Update 11/3/21 – This sweet Gremlin has been relisted here on eBay with a $1 starting bid and no reserve. That’s more like it! Thanks go to Larry D for the tip!
From 10/27/21 – I’ve had the privilege to drive some pretty desirable cars in my life, but an AMC Gremlin remains on my bucket list. More specifically, I would like to drive this 1972 Gremlin X. Not only is it a clean car that will require more time than money to lift it to the next level, but it features its original V8 under the hood. I wouldn’t expect muscle car performance, but I can’t help but feel that it would be a bit of a hoot. If you feel as I do, you may find this one hard to resist. It is located in Spencerport, New York, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the No Reserve auction to open at $12,000, but no bids have been received. However, with ninety-five people watching the listing, you have to wonder whether one of them is waiting to see who blinks first.
The Gremlin rolled off the line wearing Trans-Am Red, and while the paint isn’t perfect, it would be acceptable if the buyer wishes to retain the car as an original survivor. Alternatively, treating the exterior to a cosmetic refresh would seem to be a straightforward proposition. The panels haven’t accumulated any significant marks over the past forty-nine years that would need attention, but the big news is that the next owner won’t be facing rust repairs, either. The car has spent most of its life in California, making its clean exterior steel and spotless underside no great surprise. If the buyer chooses to wander down that path, they can secure a Gremlin X replacement decal set for under $170 to add the perfect finishing touch to their work. Beyond that, the chrome and glass look respectable, as do the wheels. The bonus for potential buyers is the vast collection of good used and NOS parts that the seller holds. These aren’t included in the sale, but the new owner should be able to negotiate to purchase individual pieces if they wish to achieve a showroom fresh appearance for their new toy.
The interior of this Gremlin is another aspect that requires more time than money to return to its best. The owner has installed new covers on the front seats, but the rear seat needs nothing but a clean. Other work that the buyer will need to tackle is fitting the new carpet set included in the sale and installing the good secondhand headliner that the owner recently purchased. Beyond that, it’s all down to cleaning and reassembling. The interior isn’t dripping with optional extras beyond the pushbutton radio, but the owner includes many of the components for a welcome addition. He has most of the parts for a factory air conditioning system, including the compressor, condenser, heater box, and dash controls. The buyer will need to install the system and locate a few smaller items, but adding A/C would be welcome on hotter days.
Shoehorning big engines into small cars is nothing new, and it’s the path that AMC chose to follow with this Gremlin. While the company offered a pair of six-cylinder engines in the Gremlin X, buyers could also tick the box to squeeze the 304ci V8 into the engine bay. At 150hp, this motor was no fireball. The upgrade added a little over 200lbs to the vehicle’s weight, but it offered a power increase of 50% over the entry-level 232ci six. Our feature car is also equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and front disc brakes. If the buyer points the Gremlin at a ¼ mile, the journey should take around 16.6 seconds. That isn’t anywhere near muscle car territory, but extracting extra power from this V8 would not be difficult, and should make the Gremlin a lively performer. The owner says that the vehicle runs and drives okay and that everything seems to work as it should. That 304 should sound pretty sweet because it is breathing through a shiny new dual exhaust. He emphasizes that he has only undertaken short journeys and recommends that the buyer invest some money on a detailed inspection before driving too far. One item that the buyer will definitely replace is the tires. Since they carry a date code for 1972, I’d only trust them tied to a pier to protect mooring boats.
For many years, the AMC Gremlin was an unloved and unwanted vehicle and was the butt of more than a few cheap jokes. However, they have developed a strong following recently, and while values have climbed accordingly, they manage to remain affordable. This 1972 Gremlin X offers its buyer a few options to consider and would be ideal for someone considering a first restoration project. Alternatively, retaining it as an original and unmolested survivor could be a strategy worth entertaining. I’ve never driven one, but I’d really like to. Have you slipped behind the wheel of a Gremlin with a V8 under the hood? If so, was it fun?
No Reserve?? I guess you can call it that, but it sure looks like a $12,000 Reserve from this end of the auction stick.
I agree – they should put $1 as the starting bid,
as you can’t enter “NO RESERVE”.
My friend got the twin of this car new in high school…I rode in it a few times, it could do wicked burn outs, but it was a slug…it lost a race to a slant 6 Dart…
Owning both a ’73 Gremlin 304 V-8 and a ’64 Dart with 225 slant 6, both automatics, I would have to disagree with that. In a straight line the Gremmie was all over my Dart. Dart is smoother, w/o the balkiness of the V-8 Gremlin. And in general, the /6 Dart is a better car.
