Finding a tidy and original AMC Gremlin is becoming harder these days, but every now and then, a real beauty will just pop out of the woodwork. That is the case with this 1976 model, which is about as clean as you are ever likely to find. As an added bonus, this is a Gremlin that features the cool Levi’s trim, and that also presents surprisingly well. I really have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B for referring the Gremlin through to us. If a Gremlin has always been on your wish list but you have struggled to find a good one, then you will find this beauty located in Sparta, Michigan, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the price for the Gremlin at $12,900.
While the owner identifies the Gremlin as a one-owner vehicle, he is actually the car’s second owner. However, it appears that the original owner was pretty fastidious when it came to caring for his pride and joy. The car presents exceptionally well, with no signs of any significant issues or problems with its Frost White paint, the majority of which is said to be original. The owner supplies a photo of the Gremlin’s underside, and it is about the cleanest that I have ever seen on an original and unrestored Gremlin. There are no signs of any rust issues or major fluid leaks. Looking around the outside of the vehicle, the stripes and stickers all look to be in nice condition, while the damage-prone full wheel covers are free of any marks or issues. The external trim and chrome seem to be perfect, while the same would appear to be true of the glass. Those little red decals on the front fenders are a decent indication that you’re not going to find any bland old vinyl trim when you open the doors and look inside the car.
Being a Levi’s Edition, the seats of the Gremlin come upholstered in a faux-denim cloth, and after 44-years, this usually looks pretty tired and worn. If this interior is original, then the seats have survived exceptionally well. There are no signs of any splits or tears, while the color of the cloth remains consistent. Even the original brass rivets are still present, while the Levi red tabs remain attached to the seat edges. It isn’t perfect, because some of the vinyl trim is showing some signs of discoloring. None of this is particularly horrendous, and if the interior trim can be confirmed as all being original, I would be inclined to leave it as it is. Otherwise, the dash, pad, headliner, and the carpet, all look to be in very nice condition. There have been no aftermarket additions made to the Gremlin’s interior, and beyond that distinctive upholstery, one of the few nods to luxury is the inclusion of an AM radio.
Powering the Gremlin is the venerable 232ci 6-cylinder engine, backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. Peering around under the hood reveals presentation that seems to be just as good as it is with the rest of the car. The only thing that caused me to really raise an eyebrow is where the top hose attaches to the radiator. It looks a bit strange there, as though the radiator has received a repair in this spot at some point. Beyond that, there are no real issues to report. The owner makes the claim that the Gremlin has a genuine 48,000 miles on the clock, so hopefully, he holds some evidence to back this claim. He says that the tires, brakes, and exhaust are all in good condition. He also states that everything works as it should and that the Gremlin runs and drives exceptionally well.
There seems to be little doubt that this 1976 Gremlin is in above average condition for its age and the fact that the distinctive Levi’s trim hasn’t severely deteriorated is a real bonus. These have developed their own cult following, and enthusiasts really like to find tidy examples like this one. Of course, the biggest sticking point is going to be the price, which is right at the very top end of what you would expect to pay. Yes, it’s high, but it isn’t unprecedented either. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a potential buyer out there who is willing to hand over the cash, especially if it proves to be as good following a personal inspection as it would appear to be in the listing.
Sweet looking ride but noticed the front bumper looks pre-73. Am I missing something? Too bad no 304.
No, thats the correct bumper , the big ones showed up in 1974 along with the facelift
This is a ’76 so it should have the big bumper.
Agreed. The bumpers do not look set right for this model year. They look more pulled in. Good catch.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0519-368905/1976-amc-gremlin-x/
Those are the earlier bumpers. Also, the instrument panel shelf below the IP is missing. Our ’74 Levi had it as part of the package. Steering wheel looks work excessively, too.
The only problem is its a 4 speed not a 6 speed, you can plainly see it in the photo.Just heads up
Chappy
It is a THREE speed. No 4 speeds behind little sixes.
NO ONE made a six speed in 1976!
