inline six or the 304 v8?
    its a 302.
    hmm I don’t list a 302 you must mean 304.
    no its a 302 ford.
    but sir ford didn’t make gremlins this is an AMC car right?

    ok just give me a thermostat for a 302 ford engine.
    what kind of vehicle sir?

    Like 17
  10. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Looks like a homemade grill! – how was THAT made?! Or aftermkt?
    They got stock looking sealed beam headlites these days that are plenty bright.
    Bumpers tucked in.
    Perhaps the/a tach can be tucked in the dash if/where there’s a big silly clock.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Ian C

    I was looking at this auction a couple days ago. I really like it a lot. If only it were an earlier model, I would be checking the “toy funds” to make it mine.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Jwinters

    why is the alternator so big?

    Like 1
  13. Avatar AMCSTEVE

    Needs an AMC engine.

    Like 3
  14. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    I’ll bet this modified Gremlin is a pretty impressive performer. Looks pretty well done and considering what it must have cost to perform these upgrades, $7,500 seems like a lot of car for the money. Sure, a 5-speed stick would be more desirable but for the price, the next owner has the option of converting the Gremlin to a standard shift. I’d leave it mostly as-is though I’d probably install a floor shift and console.

    Personally, I’ve always preferred an automatic trans in my muscle cars. They can be modified with shift kits for mistake-free, very quick shifting. If you get a decent hole shot, an automatic is had to beat. Worked for me most of the time, anyway.

    Like 2
  15. Avatar PDXBryan

    Absolutely killer!

    Like 2
  16. Avatar Joe Haska

    I love it! When my kids were in high school ,l got them a Gremlin to drive, it was In excellent condition and l paid 750 bucks for it. The kids hated it ,but after driv ing it to school and seeing the reaction of the other kids, they changed their minds, the other kids thought it was way cool. Of course they learned they had to take the gas cap offwhenever they parked it. The cap was chrome and had a carved out Gremlin on it, it was very cool, should have kept it when we sold it .

    Like 0
  17. Avatar scottymac

    IMO, too bad making a Gremlin out of a Hornet wasn’t as successful as making a first gen AMX out of a Javelin; just never warmed up to the Gremlin. If it was a Spirit, I’d be thinking about it, at least.
    JOHN: You may have known, Ford and AMC wheels (and Jeep and Chrysler) back then shared a 5 X 4.5 bolt pattern, so wide open for wheel choice.

    Like 1
  18. Avatar Mark P

    That tach will fit right in from behind where the clock is. Did it in my 1976 Hornet X in the early 80’s, it looked factory.

    Like 1

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