Editing AMC Gremlin (section)

===Annual changes (1970–1978)===
==== 1970 ====
[[File:1970 AMC Gremlin all original finished in red with white stripe 232 auto AC at 2021 AMO meet 03of15.jpg|thumb|right|1970 AMC Gremlin]]
The Gremlin debuted in April 1970 with AMC's {{convert|199|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Straight-six engine|I6]], a seven main bearing design which produced {{convert|128|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} as standard equipment, with AMC's {{convert|232|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Straight-six engine|I6]] - producing {{convert|145|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} - as an option. AMC said the Gremlin offered "the best gas mileage of any production car made in America". According to the auto editors of ''Consumer Guide'', it had "an unusually long option list for the era" so owners could have luxury and conveniences typically found in more expensive cars, and these options "came with a much higher profit margin" for the automaker.<ref name="interior"/>

As the first of the new domestic subcompact cars, "the Gremlin has been the most talked-about car since its introduction."<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=-wAAAAAAMBAJ&q=the+Gremlin+has+been+the+most+talked-about+car+since+its+introduction&pg=PA56 |first=Jan P. |last=Norbye |title=Test Results |magazine=Popular Science |date=July 1970 |page=56 |volume=197 |issue=1 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> Sales for the abbreviated model year were 25,300.<ref name="Flory 2004 712"/>

''Popular Science'' assigned its editor to the equivalent of one year of driving by conducting a {{convert|10000|mi|km|0|adj=on}} cross-country road test of a brand new Gremlin, and reported after driving it "without a single problem is an enviable record" and that "we were all impressed with the quality of this vehicle."<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=-wAAAAAAMBAJ&q=Gremlin+10,021+trouble-free+miles+all+impressed+with+the+quality+of+this+vehicle&pg=PA56 |first=Jim|last=Davis |title=10,000 miles in the new Gremlin |magazine=Popular Science |date=July 1970 |pages=54–56 |volume=197 |issue=1 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> A nationwide survey based on owners driving their 1970 AMC Gremlins over {{convert|1350000|mi|km|0|abbr=off}} conducted by ''Popular Mechanics'' concluded that the unique styling attracted many buyers, but economy topped their likes.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lamm |first=Michael |title=PM Owners Report: AMC Gremlin Blind Spots in Visibility, But Eye-Popping Economy |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=June 1971 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ltcDAAAAMBAJ&q=AMC+Gremlin&pg=PA112 |volume=135 |issue=6 |pages=112–115 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref>

==== 1971 ====
[[File:1971 AMC Gremlin AMO 2015 show - all original 1of6.jpg|thumb|right|1971 AMC Gremlin]]

For the 1971 model year the "X" appearance/equipment [[trim package]] was introduced as a $300 option on the 4-passenger model and "proved extremely popular."<ref name="stuff71">{{cite web|url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin3.htm |title=1971 AMC Gremlin |date=October 17, 2007 |website=How Stuff Works |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200805085155/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin3.htm |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=February 3, 2022}}</ref> It included body side tape stripes, body color front fascia, slotted road wheels with D70x14 [[Goodyear Polyglas tire]]s, blackout grille insert, [[bucket seat]]s, and "X" decals.

The 2-passenger Gremlin version entered into its second and final season. The {{convert|232|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} I6 engine that was optional for 1970 became standard, while a longer-[[Stroke (engine)|stroke]] {{convert|258|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} version became the option. [[Compression ratio]]s dropped from 8.5:1 to 8:1 for 1971, resulting in {{convert|135|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} (gross) from the {{convert|232|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|150|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} (gross) from the {{convert|258|CID|L|1|abbr=on}}<ref>Flory, p. 787.</ref>

1971 Gremlin prices increased slightly (up by $20 to $1,899 for the base model),<ref name="stuff71"/> and sales for this first full model year rose to 53,480.<ref>Flory, p. 789.</ref>

