Editing AMC Gremlin (section)

==== 1972 ====
[[File:1972 Gremlin Sun Roof Option.jpg|thumb|1972 AMC Gremlin X with factory sun roof and V8]]
[[File:1973 AMC Gremlin X and Levi's package finished in Maxi Blue with white stripes at 2017 AMO meet 1of5.jpg|thumb|1973 AMC Gremlin X with Levi's interior trim package]]
[[File:1973 AMC Gremlin X and Levi's package finished in Maxi Blue with white stripes at 2017 AMO meet 5of5.jpg|thumb|1973 AMC Gremlin X with Levi's interior trim package]]
Among many other changes was an available {{convert|304|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[AMC V8 engine|V8 engine]]. It was "the muscle car formula of stuffing a big motor in a small car."<ref name="365mustdrive"/> Engine ratings were downgraded to more accurate [[Society of Automotive Engineers]] (SAE) net&nbsp;hp figures, bringing the {{convert|232|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} engine to {{convert|100|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, the {{convert|258|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} to {{convert|110|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="Flory, p.866">Flory, p. 866.</ref> and the 304 V8 to {{convert|150|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Flory, p.866"/> Even with the lower engine output ratings across the industry, "the V8 Gremlin was a poor-man's Corvette, able to spin its rear tires at will and outrun some larger, more expensive [[pony cars]]" and it was "the only real performance car available under $2,200."

The base two-seater model was discontinued, having sold 3,017 units in 18 months.<ref name="Flory, p.868">Flory, p. 868.</ref> Gremlins also switched from [[Non-synchronous transmission|non-synchronized]] 1st gear [[manual transmission]]s to full synchromesh, and the [[Borg-Warner]]-sourced [[automatic transmission]] was replaced by the [[Chrysler Corporation|Chrysler]]-designed [[TorqueFlite]]. Other minor technical upgrades improved the car's reliability and durability.<ref name=culture/> The Gremlin X package continued to be popular, while optional features now included an AM/FM radio, fabric sunroof, [[Steering wheel#Adjustable steering wheels|tilt steering wheel]], inside hood release, trailer towing package for up to {{convert|2000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} with a [[tow hitch|Class 1 hitch]], as well as manual or power-assisted front [[disk brake]]s.<ref name="stuff72-73">{{cite web|url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin4.htm |website=How Stuff Works |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |title=1972 and 1973 AMC Gremlin |date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200805085736/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1970-1978-amc-gremlin4.htm |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=February 3, 2022}}</ref>

American Motors introduced the automobile industry's first 12-month or {{convert|12000|mi|km|abbr=on}} bumper-to-bumper [[warranty]], called the "Buyer Protection Plan".<ref name="together">{{cite magazine|last=Lund |first=Robert |title=AMC Gets It Together |magazine=Popular Mechanics |volume=136 |issue=4 |pages=116–206 |date=October 1971 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=UtgDAAAAMBAJ&q=1972+AMC+gets+it+together&pg=PA116 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> Its foundation was an emphasis on quality and durability, improved production by reducing the number of models and increasing the level of standard equipment.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Boone |first1=Louis E. |last2=Kurtz |first2=David L. | title=Contemporary Business |url= https://archive.org/details/contemporarybusi0000boon_h9i8 |url-access=registration |publisher=Dryden Press |year=1976 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/contemporarybusi0000boon_h9i8/page/223 223–224] |isbn=978-0-03-013651-1 }}</ref> The new warranty included an innovative promise to customers that AMC would repair anything wrong with the car (except for tires).<ref name="together"/> Owners were provided with a toll-free number to the company, as well as a free loaner car if a warranty repair took overnight. Numerous production and product improvements would result in fewer warranty claims, better [[public relations]], and greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Model year 1972 sales totaled 61,717,<ref name="Flory, p.868"/> a 15% gain over the previous year.<ref name="Flory, p.868"/>