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Model year 1972 saw little
styling change in the Gremlin, though the small chrome Gremlin character
found on the front fenders of the 1970-'71 models was eliminated. The big
news for '72 was under the sheet metal. While the 232 and 258 CID sixes were
continued from 1971 (now rated at 100 and 110 net horsepower respectively),
the 150 (net) horsepower, 304 cubic inch V8 could now be found on the
Gremlin's option sheet.
As might be expected, the V8
engine gave the relatively lightweight Gremlin very lively performance. Road
tests showed that a stock V8 Gremlin could get from 0-60 MPH in 8.5 seconds,
while the quarter mile could be covered in 16.8 seconds with a terminal
speed of over 80 MPH. This is respectable acceleration, considering that the
304 was inhaling through a smallish 2-barrel carburetor and a exhaling via a
restrictive single exhaust. The 304 was identified by a "5-litre V8" badge
on the rear inset panel of cars equipped with the "X" package.
AMC switched to a
Chrysler-supplied, "Torque-Command' automatic transmission for 1972,
replacing the Borg-Warner unit used previously. This transmission, already
well proven in Chrysler vehicles for many years, was generally smoother
shifting and more reliable than the old Borg-Warners. Other revisions for
1972 included redesigned front seats, fully synchronized manual
transmission, and improvements in both the suspension and brakes. |