==== 1972 ====
[[File:1972 Gremlin Sun Roof Option.jpg|thumb|1972 AMC Gremlin X with factory sun roof and V8]]
[[File:1973 AMC Gremlin X and Levi's package finished in Maxi Blue with white stripes at 2017 AMO meet 1of5.jpg|thumb|1973 AMC Gremlin X with Levi's interior trim package]]
[[File:1973 AMC Gremlin X and Levi's package finished in Maxi Blue with white stripes at 2017 AMO meet 5of5.jpg|thumb|1973 AMC Gremlin X with Levi's interior trim package]]
Among many other changes was an available {{convert|304|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[AMC V8 engine|V8 engine]]. It was "the muscle car formula of stuffing a big motor in a small car."<ref name="365mustdrive"/> Engine ratings were downgraded to more accurate [[Society of Automotive Engineers]] (SAE) net&nbsp;hp figures, bringing the {{convert|232|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} engine to {{convert|100|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, the {{convert|258|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} to {{convert|110|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="Flory, p.866">Flory, p. 866.</ref> and the 304 V8 to {{convert|150|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Flory, p.866"/> Even with the lower engine output ratings across the industry, "the V8 Gremlin was a poor-man's Corvette, able to spin its rear tires at will and outrun some larger, more expensive [[pony cars]]" and it was "the only real performance car available under $2,200."

The base two-seater model was discontinued, having sold 3,017 units in 18 months.<ref name="Flory, p.868">Flory, p. 868.</ref> Gremlins also switched from [[Non-synchronous transmission|non-synchronized]] 1st gear [[manual transmission]]s to full synchromesh, and the [[Borg-Warner]]-sourced [[automatic transmission]] was replaced by the [[Chrysler Corporation|Chrysler]]-designed [[TorqueFlite]]. Other minor technical upgrades improved the car's reliability and durability.<ref name=culture/> The Gremlin X package continued to be popular, while optional features now included an AM/FM radio, fabric sunroof, [[Steering wheel#Adjustable steering wheels|tilt steering wheel]], inside hood release, trailer towing package for up to {{convert|2000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} with a [[tow hitch|Class 1 hitch]], as well as manual or power-assisted front [[disk brake]]s.<ref name="stuff72-73">{{cite web|url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin4.htm |website=How Stuff Works |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |title=1972 and 1973 AMC Gremlin |date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200805085736/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin4.htm |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=February 3, 2022}}</ref>

American Motors introduced the automobile industry's first 12-month or {{convert|12000|mi|km|abbr=on}} bumper-to-bumper [[warranty]], called the "Buyer Protection Plan".<ref name="together">{{cite magazine|last=Lund |first=Robert |title=AMC Gets It Together |magazine=Popular Mechanics |volume=136 |issue=4 |pages=116–206 |date=October 1971 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=UtgDAAAAMBAJ&q=1972+AMC+gets+it+together&pg=PA116 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> Its foundation was an emphasis on quality and durability, improved production by reducing the number of models and increasing the level of standard equipment.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Boone |first1=Louis E. |last2=Kurtz |first2=David L. | title=Contemporary Business |url= https://archive.org/details/contemporarybusi0000boon_h9i8 |url-access=registration |publisher=Dryden Press |year=1976 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/contemporarybusi0000boon_h9i8/page/223 223–224] |isbn=978-0-03-013651-1 }}</ref> The new warranty included an innovative promise to customers that AMC would repair anything wrong with the car (except for tires).<ref name="together"/> Owners were provided with a toll-free number to the company, as well as a free loaner car if a warranty repair took overnight. Numerous production and product improvements would result in fewer warranty claims, better [[public relations]], and greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Model year 1972 sales totaled 61,717,<ref name="Flory, p.868"/> a 15% gain over the previous year.<ref name="Flory, p.868"/>

==== 1973 ====
For the 1973 model year, AMC strengthened bumpers able to withstand a {{convert|5|mph|0|adj=on}} impact in the front and a {{convert|2.5|mph|0|adj=on}} impact in the rear, without any damage to the engine, lights, and safety equipment according to new mandates by the U.S. [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] (NHTSA). Optional was a [[Levi's]] interior trim package, which included spun nylon upholstery made to look like denim ([[fire safety]] regulations prohibited the use of real cotton denim). Details included removable map pockets, burnished copper denim rivets, and red Levi's logo tabs. Rear-seat legroom was increased. The X package received a new tape-striping pattern that kicked up over the Gremlin's rear-wheel flares.