Our ’74 Gremlin X Levi was electric blue violet, with the blue hockey stick side stripe and I added small orange pinstripes inside the blue. The 258 six was plenty fast enough in the day, got great mileage and went 140k with NO repairs. Sold it to get a larger vehicle. These cars were usually driven to their end by really high mileage, rust, or accidents.
It was these little American econoboxes, along with Pintos and Vegas, that got some of us through the Malaise Era.
Bob C. The Vega’s left many stranded in the Malaise era….when they broke down..
If they didn’t rust away first.
The Vega and Pinto..the best advertisement (and reason) for buying a Japanese car..And they proved it. Millions bought Vegas and Pintos..and quickly traded them in for Japanese vehicles
The Gremlin was no little econobox. It was what was then a compact or mid-size, full width car. Exactly like a Hornet, just a much shorter wheelbase. The Vega, Pinto and VW bugs were truly little econo-cars. You did NOT ever need a 304 V8. They were relative boat anchors. The 360 was the only real performance AMC engine, with at least a 4bbl. The larger AMC inline six had lots of torque and with a mild cam, split exhaust headers and 4 bbl, would smoke many V8s.
The AMC V8 was only 37 lbs heavier than the 6 cyl. Hardly a boat anchor. The V8 made 150HP stock with a 2V. The 258 was rated at 120.
I prefer the 258 and feel it was a all around better car. It would smoke the tires in stock form with zero mods.
Amazing we didn’t follow the Japanese in quality as well as developing the inline 6.
The Nissan Skyline and Toyota Supra 2JZ are twin turbo and are absolute super cars. The 258 could have been just such an American weapon.
But us Americans only know what a V8 engine is. Sad.
Gremlins were much better than the Vegas and Pintos of the day..much more reliable and better-built. With proper care and maintenance, these cars will go way past 100k miles with no problem/.
The price might seem high to some, but it’s obviously been taken care of, has three pedals, and has a super tough motor. I don’t think it’s an unreasonable price. I would consider a small V-8 swap though, and a 4 or 5 speed. But it would be fun to drive as is…
This Gremlin is really clean and looks like it needs nothing. There’s a lot to be said for a classic car that you can buy and not have to put more money into. The price is pretty steep but might be worth it to somebody who always wanted one. You’d be hard pressed to find a better Gremlin than this little gem.
What’s that peeking out behind it? Some kind of Mopar?
Looks like an earlier Gremlin to me.
You are correct , sir !
It has the later Gremlin grille but the early Gremlin bumper in front. Levi’s Gremlin started in ’74 and continued through’76. The valve cover has been repainted, and by the looks of the engine compartment, this car may have 148k on it.
Nice car! I always liked the Levi package. Put some white letter tires on this and some minor performance mods and I think it would be a lot of fun.
I do have to wonder though – what is there more of? Tidy and original AMC Gremlins, or people looking for tidy and original AMC Gremlins?
The 76 Gremlin is sorta the odd duck for those that actually know AMC’s. Nothing wrong. Just unique. The grill is one year only and the last of the original 1970 body. The quarters were changed in 1974 and lasted for 76. A complete re design for 77, This era ove the quality was way down. My father had a 1973 and a 75
This car is a base. 232 with a manual. Looks like the ONLY option IS the Levis interior. The Polycast wheels I am not too sure they are original or dealer added. They are more at home on a Matador, Hornet AMX or a Pacer DL. Never saw them on a Gremlin and not sure I like them.
The stripe was dealer or ? added by someone. The 232 is an OK mill. Would prefer the 258. The interior and exterior although plain with no A/C. Kinda a deal breaker not to have the weather eye A/C. The valve cover has been repainted as well as the air cleaner. Makes that radiator look more tired. Doesn’t have the optional size cooling system.
Nice car. Not sure how I feel about the asking price. I think it is way too high. If I am to pay that amount for this example my thinking is hang around with the cash in the bank for the right car. I would opt out for a 258 X package.
The Gremlin X had those wheels as an option..you could get the 258-six or 304 V8 if you checked the right boxes, too.
