Small-Block Powered: 1973 AMC Gremlin X

Let’s be honest. If I were choosing a candidate for a custom build, a 1973 AMC Gremlin X wouldn’t make the top of my list. I admire AMC, but I believe that the company built more appropriate cars for a custom approach. Thankfully, the classic world is full of people who march to the beat of a different drummer, and this car is the result of that approach. It looks impressive, but the small-block Chevrolet V8 hiding under the hood gives it genuine performance credentials. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Hans H for spotting this beauty listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Batavia, Illinois. Driving it home will involve handing the seller $25,000.

This ’73 Gremlin immediately catches your attention. The seller painted it in a shade very similar to Surfside Blue, adding stripes in Pearlescent White and Red. Faulting the exterior presentation is seemingly impossible. The depth of color and shine is amazing, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. AMC was at the forefront of corrosion prevention strategies, making this classic’s rust-free status unsurprising. The trim appears flawless, with the chrome sparkling against the rich paint shade. The glass is clear, and the chunky slotted wheels add a sense of purpose. They (and the decal on the rear hatch) are also the most obvious sign that there might be more to this classic than meets the eye.

Whoa, I bet you weren’t expecting that! Buyers could order a ’73 Gremlin with the 304ci V8 under the hood. It delivered 150hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque, providing acceptable performance at a time when engine power and torque figures were in free fall. This Gremlin features a V8, but it didn’t come from the AMC Parts Catalog. It is a 350ci Chevrolet small-block, and it is anything but standard. The seller bored the block 0.060″ over, added an  Edelbrock RPM Power Package Top End Kit, bringing aluminum cylinder heads and a polished intake to the party. The four-barrel carburetor is from the same manufacturer, with the spent gases exiting via headers and a dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. An MSD ignition system supplies a nice, fat spark, and an aluminum radiator keeps matters cool. Forget 150hp, because this V8 churns out over 400. So, how does it feed that power to the road? A four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission points the ponies to a Twin Grip rear end from a 1969 AMX. Although not specifically stated, it appears that this Gremlin is a turnkey proposition.

While the exterior and drivetrain need nothing, it is fair to describe the Gremlin’s interior as a work in progress. The seller added new “Levi” front seatcovers, but the back seat has some splits requiring attention. The carpet is faded, and there is a hole in the dashboard where the radio should be. However, the dash, pad, and door trims look pretty respectable. They relocated the shifter, utilizing a B&M unit to complement the upgraded transmission.

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That is certainly the case with the 1973 AMC Gremlin X. The styling enamors some people, while others feel that AMC missed the market quite badly. Regardless of which camp you fall into, you must admit that our feature car is different. It demonstrates what is possible if enthusiasts let their imaginations run wild. It won’t win universal praise, but the engine transplant will deliver an enormous performance gain, making it fun to drive. The question is whether that is grounds for you to pursue this classic further. What do you say?