Well, the Dart was a 3 speed stick (68) and had been warmed over a bit (larger carb and a header with open exhaust), and the Gremlin was bone stock…
Looks like they re-listed it starting at a $1, but then it got pulled.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/304209109891
Yep someone spotted it here and liked it then emailed the seller a deal to take it off ebay it happens quite often with the nicer cars that the seller dont know what its worth then its off to the flipper
Use to work at a Hotel with Valet Parking from 73 to 75, Drove some sweet cars. Had one of these come in one night, Side Pipes, Cragar Rims, and a 390. 4 Speed, It Got Crazy REAL Quick
A ‘standard’ performance rebuild can push these 304s to well over 300 HP. Definitely a performance car.
“However, with ninety-five people watching the listing, you have to wonder whether one of them is waiting to see who blinks first.”
95 people actively engaged in schadenfreude is more like it.
I believe all AMC 2nd gen V-8s (290, 343, 390, 304, 360, 401) are modifications of the same AMC small block casting so any can be popped in the car right up to a 401 from a late 1980’s AMC Jeep Cherokee. Remember, Gremlins were just shortened AMC Hornets/ Concords and thus were made from parts designed for bigger heavier cars including Chrysler torqueflite automatic transmissions, and mid-sized car brakes, front ends and rear ends. That probably is a big factor on why a higher % of Gremlins survive in comparison to their direct competition (Vegas and Pintos).
I had a purple ’73 Gremlin X 1977-78, while in college, and it was pretty quick – or at least I thought so then – and it was pretty dang fancy too. It had the 8 cylinder – said “5 liter” on the back, though I don’t see that on this ’72.
The downside of my Gremlin – besides being too eye-catching for 20 year old me – was that everything on it seemed to rattle. Took a huge step up quality and driving-wise in 1978 to a ’74 Celica ST, but I do still have fond memories of the purple Gremlin X.
I drove one of these delivering Mexican food and pizza, part time, while at school in Ohio. The owner had three restaurants in the area, and had a red ’72 304 Gremlin X at each location, plus a few 232 six cylinders that bounced around between them. I also got to drive his own ’73 Grand Ville 455, and a ’73 GMC 1 ton Camper Special with a 454. Good times, and, of course, a couple of tickets.
Loved it when it was ugly new; love it even more ugly now.
‘Beautiful Trans Am Red’? Looks more like orange to me.
Back when I was in college a professor of mine had an orange Gremlin with the Levi’s interior and stick. I do not know if it had a V8 but I suspect that it did. Sharp looking car. Yes the Gremlin was in essence 1/2 of a Hornet but compare that to the disaster that was both the Vega & Pinto. The Javelin and AMX were in my opinion nice designs. I know that the Pacer is mocked but who would have the whatever to design something that outrageous today? I have to add that looking back Marlin was not that great of a name for a vehicle.Perhaps trying to “compete” with the Barracuda by staying with an aquatic reference?
This looks pretty good, they could have cleaned the interior a bit. Still no bids.
Judging by the name of the seller – amc4ever – and the feedback number – 1846 – I would say that they know a thing or two about Gremlins.
Yes, if you look at the sellers other items they are all AMC but one.
I had a green 74 Gremlin X with 258 and 3 speed on the floor. I put a lot of miles on that car.
God bless America
Nice car. I wonder where the “ 5 Liter/V8 “
Decal is. When I restored mine, it was part of the main sheet when applied.
I had one like this in high school except it had the 258 in line 6 and three speed on the floor, no roof rack, I had a blast with that dependable little car. I bought it in 1976 with money from mowing yards. Ahhh, the good ole days.
I had 2 gremlins back in the day. One had the 232 and the other had the 304. Both 3 speed on the floor. The 232 had more snap at the light. Could fill the inside with smoke. The police thought that was real cool. So cool that I got a nuisance noise ticket for $37.00. Twice in one night lol.
At the end of its run Pontiac was a shell of what it once was. Growing up we had two a 1971 Lemans sport Coupe Castillan Broze with an Ivory vinly roof and a 350 2 barrel V8 -10 mpg city and 14 mpg highway. It took a lot of use and was a nice car. We had these bumper guards added that if they hit one of todays cars would mangle that bumper to pieces. Our other Pontiac was a 72 Catalina Wagon with a 455 V8- not sure of the displacement number but it was one of Pontiac large V8s. That was an awesome vehicle. Dad was a salesman and that Pontiac performed beautifully. Dad put a lot of miles on that wagon in 4 years.Biege with green interior. Its a shame no a crime what GM brass did to Pontiac. Pontiac was once driving excitment. Although I am a 2xs Saturn owner if one GM divison could be re born I vote for Pontiac. I had a brown and saddle 1977 Sunbird Coupe with the infamous Iron Duke engine. This was the first car I bought on my own. The Sunbird developed a nasty leak and the exhaust mainfold gasket was problematic. I ordered it with an automatic and no ac. Out of the 3 lemons in a row that I had the Sunbird, an 81 Monte Carlo 229 V6 and a 1984 Horizon the Sunbird is the only one I think of Even with the problems and no ac it was a fun car to drive. The other 2 deserve to burn in automotive hell .
