Road Testing the 1971 AMC Gremlin

The AMC Gremlin was a quirky little car made from 1970 to 1978. The angular, economy subcompact has achieved somewhat of a cult status over the years, looking something like a VW Rabbit with the face of an AMC Hornet.

In this vintage film clip that dates back to 1971, Car and Track reporter Bud Lindemann describes the car, along with all of its endearing and not so endearing idiosyncrasies. Seriously, what were they thinking with a hatchback that doesn’t open, and only the window does?

I especially like the part where the guy describes one person’s reaction to the Gremlin’s design – “I’d rather be seen going to work on a skateboard than a Gremlin.” We also learn about the car’s unusual name, and its handling, described as ” light and squirrely” while cornering. And how about that body roll? At least it could go from 0-to-30 mph in 4.1 seconds. Woot!