Faux 4×4: 1977 AMC Gremlin

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If you’ve been looking for a totally stock AMC Gremlin, this is probably not for you. But, if you’re looking for one that will stand out even more than a normal Gremlin (is that an oxymoron?) does, this custom, jacked-up 1977 AMC Gremlin may be it. This creation is on Craigslist with an asking price of $4,800 and it’s in The Big-D: Dallas, Texas. This one is a little surprising in that it actually isn’t a 4×4!

We saw a custom AMC Pacer 4×4 a while ago and I think the Gremlin body style works much better. That could be why AMC basically took a Gremlin body and turned it into an Eagle Kammback a few years later.

This car will need some work as you can see, but overall it does look pretty good, body-wise. This Gremlin has a “1977 jeep cj7 locking hub axles and leaf springs. The rear axle has been fully rebuilt.” But, the seller says “car is not 4×4, but it is set up to be. right now its has an automatic transmission, but the axles are 4×4 ready. You would need a front drive shaft and a different transmission to go 4×4, but it would be a fairly easy swap.” That’s a bit disappointing, to say the least. But, come to think of it, there are a lot of SUVs out there that are front-wheel drive, so there ya go, for whatever that’s worth.

The interior will also need some sprucing up. This car will most likely never end up being restored, just maintained and used. There are no engine photos but it has AMC’s 232 cubic-inch inline-six which would have had around 88 hp. It’ll take a lot of juice to turn those huge wheels, especially if the next owner hooks up the 4×4 system. There has been a ton of work done on this vehicle already, including, “tires, rear leaf springs, brakes (disc in the front), brake lines, refurbished gas tank, steering gear, shocks, exhaust manifold, fuel pump, wiper sprayer pump, master cylinder, radiator and hoses, battery (needs better anchoring), a/c compressor, a/c condenser, a/c lines, heater core, exhaust, luggage rack, bearings.”  Whew, that’s quite a list, but there will be more to do. Is this faux 4×4 worth making into a real 4×4 or would you just drive it as is?

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Comments

  1. JW

    Man you almost had me hooked for that price until you mentioned it was a unfinished 4×4. Why go to all this trouble to make it look like one then not finish it. I think it’s the best looking car 4×4 seen here yet, the Gremlin body just fit’s the style and yes the 6 banger unless geared correctly will wear itself out trying to move those big meats but even then the fuel mileage will be horrible. Cool find anyway and I wish I had the ambition to finish it.

    Like 1
  2. Walter Joy

    I’m guessing the transmission is too long to fit a transfer case? Is that what he means?

    Like 0
  3. Cubs win

    $4800 is a stretch seeing that it needs about $4800 of work. Cool though

    Like 0
  4. David J David J

    This Gremmy needs a couple of rebel flags, a gun rack and a box of David Allen Coe 8-track tapes.

    Interesting find, though.

    Like 1
  5. Ri??le

    I wouldn’t even put this in the toy category, its more of a novelty. I can’t see throwing down that kind of scratch without really making sure the juice is worth the squeeze. Looks like one of those I just have to have it deals and after its tore down probably ending up in somebody’s pasture as a weed attractor.

    Like 0
  6. Peter K

    I wonder if its still available? Finish the set up and use it as a reset of wood mud rig.

    Like 0

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