Never saw a Gremlin with those wheels. From our ’74 Levi X, it had the rally-style wheels with beauty rings. The V8s were terrible handling, due to all of the weight up front. Went fast in a straight line though!
Terry, Sorry you couldn’t get a V8 in 1976. Some say you could however there is no documentation that would support it. The Polly Cast wheels were never a Gremlin X option.
I have a original levi edition. 73 258. 3spd.been sitting since 2002.bought off orginal owner.he parked cause needed a clutch.
I agree , the stripes dont look like factory ones. This car is basically a base model with the Levis package which I dont think I’ve ever seen. The Levis Gremlins I’ve seen were all higher line models. Someone stuck a Gremlin from an earlier model on the grill too which would be a shame if it was drilled since its a one year only grill. The wheels dont look right on the car either IMO – I would assume from the lack of options this car left the factory with dog dish caps.
Wrong front bumper too..but the wheels are the uplevel ones you’d normally find on the X
Regarding this particular car I have just one work: meh.
When I was in my early teens, though, one of my friends came from a family with money. He got a brand new Gremlin X, white with the 304 and a manual transmission. That was a pretty cool car. At least to a kid in his early teens.
One other thing… If you happen to own the 1982 edition of Krause Publication’s “Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975” check out the AMC section for Gremlin info. Every single time the word appears it is spelled “Gremblin.” LOL
Is there any method on an AMC to tell if someone took a base 1976 and swapped the interior into it?
Every one of those I recall when they were new (I was in Navy in North Chicago and saw a number of them) was a much more optioned car.
The trim tag could be decoded. My guess the dealer ordered this for a price point of 2999.99 or something very low. Order the bear minimum and add only the Levis interior. People wont notice how really cheap the car is after they sit inside.
Dealers would have an outside source like a traveling salesman to add stripes and flair. These people are like gypsies and live out of their van and go lot to lot. Like interior repair,dent wizards and touch up paint people. Still around today.
This wouldn’t surprise me. The more I look at it and see the other comments, I do not think this car is original. The stripes, the badging, bumpers, the interior, the wheels and engine compartment and cheapest engine, all looks like someone tarted up a stripper model. The lack of a IP shelf that I thought was standard on ALL Levi trims is suspect. Levi decals are likely available aftermarket. The rear quarter louver striping is not factory, either.
Gremlins all rusted on the door hinge faces. The door could look pristine and would fall off in your hands when opened. I parted out several with that affliction.
The other really bad spot was the tops of the front fenders, about an inch from the hood opening. At AMC, we used to call them “speed burns”. This was due to cost cutting of the front wheelhouse liners, which allowed mud and salt to build up on the shelf that the fenders bolted to. Liners were added when the Spirit versions came out. These could be added to earlier models, with some judicious trimming.
The only other spot was in the sub-frame rails. The car had to have been all but sitting in water, for those to get bad and likely had other issues as well.
Still, it is a lovely car, but not anywhere near that price.
PA Pete, Your friends V8 Gremlin was most likely a 72-73 if I were to guess. The V8 production was at it’s high point prior to the fuel crisis. The option lasted until 1975 and a some speculate that a few were built in 1976.
As I stated the quality was poor from 74 on. This comes from someone who’s parents bought a new 73 and 75. Plus the kid in the 1980’s who was buying them for a few hundred all day long. After about 80,000 miles they were showing their age. Dashes were loose and rattled. Door frame welds would break. Door hinge bushings would fail. When that happened the metal around the door post would crack from a saggy door. The tops of the fenders would rust and so would the inner and outer rockers. This was in about 5 years of age. They all seemed to wear out the same. In 74 they used an aluminum bridged rocker. So you would hear valve train hammering like it was low on oil.
The 75’s and 76’s had another enemy. The cat converter and all the smog really killed the performance AND economy of the 232. Manual linkage would wear out and hang up.
Your comment about the Krause Standard Catalog 1982 brings back memories too. It seems a young man on a quest for information on AMC would often run into a brick wall.