Sales improved to 122,844 units, nearly 30% more than in 1972. A 1973 Gremlin purchased by ''[[Consumer Reports]]'' was top-rated in a group of six subcompact models tested for the June issue. That car had relatively few sample defects and proved reliable over a long-term test.

==== 1974 ====
[[File:1974 Gremlin.jpg|thumb|1974 AMC Gremlin]]

The [[Arab Oil Embargo]] of October 1973 came just as the 1974 model year began. AMC improved the Gremlin's back seat. A deeper front fascia made the car appear longer. A larger front bumper was mounted on self-restoring telescoping gas and oil cylinders. Unlike most other designs, the Gremlin did not use a filler panel between the bumper and body. A stronger rear bumper was set lower—front and rear passenger car bumpers were now required by NHTSA to have uniform heights, take angle impacts, and sustain {{convert|5|mph|0|adj=on}} impacts with no damage.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Norbye |first=Jan P. |title=New bumpers have uniform height, take angle impacts |magazine=Popular Science |pages=90–91 |date=October 1973 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=lpiMSzja6W4C&q=New+bumpers+have+uniform+Gremlin&pg=PA90 |volume=203 |issue=4 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> The rear fascia was modified slightly to blend with the design changes. The Gremlin X stripe pattern was given a "hockey stick" look for 1974: the stripes followed the window line as it tapered aft, and swept up now to include four diagonal lines on the wide [[C-pillar]]. A new typeface for nameplates was used by AMC for 1974, including on the Gremlin. With the car's 1974 model year extended into November to delay the need to install [[catalytic converter]]s required by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) 2004 regulations starting with 1975 models, AMC sold 171,128 1974 Gremlins, an increase of nearly 40% over 1973 and 130% over 1971.

==== 1975 ====
[[File:Gremlin rear (5904506887).jpg|thumb|right|1975 AMC Gremlin]]
Changes for the 1975 model year Gremlins included standard [[electronic ignition]] developed by [[Prestolite Electric|Prestolite]].<ref name="pm-oct74">{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ytQDAAAAMBAJ&q=AMC+polishes+its+petrol+pinchers&pg=PA105 |pages=105, 176|first=Michael |last=Lamm |title=AMC polishes its petrol pinchers |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=October 1974 |volume=142 |issue=4 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> All U.S. market Gremlins featured catalytic converters that required the use of unleaded regular-grade fuel. "Unleaded Fuel Only" warnings were placed by the fuel filler and on the [[fuel gauge]]. Gremlins with I6 engines and manual transmissions gained a new option, the electrically operated [[Overdrive (mechanics)|overdrive]] from Laycock de Normanville.<ref name="pm-oct74"/> The 0.714:1 "J-type" unit was controlled by a pushbutton at the end of the turn signal stalk.<ref name="pm-oct74"/> When turned on, the unit engaged automatically at speeds above {{convert|35|mph|km/h|0}} and dropped out at {{convert|32|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="pm-oct74"/> An accelerator pedal kick-down switch provided faster passing when needed.<ref name="pm-oct74"/> Steel-belted [[radial tire]]s were now standard on Gremlins with the X package.

American Motors was promoting its economical models covered by the comprehensive "Buyer Protection Plan" warranty, as well as preparing for the launch of the [[AMC Pacer|Pacer]]<ref name="pm-oct74"/> The automaker was planning to spend half of the entire 1975 advertising budget on the new Pacer.<ref name="hyde">{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=PerGbKxOPZYC&q=1975+Gremlin&pg=PA217 |last=Hyde |first=Charles K. |title=Storied Independent Automakers: Nash, Hudson, and American Motors |publisher=Wayne State University Press |year=2009 |pages=216–217 |isbn=978-0-8143-3446-1 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> Marketing for the Gremlin included tie-ins with a "Home Value Days" supplement designed to promote 18,500 hardware stores in ''Popular Science''<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=LQEAAAAAMBAJ&q=Win+one+of+3+Gremlins+1975&pg=PA131 |page=131 |title=Win one of 3 Gremlins |magazine=Popular Science |date=October 1975 |volume=207 |issue=4 |access-date=June 27, 2014|author1=AMC}}</ref> and ''The Reader's Digest''<ref>{{cite news |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=8sgxAAAAMAAJ&q=Win+one+of+3+Gremlins+1975 |title=Fall Home Value Sweepstakes |page=175 |work=The Reader's Digest |volume=107 |year=1975 |access-date=June 27, 2014|last1=Wallace |first1=De Witt |last2=Wallace |first2=Lila Acheson }}</ref> as well as with [[Colgate-Palmolive]]'s campaign using [[Willie Mays]] to "Help Young America" in ''Jet''<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=C1sDAAAAMBAJ&q=Win+one+of+3+Gremlins+1975&pg=PA26 |title=Help Young America says Willie Mays |magazine=Jet |page=26 |date=October 10, 1974 |volume=47 |issue=3 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> and ''Ebony''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=JN4DAAAAMBAJ&q=Help+Young+America+says+Willie+Mays+Gremlin&pg=PA12 |page=12 |title=Help Young America says Willie Mays |magazine=Ebony |date=October 1974 |volume=29 |issue=12 |access-date=September 20, 2020}}</ref>

