Damaged Box
A 2005 book described the Gremlin as a "bold and innovative" response to two imminent crises faced by the American automobile industry at the time of its design: reduced gasoline supplies, and an "alarming increase" in the sale of fuel-efficient imports. The idea for the Gremlin began in 1966 when design chief at American Motors, Richard A. Teague, and stylist Bob Nixon discussed the possibility of a shortened version of AMC's compact car and design sketches were prepared by Nixon. Ultimately designed by Nixon, the car was based on a shortened and adapted Hornet platform with a Kammback-type tail. Faster than other subcompacts of the time, it competed with the Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto, and also with imported cars including the VW Beetle and Toyota Corona. The manufacturer described it as "the first American-built import".
The Gremlin was introduced on 1 April 1970, and a total of 671,475 were built in its single generation (one chassis design) and also in only one body style. AMT replicated the AMC Gremlin beginning in 1973 and produced annual kits in 1974, 1975, and 1976. This fresh reissue (2012), with original parts restored, faithfully reproduces the 1975 AMT annual right down to the box art. This kit is loaded with optional parts and features to build either a stock or drag racing version. Remember those wild at the time blue jean denim seats? They are reproduced here.
