1978 AMC Gremlin GT review from North America
"A very unusual and rare collectible AMC"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Since I started with the car as a project vehicle anyway, it needed quite a lot to bring it back to normal running condition, which has yet to happen. Things that have been replaced so far :
Water pump was bad originally, when car was previously owned. Replaced it.
Carburetor was balky. Replaced with used one.
Gas lines have failed, both rubber and original steel lines. Replaced some of both.
Carburetor quit working, bought new one, still not installed.
Engine started knocking slightly, suspect sticking valve gear.
Rust has started to show on the car in several places, noticeably in the door corners, front windshield pillar, and around the rear tail lights.
General comments?
This is a VERY rare model of Gremlin, only 1 of less than 1,000 known to have been manufactured as a GT in 1978.
The car is worth saving, I actually drove it home after I purchased it, I put air in the tires, rocked it to break the brakes loose, then drove it 9 miles to my house, where it's revival was started, and still ongoing.
The car has many options like a floor mounted gauge package and body aero package around wheel wells with a front air dam.
The paint is Sun Orange with black interior and is striking in appearance.
Recommended reviews
| Driving feels like work, uncomfortable, too many surprise problems |
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| Fun little collectors car. Too rare for a daily driver |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1978 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.2 normal aspiration Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 109000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 109010 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet C20 |
| Date of Entry | 13th July, 2004 |