3 Horsepower Motor Reviews

Debuting for the princely sum of 79, the original model came with 2 or 4 seats and a choice of a 128 or 145 horsepower motor. It was manufactured by the smallest of the U.S.'s auto companies and being aimed as a competitor to the Volkswagon bug, the Gremlin had a very ambitious genesis.

Shapewise, the Gremlin was quite unusual to look at and it was devised by modifying the AMC Javelin, a former model. Essentially the back section of the Javelin was cut off to produce the Gremlin's unique form; "What happened to the rest of your car?" and other quips were common in regards to the car's strange appearance.

With over 670,000 units being sold, the AMC Gremlin attained a remarkable popularity considering its particular oddities. Nine models were made between the years 1970 - 1978 and much remodelling and modernizing occurred over this time period.

A fascinating piece of information about the Gremlin was the tests conducted by Universities in the early 1970's to run it with alternative fuel sources such as natural gas, hydrogen and even electric power; a forerunner of things to come.

With 28 to 30 miles per gallon, the Gremlin wasn't the most economical car in its class, yet its small six-cylinder engine did produce an impressive power ratio, once clocked as going from zero to 60 mph in just 11.9 seconds. It was used as a racing car by some drivers and was recorded at traveling as fast as 100 mph at the Daytona Speedway.

When the AMC Gremlin was released, one critic said that it was the "best American buy of the year" which was quite a big rap for such a small performer; being quite sprightly, its appeal was enhanced amongst buyers.

Although the AMC Gremlin may not go down in the books as one of the best performing cars in history, it did inspire and excite many with its unique features. An 'Open Fire' Gremlin, 'Gremlin Grinder', and 'Greased Gremlin' were three models that were released as toys, thus expanding on the models overall popularity and impact; a clear plexiglass Gremlin replica was even constructed at one stage.

From the 'Concept 1' and 'Concept 11' through to the 1979 Spirit Liftback (the model that eventually replaced the Gremlin), this odd looking car will always be remembered as being an American phenomenon. Retaining a unique place in the annals of American car culture, it is renowned as being a featured car model in the hit T.V. series "The Simpsons"; Marge Simpson was a proud owner of a Gremlin when in high school and a few other characters also drove them.

Whilst the V8 sporty X package is regarded as the most valuable of the Gremlin line, the many models of this charming automobile that were released shall live on in the memories of its numerous fans. Start your motors!