Image of 1973 American Motors Gremlin, sourced from www.hagerty.com , Image Link.

1973 American Motors Gremlin: A Quirky Classic

When the automotive world was steeped in a sea of conformity, the 1973 American Motors Gremlin dared to be different. Born out of necessity during an era of fuel crises and economic uncertainty, the Gremlin was American Motors Corporation's (AMC) foray into the subcompact car market. It was a vehicle that not only offered an economical choice for consumers but also became a cultural icon of the 1970s with its unique design and character.

The Gremlin's origin traces back to AMC's innovative approach to compete with the influx of smaller, fuel-efficient imports. As the first American-made subcompact car introduced on April 1, 1970, it was no joke that AMC aimed to disrupt the market. A notable moment in the vehicle's history was its unconventional launch date—April Fools' Day—which mirrored its offbeat personality.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the '73 Gremlin was nothing short of distinctive. With its sharp, sloping rear end and pronounced front grille, it stood out from the crowd. The car's design was a product of both budget constraints and ingenuity, featuring a shortened Hornet platform that resulted in its characteristic truncated tail.

Inside, the Gremlin was surprisingly spacious for its size, offering room for four adults in relative comfort. The quality of materials and assembly reflected its economy-class status but still provided a functional and straightforward cabin. Technological features were modest by today's standards but included essentials for the time, such as an AM radio and optional air conditioning.

Color options ranged from conservative earth tones to vibrant hues that epitomized the era's taste—'Big Bad Orange,' 'Mint Green,' and 'Sunshine Yellow' were among popular choices. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the two-door sedan with its hatchback rear, which provided practicality along with its quirky looks.

Historical Significance

The Gremlin's impact on automotive design was significant as it broke away from traditional aesthetics and introduced America to the concept of smaller cars being viable alternatives. Its introduction predated other domestic subcompacts like the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega, setting a precedent in a previously untapped market segment.

Performance and Handling

Performance-wise, the '73 Gremlin offered various engine options, from a modest inline-six to a more powerful V8 in later models. While not known for blistering speeds, it delivered adequate performance with top speeds around 100 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in about 12 seconds with the six-cylinder engine.

Handling was typical for compact cars of the time—manageable but not sporty. The ride could be bumpy over uneven surfaces, yet it held up reasonably well against windy conditions. Drivers often noted the engine's distinct hum and found joy in the car's simplicity and straightforwardness.

Ownership Experience

The Gremlin served many roles—from daily commuting to becoming a cherished show car. Its reliability was on par for the era, with maintenance being relatively straightforward due to its simple mechanics. However, as with many vehicles from this period, rust could be an issue over time.

Fun Facts

A fun fact about this model is that there were special editions like the Levi’s edition featuring denim upholstery. While not known for breaking speed records, it did achieve sales success with over 671,475 units produced during its entire production run from 1970 to 1978.

Despite criticisms over its unusual styling or modest performance compared to muscle cars of that era, it made cameo appearances in films and TV shows adding to its pop culture legacy.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-preserved 1973 American Motors Gremlin can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on condition and originality—making it an affordable entry point into classic car collecting. Rarity varies by model year and trim; however, due to their utilitarian nature many have not survived which adds value to existing examples.

Price trends suggest that while they may not appreciate rapidly like some classics, they maintain steady interest among enthusiasts who value their uniqueness and nostalgia factor.

Conclusion

The 1973 American Motors Gremlin stands as a testament to innovation during a time when America needed it most. Its legacy is one of bold design choices and practicality wrapped up in an unmistakably funky package. For those looking to capture a slice of Americana or simply own something that breaks away from convention—the Gremlin is an enduring classic that continues to charm collectors and enthusiasts alike.

1973 American Motors Gremlin Hood Bumper. Each-HF 85Hood Bumper. Each

1973 American Motors Gremlin Molded door seals. For 2-door sedan-LM 31-CMolded door seals. For 2-door sedan. Proper clips correctly positioned. 148 in. (375.9 cm) L. Pair. R&L.

1973 American Motors Gremlin Beaded Deck Rack Mounting Pads. 1-7/16" X 3". Pair-MP 622-BBeaded Deck Rack Mounting Pads. 1-7/16" X 3". Pair

1973 American Motors Gremlin Spare Tire Hold Down Nut. 5/16- 18 thread size-WF 3506Spare Tire Hold Down Nut. 5/16- 18 thread size. Replaces OEM #3198901. Each