The U.S. subcompacts were compared to the new, front-wheel-drive [[Volkswagen Golf Mk1|Volkswagen Rabbit]] that replaced the aging Beetle. ''Popular Science'' road tests showed the Gremlin to be the fastest and quietest of all, but had the lowest fuel efficiency with an average [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] rating of {{convert|21|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}, compared to the Chevrolet Vega's {{convert|22|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}, Ford Pinto's {{convert|23|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}, and the Rabbit's {{convert|24|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="ps-june1975">{{cite news |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=NwEAAAAAMBAJ&q=U.S.+subcompacts+vs+the+Rabbit&pg=PA20 |pages=20, 22, 24, 26, 29, 30 |first=Jim |last=Dunne |title=U.S. subcompacts vs the Rabbit |work=Popular Science |date=June 1975 |volume=206 |issue=6 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> The Gremlin had an I6 engine and a three-speed transmission (in contrast to the I4 engines and four-speed transmissions in the other cars) and weighed over {{convert|1000|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} more than the VW Rabbit.<ref name="ps-june1975"/>

Struggling under [[stagflation]] and an [[Economic history of the United States#Inflation woes: 1970s|inflationary economy]], all the domestic subcompact cars' sales slumped compared to the industry's record-breaking 1973 model year. In total, AMC sold 56,011 Gremlins in the (albeit shortened) 1975 [[model year]], a 67% drop.<ref name="hyde"/> The success of the innovative Pacer launched in mid-February 1975 "severely cut" the sales of both the Gremlin and Hornet models.<ref name="hyde"/>

==== 1976 ====
[[File:1976 AMC Gremlin (35910033334).jpg|thumb|right|1976 AMC Gremlin]]
Changes were greater for 1976. Oval headlight bezels replaced the previous circular items. The grille shape became a stretched hexagon and included in its insert two opposing loops stacked atop each other and housing new rounded parking/turn signal lights. A new "Custom" trim line debuted, featuring a striped interior trim called "Potomac", as well as a spare tire cover and other minor details. The A models were given another new striping scheme: the hockey stick-style stripe of the previous year adding a secondary extension that ran from the door handle straight back. The X package was now available only on Custom models. Due to flagging sales, the {{convert|304|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine option (now downgraded to {{convert|120|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}) was cancelled at midyear, after only 826 installations. (A total of 40,994 Gremlins were equipped with the V8 engine from 1972 until 1976.) A 4-speed [[manual transmission]] was made available at midyear. Sales tapered slightly to 52,941 - a decline of 5.5%. The Overdrive option continued to be available until midyear when Laycock de Normanville entered receivership. American Motors attempted to purchase the British manufacturer but could not acquire the funding in time.

==== 1977 ====
[[File:1977 AMC Gremlin (14751904625) (cropped).jpg|thumb|1977 AMC Gremlin featured new front end styling]]
[[File:1977 AMC Gremlin 2 Liter Custom 2014-AMO-NC-d.jpg|thumb|right|1977 AMC Gremlin Custom 2 Liter]]

1977 changes included redesigned sheet metal for the first time in the Gremlin's now 8-year history: revised hood, shorter front fenders, new bumpers, taller glass tailgate, enlarged taillights, and rear license plate now covering the fuel filler. The front end was shortened by four inches (102&nbsp;mm) with all-new sheet metal and a crosshatch grille insert. Parking lights reverted to rectangular, and headlights were recessed into square bezels with rounded corners. The new hood had a small "power bulge" at the front. The base model now included carpeting, as well as rocker panel and wheel lip moldings. The "Custom" model was available with a list price of $2,998. The X package returned as a $189 option, with a new striping pattern that ran straight back from the front fenders and crested upward over the rear wheels. Front [[disc brake]]s became standard.

