Xj-001 Photos

I've posted these before, but here they are hanging up in my garage.
Don't know what these photos are of, google XJ-001.
These just might be the only photos of the vehicle taken at a Jeep dealership...ours.
My dad is in the top right photo, dark shirt, dark glasses.
Lots of media and manufacturer poser shots out there.
I've only posted these here once before. Please do not re-post on the web.
Thank you. Photo credit to Homer/Glenn Miller.

 

It's butt ugly but I still like it.

 

I know it is an actual prototype but it looks like a kit car advertisement in the back of popular mechanics.

 

Didn't you write an article on ewillys about this?

Incredible pictures, what a time to build cars.

 

No but maybe I shared the photos with Dave?
I don't remember.

 

There was always a discussion about AMC 304/auto or Buick 225 V6 and auto?
A closeup solves part of that question: clearly a clutch pedal on the left side, with console shift.
So, we know manual transmission. Was it 4wd ?
It was an AMC creation; it would most likely have one of their engines under the hood.
Keep in mind, dad wasn't allowed to even drive it around the block or take a ride in it.
More of just a show and tell by AMC to the dealer body.
Although the rep drove it from transporter parked a block away to our lot.
There was no announcement they we even stopping here.
Our parts manager called his father at home to quick bring the camera and take photos before it leaves.
So, he took these shots. I wish there were more photos taken and more detailed shots.
At least he had color film in the camera!

Interesting side note: the AMC car dealer was just down the street from us 3-4 blocks away. The car never appeared there.

 

I'd bet money it's a 232.. No reason, just a gut feel.

 

Since I apparently don't have permissions to post or view pictures on this site, here is a link to a related picture posted on another site.

https://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum/index.php?threads/vintage-willys-pictures.2634/page-199

 

Damn, I remember wanting one of those------ Probably good it never happened as I am sure if I had had one, it would have found its way into the rock gardens.

 

Yup, with a lift, more appropriate tires, lockers, winches...

I've got more photos I'll share after I confirm the identity of the people in them.

 

I was totally expecting to see a brick with square headlights. A very dependable and capable brick but a brick. Pleasant surprise to be wrong.

 

If you look at the photos, then close your eyes and think really hard......
You see a Gremlin emerging.
Wait...better to block that image out.

 

Yeah, I'm that guy.. I like Gremlins.

 

I aways had a soft spot for Gremlins. I dated a girl in highschool who had a new one with a 304 . She drove us everywhere in it. Liked that little car, back seat a little tight though.

 

My oldest brother’s best friend was a drag racer in the late ‘60s/early70’s. He special ordered a new ‘74 Gremlin, available for track use only. It came with a factory 401 and T10. When it came in, it had an MCO that allowed him to get plates for it. I got a ride in it the day he picked it up. Yes it was fast! My brother had just gotten his new ‘74 Firebird Formula 455 with the SD engine, and they had a few runs to see which was quicker. It sounded like the Gremlin may have edge it out, but they were very close.
If either of them still had those legendary cars today!
-Donny

 

I wasn't aware AMC was doing that, although they were sponsoring drivers in NASCAR so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Also, we weren't an AMC dealer so probably wasn't available to us either.
Wonder if they are any of these special Gremlin survivors out there?
Certainly, there couldn't have been many produced. Thanks for sharing Donny.

 

My brother’s friend ordered his Gremlin from a local Cincinnati dealer, that in turn placed the ordered with a dealer in Arizona. Apparently the Arizona dealer was factory authorized to swap new 401’s with the 304’s that the cars came from the factory with. The T10 was also part of the swap. Supposedly, less than 25 of these cars were built.
Back to the XJ-001 concept, AMC had some interesting concepts. The original Gremlin concept should have been produced. I have a promotional photo somewhere that I got at a car show in the late ‘60s (‘68?). It had AMX front sheetmetal with a semi-sport wagon mid/rear. The profile was stunning. It was so much better looking (longer/lower) than the Gremlin we got.
-Donny