The AMC Gremlin X 304 sits at the crossroads of quirky design and genuine muscle, a short-wheelbase subcompact hiding a V8 that belonged in something much larger. Collectors have finally caught up to that contradiction, which means knowing exactly which years AMC built the 304-powered Gremlin X is now critical to understanding what these cars are worth. I want to trace how the model evolved, when the 304 came and went, and why surviving examples command a growing premium in today’s market.

How the Gremlin X 304 fit into AMC’s small-car gamble

AMC launched the Gremlin as a bold answer to the early 1970s shift toward smaller, more efficient cars, but the company also understood that American buyers still craved performance. The Gremlin X package added visual punch with stripes, sport wheels, and upgraded trim, and pairing that appearance group with the 304 cubic inch V8 turned the stubby hatchback into a genuine straight-line threat. Period specifications show that the 304-equipped Gremlin X delivered V8 torque in a wheelbase shorter than many compact rivals, which gave it a reputation for lively acceleration and a slightly unruly personality on the street, especially compared with the six-cylinder versions that made up most Gremlin sales.

That combination of economy-car footprint and optional V8 power was unusual even in the muscle era, and it is a big part of why the 304 cars stand apart today. Contemporary road tests and factory literature describe the Gremlin X 304 as a budget performance car that undercut larger pony cars on price while offering similar straight-line performance when properly optioned, particularly with the 4‑barrel carburetor and performance axle ratios. The fact that AMC wrapped this package in a body style often dismissed as odd or utilitarian only sharpened its appeal to buyers who wanted something different, and that same offbeat image now helps the model stand out in auction catalogs and private listings.

The exact years AMC offered the Gremlin X with the 304 V8

To pin down values, I first need to be precise about when the 304 V8 was actually available in the Gremlin X. Factory documentation and period option charts indicate that AMC introduced the 304 cubic inch V8 in the Gremlin line for the 1972 model year, offered it again in 1973 and 1974, and then continued limited availability into the mid‑1970s before tightening emissions and fuel economy rules pushed the company toward smaller engines. These sources consistently show the 304 as the top engine choice in the Gremlin range during those years, sitting above the 232 and 258 inline‑six options and marketed as the performance centerpiece of the X package.

By the later 1970s, regulatory pressure and changing buyer priorities made it harder for AMC to justify a relatively large V8 in a subcompact, and the 304 gradually disappeared from the Gremlin order sheet. Production figures from enthusiast registries and period sales data confirm that V8-equipped Gremlins represented only a fraction of total output across those model years, which means that genuine Gremlin X 304 cars are significantly rarer than their six‑cylinder counterparts. That limited production window, combined with the attrition that naturally hits inexpensive used cars, explains why documented 304 X examples now draw outsized attention when they surface in the collector market.

What sets a true Gremlin X 304 apart from lesser trims

Because values hinge on authenticity, I pay close attention to the details that separate a real Gremlin X 304 from a dressed‑up base car. Original build sheets, door tags, and VIN data are the first line of defense, since they tie a specific car to the 304 engine code and the X appearance package as it left the factory. Beyond paperwork, surviving examples typically show the correct combination of exterior striping, sport wheels, bucket seats, and performance‑oriented gauges that were bundled with the X trim, along with chassis upgrades such as heavier‑duty springs and brakes that AMC paired with the V8.

Engine bay inspection is just as important, because decades of engine swaps and hot‑rodding can blur the line between original and modified cars. Factory‑correct 304 installations carry specific casting numbers, accessory layouts, and emissions equipment that match the model year, while the rest of the drivetrain, including transmission and rear axle ratios, should align with period option lists. When those mechanical details line up with documentation, appraisers and buyers are far more willing to treat the car as a genuine Gremlin X 304 and pay a premium over visually similar cars that started life with a six‑cylinder or received a later V8 transplant.

Current market values for the Gremlin X 304

Values for the Gremlin X 304 have climbed as the broader muscle and malaise‑era market has matured, but they still lag behind more mainstream performance icons, which is part of their appeal. Recent auction data and price guides show that driver‑quality 304 cars with presentable paint and interiors typically trade in the mid‑five‑figure range, with condition, originality, and documentation making the biggest difference. Well‑preserved examples that retain factory paint, interior trim, and matching‑numbers drivetrains can push higher, especially when they feature desirable colors, four‑speed manuals, or rare option combinations that underline the car’s performance intent.

At the top of the market, fully restored Gremlin X 304s with verified provenance have begun to approach prices that would have seemed unlikely a decade ago, reflecting a broader reassessment of 1970s performance cars. Auction results highlight that buyers are willing to pay a clear premium for cars with original engine blocks, correct X‑package details, and thorough paper trails, while modified or engine‑swapped cars tend to sell at a discount even when they are cosmetically impressive. That spread underscores how much the market now values authenticity in this niche, and it explains why owners who can document a car’s history often see stronger offers than those relying solely on visual appeal.

Factors that influence what a Gremlin X 304 is worth now

Condition remains the single most important factor in valuing a Gremlin X 304, but the specifics of what “condition” means for this model are worth unpacking. Rust is a recurring concern, particularly in the rear quarters, floorpans, and lower fenders, and extensive corrosion repair can drag down values even on otherwise attractive cars. Interior originality also matters, since sourcing correct upholstery patterns, dash components, and trim pieces for a 1970s AMC can be more challenging than for higher‑volume Detroit muscle, which makes unrestored but well‑preserved cabins especially desirable to collectors who prize period correctness.

Beyond physical condition, documentation and rarity of specification play a major role in setting prices. Cars with original window stickers, dealer invoices, and long‑term ownership histories tend to command stronger bids, because they reduce uncertainty about how the car was built and used. Unusual combinations, such as specific paint and stripe packages, factory air conditioning paired with performance gearing, or low‑production color choices, can further lift values when they are backed by paperwork. Conversely, heavy modifications that stray far from factory configuration, including aftermarket body kits, non‑period wheels, or modern engine swaps, often narrow the pool of interested buyers and cap resale potential, even if they improve performance or drivability.

Looking across those factors, I see the Gremlin X 304 occupying a sweet spot for enthusiasts who want something distinctive, historically interesting, and still relatively attainable compared with the most famous muscle cars. The limited production years for the 304 V8, the model’s unmistakable styling, and the growing appreciation for 1970s performance all support a market that has been trending upward, especially for documented, largely original examples. For buyers and owners alike, understanding exactly when AMC built these cars and how the market now rewards authenticity is the key to making smart decisions about what a Gremlin X 304 is really worth today.