For 1970, AMC re-invented its approach to compact cars by replacing the rather staid American with the new Hornet. As an encore and a shot at the sub-compact imports, too, the Gremlin followed a few months later. The Gremlin was a Hornet from the doors forward and AMC used a shortened Hornet chassis and an interesting approach to the storage area to pull it off. While the Gremlin was a bit odd in the looks department, the car ran for nine model years and saw more than 670,000 sold. Included in that mix is this 1975 Gremlin which comes with the famous line “ran when parked.” It can be found enjoying the fresh air in Northeast Colorado and is available here on craigslist for $1,800.  Thanks, Rocco B, for sending this tip our way!

Years after the Gremlin first came out, I concluded that the Gremlin had an identity crisis from the beginning. It was more than a sub-compact and less than a compact. The car had a six-cylinder engine, bigger dimensions, and more weight than the Japanese imports. But it was smaller than the average U.S. compact and had minimal space to haul more than two passengers. The cars were little changed over the years, with maybe the biggest news being the addition of a V-8 in 1972.

This Gremlin is from the mid-way point in the make’s showroom life. The photos and description give one the impression that it’s been outdoors for a while, which would not be good news given Colorado winters. The rear glass is missing, and Mother Nature would have complete access. There is evidence of rust in both rear quarter panels, but the seller tells us the floors and trunk are good. The pea green paint has seen better days and we don’t know the condition of the interior since no photos are provided.

We’re told the car comes with a six-cylinder engine that was in running order when it was parked. That would likely make it a 258 cubic inch with automatic transmission. This wasn’t a stripped Gremlin as it has air conditioning and power steering and the mostly-faded black stripe along the sides was also extra money. We’re told it has a bad windshield, so we’re guessing it’s cracked, but the photos don’t help sort that out.

The luster was wearing off Gremlin sales by 1975. They were down by two-thirds over the prior year, even though sales for compact cars was rising from the mid-seventies oil crisis. Apparently, the new (and even more unusual-looking) Pacer that was introduced in the middle of the model year was stealing some buyers. Gremlins are starting to pick up steam in collector circles, but even really nice ones don’t often go for more than $10,000. If the seller’s car doesn’t need major work, could the asking price be considered a bargain?