At the end of its run Pontiac was a shell of what it once was. Growing up we had two a 1971 Lemans sport Coupe Castillan Broze with an Ivory vinly roof and a 350 2 barrel V8 -10 mpg city and 14 mpg highway. It took a lot of use and was a nice car. We had these bumper guards added that if they hit one of todays cars would mangle that bumper to pieces. Our other Pontiac was a 72 Catalina Wagon with a 455 V8- not sure of the displacement number but it was one of Pontiac large V8s. That was an awesome vehicle. Dad was a salesman and that Pontiac performed beautifully. Dad put a lot of miles on that wagon in 4 years.Biege with green interior. Its a shame no a crime what GM brass did to Pontiac. Pontiac was once driving excitment. Although I am a 2xs Saturn owner if one GM divison could be re born I vote for Pontiac. I had a brown and saddle 1977 Sunbird Coupe with the infamous Iron Duke engine. This was the first car I bought on my own. The Sunbird developed a nasty leak and the exhaust mainfold gasket was problematic. I ordered it with an automatic and no ac. Out of the 3 lemons in a row that I had the Sunbird, an 81 Monte Carlo 229 V6 and a 1984 Horizon the Sunbird is the only one I think of Even with the problems and no ac it was a fun car to drive. The other 2 deserve to burn in automotive hell .
Sorry Barn Find readers for the comment and double respoinse. My comment was with reference to the beautiful 1963 Catalina wagon with Bonneville trim. I tried to delete this comment so I could re write it for that vehicle and it doubled. I would love to blame my computer but it was my fault. So again sorry for the mess-up
That was a very nice station wagon
Shouldn’t the engine be painted turquoise ?
The engine color seen here is correct for a car originally sold in California. For everywhere else though, you’re right.
Thanks, I learned something today. Was that true for the entire model run?
Some Internationals had the V400 motor which was an AMC 401.They were also painted red.
Ah, the Gremmies. Brings back a lot of found memories. My parents owned 2 of these Gremlins. 1st one a 1972 I got to drive on my date with my 1st girlfriend. Later a 1976. The 72 came to a bad end as it was totalled at a traffic intersection, (not by me). Quirky, fun to drive cars but, squeaks and rattles and understeer, light in the rear end makes them fun to drive, especially in the winter.
My 74 304 X is turquoise. 72 may have been different.
could be made into a real ‘ sleeper ‘ easily …
Dang. Went to Ebay to place a bid…and the seller has already cancelled the new auction. I really didn’t believe that I would win the auction with a bid of $1.00, but with no reserve, why not?
The $1.00 starting bid would be about .50 too much. (I owned a 1974)
Knew a guy who had a chocolate brown one. He shattered the rear window and could not afford to get it fixed. Due to the shape of the car exhaust fumes would permeate the interior. A true suicide machine.
Probably listed without a reserve by mistake, and deleted it.
If you like Gremlins , check out the one coming up at McCormick’s auction in Palm Springs in a couple weeks ; this best color of orange,the best interior “levis” , and a 390 4 speed .The Holy Grail of Gremlins.Sure would be nice next to my Scrambler , and AMX .
Drove 1 from 1978-1981. While in USMC stationed in Hawaii, it was comical it was a Military Police car , embarrassing with two big blue lights and bullhorn on top.
engine should be AMC blue/green paint, only California cars or replacement blocks were painted redish/orange So i would believe this engine has been replaced, also missing 5 litre V8 sticker on rear panel. I think this has been restored, not necessarily a survivor …….still a nice gremmie.
Have a ’74 Gremlin that has had a bad repaint orange including the bumpers. The 258 six runs great and the only thing that doesn’t work is the a/c. Only paid $1500 for the car. I would like to find another one but not one so over priced.
“This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.”
Something fishy about this.
Will it be listed again?
The third time’s the charm.
Ok people 1976 G X 304 with a 69 rambler 4 speed cam headers carb traction bars and a 12.43 in the 1/4 mile loved my car and always wish I would of kept it . O ya power steering power brakes and A C !!!
International used the AMC 401 and called it the V400. Those engines were red.
I remember ordering a brand new Matador red 1972 Gremlin X with a 258 6 cylinder, with a 3 speed floor stick. I let the salesman talk me into the 6. I was disappointed in the performance because I traded in a 1969 Javelin SST with a 290 engine. The Gremlin was dependable and inexpensive to own. Still wish I would have stuck to my original plan and ordered a 5 liter V8. I know that would have been fun car!
My mom bought a 1970 red gremlin and when she purchased a 1977 Pontiac sunbird, I got the gremlin.
Drove it in highschool and after. What a fun 3 speed on the floor.
Sold it in 1979. Wish I had it back.