At the start of the model year, the Gremlin was available with either the standard {{convert|232|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} or optional {{convert|258|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} six-cylinder engines. Both had increased power from updated [[cylinder head]]s and two-barrel carburetors. In addition, AMC offered a carbureted four-cylinder engine: a [[Volkswagen]]/[[Audi]] {{convert|2.0|L|cuin|abbr=on}} [[Straight-four engine|inline-four]], also used in fuel-injected form in the Porsche 924. It gave better fuel economy but less power than the standard six-cylinder engines, and reduced the Gremlin's weight by {{convert|250|lb|kg|0}}, allowing it to achieve an EPA rating of {{convert|21|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} in the city, and {{convert|33|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} on the highway.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin6.htm |title=1977 AMC Gremlin |website=How Stuff Works |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200805081302/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin6.htm |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=February 3, 2022}}</ref> It was reserved for the Custom version of the Gremlin because the expense of acquiring the rights to the engine meant that AMC could not afford to make it standard equipment. Of 46,171 Gremlins built for 1977 (13% less than in 1976), 7,558 had the new 2.0&nbsp;L engine.

==== 1978 ====
[[File:1978 AMC Gremlin X blue KA-rf.jpg|thumb|right|1978 AMC Gremlin X]]

In its final year of 1978, the Gremlin received a number of changes, but customers on a tighter budget could still get a standard six-cylinder base model Gremlin for under US$3,400.<ref name=how78>{{cite web |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin7.htm |title=The 1978 AMC Gremlin |website=How Stuff Works |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200805083658/https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin7.htm |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=February 3, 2022}}</ref> A new "Custom" model featured either the four- or six-cylinder engine with a standard four-speed manual transmission and new vinyl bucket seats, wheel lip moldings, and other trim upgrades.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=6uEDAAAAMBAJ&q=AMC+1978+Gremlin+new+custom+dolls&pg=PA178 |work=Popular Mechanics |date=October 1977 |page=178 |first=Michael |last=Lamm |volume=148 |issue=4 |title=Driving the 1978 cars from American Motors |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> Inside the Gremlin there was a revised instrument panel borrowed from the then-new 1978 [[AMC Concord|Concord]]. The dashboard had high-level ventilation [[HVAC]], radio switchgear within easier reach, and a flat, full-width top. The X's tape striping pattern was revised to match the 1978 Concord Sport package design, with the stripe at the lower body side and curving over the wheel lip.

At mid-season, a '''GT''' package became available with a front [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]] and flared wheel openings as on the 1978 AMX. The GT added an aluminum overlay to the instrument panel, was powered by the {{convert|258|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} I6 as standard, and had a unique striping scheme: a wide tape stripe, outlined by a narrow one, ran back from the front fenders and widened aft of the rear quarter windows. The package also included body-color fender flares and front air dam, as well as body-color bumpers, all of which combined to give the GT a modern, aggressive look. Fewer than 3,000 Gremlin GTs were built.<ref name=how78/>

The Gremlin's body shape had not changed appreciably in its nine years of production, and other more advanced subcompacts, lighter in weight, with more doors, better interiors, and [[front-wheel drive]], had appeared on the market. Gremlin sales for the final year fell 52% to 22,104 units. By the time production ceased, a total of 671,475 Gremlins had been built.<ref name="Ireson">{{cite web |url= http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1026194_blast-from-the-past-amc-gremlin |last=Ireson |first=Nelson |title=Blast from the past: AMC Gremlin |publisher=Motor Authority |date=October 4, 2010 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref>

The updated [[AMC Spirit]] replaced the Gremlin for the 1979 model year, basically "a Gremlin with conventional styling ... Lovable, sturdy cars are hard to kill."<ref name="Jedlicka-import"/>