In the mid 70’s until at least mid 1990’s Auto publications all but forgot AMC. You had to go to second hand shops and the like for authentic period 1967-1974 mags. Sad to learn years later that GM Ford were in bed at Hot Rod’s Peterson and other major car rags. Independants like AMC never got a fair shake.
So Krause misspelling Gremlin doesn’t surprise me. They killed a lot of Pacers locally when someone had a copy and incorrectly stated Pacer came factory optioned with a 4cyl. So you had rednecks playing king of the demo derby installing Ford Pinto motors and killing everything in sight. Myself and a well known AMC parts vendor stopped it locally when it was brought to the attention of the fair officials.
Many years later when Cars ll movie came out at first seemed like an awesome thing. It quickly turned into a further insult with their portrayal of the Gremlin and Pacer being bad. Perception must really be reality.
I worked at AMC at the time and there were no stronger critics of our products than the employees. The bias against AMC came from some of the media rags and the bastian of anti-American cars, Consumer “Reports”.
The ’74s were NOT like what you claimed. It was very common to see them go 150k+ miles with no more than normal maintenance. Everyone knew about the fender and door post rust issues, but learned to really wash under the car in Detroit winters. Also had a ’73 Hornet with 160k+ miles that NEVER had a hinge problem. Later Spirits and Concords were the same, so no to that issue.
When they were developing the V8 for the Pacer, engineering put split headers, a mild cam and a 4 bbl on a 258, and would smoke the V8 and hood. It didn’t screw up the handling and add goofy aesthetics with a vertical grille.
Management believed the market wouldn’t give it any love, without a V8! That was never the problem, so $1M was spent to add the V8, that could have been better spent elsewhere.
Being a kid in the 70’s with parents that purchased a new 73 Gremlin then trading it in on a new 75 (nothing wrong with the 73 it was a Jolly Green X 232 with A/C and no power steering) The 73 was my dads work car. My mom didn’t like the steering. He traded in on a Rootbeer Brown Gold stripe X 258. after only 3000 miles the front end chewed up the Good Year lettered tires. The fit and finish was horrible compared to the 73. My dad kept it for a few years and rolled about 50K miles. He quit buying AMC after that.
The kid who grew up riding in the cargo area of a Gremlin was inspired by them. I started hustling cars when I was 16. When I was a senior had three cars in the driveway. I figure over the years I have had maybe 40-60 Gremlins,Hornets maybe more. I had AMX’s and Javelins too. I still have about 15 Gremlin titles of ones I parted out. In the 80’s and 90’s they were cheap. Once I bought 3 from a guy and drove two home for $90.
I am not an expert only an enthusiast. The quality did change in 1974. I had the vehicles to prove it.
Many years later I was friends with two engineers who worked in the engine department in Detroit. I spent time in Southfield talking to them. They would test engines. One left Chrysler in 1971 to work at AMC. He built the engine for Moby the winning Wagoneer in the Press On Regardless Rally. He co wrote AMC’s only factory performance manual Performance AMerican Style.
The other Engineer worked on the Trans AM effort. In the mid 1970’s working on a study for Chrysler. They were thinking of outsourcing their V8 engines. A number of Dodge pickups were delivered to AMC. Their engine and transmissions were removed. They installed 360 AMC engines and driveline. (said they used the Pacer V8 swivel oil filter mount. That’s it. Never removed the hoods. It was determined the AMC engines had more power and got better fuel economy. Both men are full of stories like this.
It was Both men who also claimed AMC quality went to hell during and after 1974.
It is true AMC spent a million (or more) to put a V8 in a Pacer. I drove my Limited 79 V8 wagon (it stickered for $9200 new) to Union Grove in 1989 to a (Namdra National American Motors Drivers and Racers Association) meet. I parked next to an SC/360 and had the only Pacer. It created quite a crowd. More then anything else there. I really didn’t know what to think. Had a lot of former employees talk about it like they never saw one before.
Good times