Ferrari 348 TS Grey 1/18 Diecast Model Car by Bburago Gremlin Diecast Models
Discover our Gremlin diecast model collection, each one officially licensed and finished with collector-grade detail. The Gremlin range is part of our wider AMC collection.
Every model ships brand new in its original packaging. Use the filters to narrow by scale, manufacturer and colour, and check back often — new Gremlin releases arrive with our regular stock updates.
AMC Gremlin: A Historic Compact Car
| Production Years | Body Style | Wheelbase | Engines | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970–1978 | 2-door sedan | 96 in | 199–232 CID I6, 258 CID I6, 304 CID V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic |
A Unique Design Aesthetic
The AMC Gremlin's design was a serious departure from traditional automotive design logic. It boasted a distinctive fastback design, with its body contours breaking away from the conventional symmetry commonly observed in cars of its time. Its compact proportions combined with its truncated tail design earned it its name after a playful, mythical creature - the Gremlin.
Engine and Powertrain
The AMC Gremlin was available with a variety of engines that catered to different needs and preferences. From inline-six engines (199–232 cubic inch displacements, 258 cubic inch displacement) to a 304 cubic inch V8, buyers could choose what suited them best. Regardless of the engine, consumers could choose either a 3-speed or 4-speed manual or a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
Performance Dynamics
The Gremlin was compact and lightweight, which contributed to its lively driving dynamics. The more potent V8 engine, while less fuel-efficient, provided spirited performance and was a rare offering in compact cars of the era. Despite its diminutive proportions, the Gremlin proved surprisingly stable and comfortable to drive, thanks largely to its wide track and long wheelbase.
Innovative Marketing and Branding
The AMC Gremlin was the product of a company that was not afraid to take risks. It was marketed as America's first subcompact car, and its unique and quirky design was heavily emphasized in advertising. AMC's innovative marketing strategy was successful, as it managed to sell over 670,000 Gremlins over its production lifetime.
Historical Significance
The AMC Gremlin broke new ground in the automotive industry. It was one of the first successful American subcompact cars and paved the way for other manufacturers to consider smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Gremlin remains an iconic car, admired for its individuality and the daring vision that brought it into existence.
Legacy and Influence
Despite production ceasing in 1978, the AMC Gremlin's legacy endures. Its influence can be seen in the compact and subcompact cars that proliferated in the American market in the 1980s and beyond. The Gremlin's design, while initially polarizing, is now appreciated for its boldness and originality.
Interesting Facts
The Gremlin showcased AMC’s ingenuity. In 1974, the Gremlin was available with a Levi's jeans trim package - an automotive industry first. In its home market, AMC collaborated with famous cartoonist Carl Grutch to design a unique 'Gremlin mascots' marketing campaign, which quickly caught the public’s imagination and further boosted the car’s popularity.
Preservation and Pop Culture
Today, preserved AMC Gremlins are prized possessions in classic car circles. The Gremlin has also found its way into pop culture. It was featured famously in the 2009 Hollywood movie Cars where it was represented by the character 'Grem', cementing its place in popular culture.