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I'm selling my Gremlin - what is it worth?
The best answer is - "Whatever someone is willing to pay for it."
Just recently I looked at a '72 Gremlin X 401 car that I was very
interested in buying. I felt the car would take a additional $2500 to
really make it a very top notch car, not including a transmission oil
leakage problem and the fact the owner said "it uses a little oil", and
who knows what those items would have cost to correct. I honestly
thought the car was worth $6000-$6500 tops. The car sold for $8,000, so
again "Whatever someone is willing to pay for it."
What is
your car, is it a X model, Rally, GT or a plain Gremlin. Is it a 6
cylinder or a V8 car? What's it's condition? Interior? Body? Rust? Paint?
Drive train? Restored? Is it complete? All of these
questions and a lot more need to be answered.
If you are looking for a dollar amount, I have seen low mileage,
excellent condition Gremlin Xs sell for as little as $2000, and as much as
$15,000. I know of 2 Gremlins valued in excess of $20,000, but
understand these two cars are the finest 2 Gremlins left in existence,
both happen to be 1974 X V8 stock cars.
Some of the most desired Gremlins include the 1978 GT, a very clean 1972 X with a 304; any 1976 with
a 304 (yes, they made 826 V8's that year); a 1970 2 seater or another very unusual
variant. The V8 cars always bring a higher premium over the 6 cylinder, with 401
(non-factory) cars bringing the most. Be careful if you are looking at a V8 cars that sold new as
a 6 cylinder car. It is a common conversion, you just want to be sure the
conversion was done to high quality standards and properly. Some, but
not all of the difference between the 6 cylinder and the V8 cars new
are; engine cross member, front coil springs, heavier suspension, wiring
harness, and larger brakes. The gas line enters the engine compartment
on the driver's side on the V8 cars and on the passenger's side on the 6
cylinder cars. How can you know for sure if a car was a V8 new? check
the VIN#, compare it to the VIN decoder found elsewhere on this site.
Never let anyone tell
you they have a Factory 401 or 360 Gremlin because they do and did not exist. There were
a few dealers that professionally made these conversions and sold them
new, such as the Randall XR-401,
but it was never done by the factory.
I want to buy a Gremlin. What should I look
for?
First, don't buy a Gremlin because you think they will become highly
collectible. I love them, but I am realistic enough to realize that the
Gremlin is a fringe car, and will probably never attain the collectible
status or values of the Mustang, Camaro, GTO or the 57 Chevy. I believe that it will
become more valuable and interesting to collectors, but if you want to
buy one as an investment, buy the very best car you can locate. If
you simply like the car, and enjoy it's looks and character, then by all
means buy what ever you like. They are not all that rare, although it is getting more
difficult, if not almost impossible to find one in pristine condition. Look for a Gremlin that is
as complete, with as little body damage as possible, and with as many
options as possible. GT, X and Rally trim packages are your best bets,
although base models can be dressed nicely, too.
As with any older car, you always want the most complete car possible,
especially since you can not drive down to the local AMC dealer and
order parts. A lot of the parts interchange with the Hornet. Hood,
Doors, Windshield, or just about anything from the rear of the door
forward. Rear interior pieces are all unique to the Gremlin and hard to
find in good shape due to sun damage, so those should be a high
priority. If the engine or transmission is a problem, but the car is
complete and in good shape otherwise, get it. Any AMC 6 or 8 cylinder
engine and transmission from 1970-1987 will fit, including the 232 / 258 6
cylinder, and the 304 / 360 / 401 V8. The earlier AMC 290, 343 and 390 V8s
will also work. Drive train parts are the easiest to locate, one reason
is they are also used in the Jeep market.
Should I get a 6 cylinder or a
V8?
Both are very dependable engines, but the V8s will always have more draw
to collectors, and will most likely retain more resale value. However,
that being said, always buy the best condition car you can, whatever
engine it has. If you want more power, go with the V8. If you want
slightly better gas mileage, go with the 6.
Okay, I've made up my mind I want one, now what do I do?
Join AMO! They mail out a classified newsletter that has cars for sale
every month. Search the internet; this site, AMC Club Sites, auction
sites such as EBay. EBay is a good place to watch the current market
trends, but understand at times the prices are above what most would
consider reasonable prices. |
