AMC Gremlin X Package

AMC Gremlin X Package

The AMC Gremlin is one of the most divisive cars in American automotive history. Introduced on April 1, 1970 — April Fools' Day — it was America's first subcompact car, beating the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega to market by several months. The Gremlin was essentially a Hornet with the rear chopped off, creating a distinctive Kammback profile that inspired both loyalty and ridicule in equal measure.

The X Package was AMC's attempt to add some sporting character to the little econobox. The base engine was the 232 cubic-inch (3,802cc) inline-six producing 100 net horsepower at 3,600 rpm. While hardly exciting, the 232 was a robust, proven engine that provided adequate performance for the Gremlin's modest 1,090 kg curb weight.

The X Package added primarily visual enhancements: racing stripes, slot-styled wheels, bucket seats, a sports steering wheel, floor-mounted shifter, and upgraded trim. The mechanical changes were modest — slightly stiffer springs and shocks — but the visual treatment gave the Gremlin a personality that the base model lacked.

Despite its unconventional appearance, the Gremlin was a practical and affordable car. The truncated rear end actually provided a surprisingly large cargo area when the rear seat was folded, and the car's compact dimensions made it easy to park and maneuver. The inline-six engine was economical and reliable, and maintenance costs were low.

The Gremlin went on to become one of AMC's most successful models, selling over 670,000 units between 1970 and 1978. While it was routinely mocked by automotive journalists and comedians, the Gremlin found a loyal following among practical buyers who valued its low price, decent fuel economy, and quirky charm.

Today, the Gremlin X has developed a cult following. Its distinctive design, association with 1970s automotive culture, and increasing rarity have transformed it from automotive joke to collectible curiosity. Clean, original examples — particularly in bright colors with the X Package — are becoming surprisingly difficult to find and increasingly valuable.