standard fuel economy gauge. Cars equipped with automatic transmission included a heater and power steering at no extra cost. 1976 The 1976 models were almost the same as their immediate predecessors; their differences were limited to a compression ratio increase for the I6 from 7.6:1 to 8.0:1. New gauges appeared in the form of a 160 km/h speedometer and revised warning lights, sun visors were redesigned to larger more rectangular units with side bending portions, a new more-ornate dome light lens, new seat, and door panel designs, while a rear defroster was added to the options. The separate seatbelts warning buzzer between the wipers and lights knobs was discontinued. New full-rubber bumper guards became available alongside the already existing metal ones with rubber strips. 1977 The 1977 models had numerous changes. Most noticeable was a new front end that AMC intended to make exclusive for the Gremlin line, consisting of independent squared headlight bezels with rounded corners and an egg-crate smile-shaped grille carrying over the rectangular parking lights of the previous two years and a new front bumper. A second "American" emblem was applied over the front edge of the hood on the right corner. The two-point seatbelts were replaced by fixed three-point units on both sedan models. Wagons included three-point retractable units as a factory issue. The Carter RBS carburetor was discontinued leaving only the YF model on the I6. Two-door sedans with manual transmissions now featured a floor-mounted gearshift with low-back fold-down individual seats, while models with automatic transmissions retained the bench seat with split-folding backs and a column-mounted shifter. This also meant manual units incorporated a safety lock lever in their steering column ignition switch shared with the American Rally model. The seats and door panels were slightly modified from the last year. A new "American" emblem with different typography was applied to the glove box door. The "258" rear quarter panel emblems were replaced by new "4.2" units. Although VAM for the first time introduced a factory air conditioning system for the 1977 model year, it would not be available in the American. The objective was to offer it in high-trim and performance models. However, VAM dealerships could install a universal air conditioning system for non-factory-built units. Rambler American Rally The sporty Rambler American Rally package was originally introduced in 1969 for the third-generation Rambler American two-door sedan as a more economical sporty alternative to the