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article cited that it provided an outstanding performance for an economy car. Over the life of the Gremlin, between 1970 and 1978, modifications were made and performance increased. Offered as an option in 1970, the 232 ci engine became standard in 1971. A V8 engine was introduced in 1972 and the base two-seater model was discontinued. The bumpers were strengthened for the 1973 model and sales grew by 30 per cent on 1972 figures. The side body stripes, offered as part of the “X” package introduced in 1971, took on a hockey stick shape in 1974 and, by 1975, standard electronic ignition was included. Greater changes came in 1976, with a four- speed manual transmission, and further modifications were made in 1977, including shortening the front end by four inches. In 1978, sales of the Gremlin fell by 52 per cent but an impressive 671,475 had been built by the time the car ceased production.

 BELOW: The 1971 AMC Gremlin, shown in 1970.

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 BELOW: AMC releasing the 1974 model of the Gremlin.

as standard. The option came as a 232 ci (3.8 L) straight-six engine that produced 145 hp. It was rated by Tom McCahill in Mechanic Illustrated in 1970 as: “…the best American buy of the year,” when the option engine made zero to 60 mph in 11.9 seconds and managed 100 mph on the Daytona Speedway. Car and Driver magazine confirmed McCahill’s findings, while another