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As might be expected, there
weren't any major appearance changes made to the Gremlin for model year
1971. The same basic two- and four-seat models were again offered though the
two-seater model would be retired at the end of 1971 after only 3,017 were
produced during the year-and-a-half run. The factory base price for the
two-seater model increased to $1899, while the four-seater could be had for
one dollar shy of $2000.
The 199 cubic-inch engine
disappeared from the line-up after 1970, so the 232 (now downrated to 135
horsepower) became the standard engine for 1971. A new 150 horsepower, 258
cubic inch (4.2L) derivative of the AMC six was made optional. The same
3-speed manual and "Shift-Command" automatic transmissions were offered for
1971. A special 2.37:1 economy axle ratio was standard on Gremlins equipped
with the 232 engine and automatic transmission.
The sporty and desirable "X"
package made its first appearance on the Gremlin option list for 1971. This
package consisted of special "spear" striping on the body sides, body color
grille surround, Goodyear Polyglas D70 x 14 blackwall tires mounted on 14" x
6" slotted wheels (raised white letter tires were optional), space-saver
spare tire, custom interior trim including bucket seats, "engine turned"
instrument trim, and special "X" decals. the rear deck inset panel
containing the taillights received a full width decal as part of the "X"
package. This inset decal was the same color as the body side stripes, and
included an emblem showing the engine displacement in liters. The 232 became
the "3.8 litre", and the newly optional 258 was designated as the "4.2 litre". |
