AMC AMX, 1968 AMX | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

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With Design Contributions from Brooks Stevens and Vignale
Spawned from the merger of Nash and Hudson in 1954, American Motors carried the 'independent' torch through 1987 until Chrysler absorbed AMC and Jeep (which was acquired by AMC in 1970). While Nash and Hudson ended in 1957, Rambler continued through 1969 as a part of American Motors.

The AMX (American Motors Xperimental) was designed by AMC's VP of Styling, the legendary Dick Teague. It appeared in production as a 2-seater version of the Javelin ponycar in 1968. Vignale, a coachbuilder in Italy, did the prototype with a rumble seat, affectionately known as the 'Ramble Seat.' The AMX continued as a 2-seater through 1970 but fewer than 20,000 were built. From 1971-1974, the second-generation Javelin was complemented by a Javelin AMX that had four seats and a performance-oriented engine.

Ex-champion race car driver Jim Jeffords collaborated with industrial designer and former Studebaker and Jeepster designer Brooks Stevens to custom-build this one-off pre-production AMX. Dave Puhl of Puhl's House of Kustoms in Palatine, IL was contracted to build this car to reflect the original ideas of Vignale. Among the special modifications were the Ramble Seat, a removable Plexiglas rear window, a special air dam on the rear of the roof, a special hood with air induction, and Motor Wheel Spyder wheels. The Candy Apple Red paint was complemented by the Shadow Mask hood treatment.

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The car is still owned by the original owner and has never changed hands. The original selling price was $3786.50. The car was purchased new from Lochmandy Rambler, Ellchart, Indiana. The sales order lists the car as a 1968 Rambler.

The car was featured on the Speed Channel program 'American Muscle Car.' The car has never been restored and only the items needing attention through the years has been repaired.

The AMC AMX, representing American Motors Experimental, was produced in low production numbers produced during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It had similarities to AMC's pony car, the Javelin, but was smaller and had seating for two. The AMX was not only sporty and attractive, but it introduced many 'industry firsts', including being the first production vehicle to use a one-piece injection molded dashboard which greatly improved safety for its occupants. In 1969 and 1970 it was named 'Best Engineered Car of the Year' by the American Automotive Society of Engineers.

There were multiple engines available to the buyer. From 1968 through 1970 a four-barrel carbureted eight-cylinder engine could be had in 290, 343, 360 and 390 cubic-inch flavors. Power was sent to the rear wheels courtesy of the standard T-10 four-speed manual gearbox. Dual exhaust and a special traction bar were also included as standard equipment. Adding to the sporty persona were extra wide tires which provided extra traction and enhanced performance.

In 1968 AMC produced 6,725 examples of the AMX. The following year 8,2963 were produced and in 1970 sales dipped to 4,116. There were 52 examples of the Hurst-modified SS/AMX drag strip racing versions. These are highly sought after in modern times as collector cars.

The AMC AMX was popular on the racing circuit, especially at drag strips. The potent engines and wide tires made them very competitive. The AMX captured the Super Stock Championship title multiple years. Craig Breedlove, a renowned driver with years of experience and many titles was hired by AMC to help further the career performance of the AMX. He did so by breaking over 100 records including the 24 hour average speed record which he averaged 130 mph. The previous record had been 103 mph.

From 1971 through 1974 the AMX name was used on the Javelin indicating the performance option. It was used again in 1977 as a performance option on the Hornet. The following year it was applied to the Concord and in 1979 and 1980 it appeared on the Spirit.

There were three concept versions of the AMX created, known as the AMX/1, AMX/2, and AMX/3. The first operational AMX prototype was debuted in 1966 and resided for a number of years in the Talledega Speedway museum. Two rolling prototypes were made of the AMX/2, with one being used for many years atop of a pole of a used car dealership. In 1970 AMC commissioned ItalDesign to create a mid-engined high-performance version of the AMX, dubbed the AMX/3. The design was mostly by AMC designer Richard 'Dick' Teague and production was done at the former Bizzarrini factory located in Turin, Italy. Only six versions were created from 1969 through 1972. Located mid-ship was a 390 cubic-inch AMC V8 capable of producing 340 horsepower. A custom made OTO Melara five-speed manual gearbox was used and top speed was achieved at 160 mph.

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1968 AMC AMX
Year	1968
Make	AMC
Model	AMX
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Production Years for Series	1968 - 1971
Price	$3,245.00
Weight	3097 lbs \| 1404.8 kg

Engine
Engine Configuration	V
Cylinders	8
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	343.00 CU IN. \| 5621.8 cc. \| 5.6 L.
Valves	16 valves. 2 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain	OHV
Horsepower	235.00 HP (173 KW)
HP to Weight Ratio	13.2 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	42.0 BHP / Liter
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Transmission Information
Gears	4
Transmission	Manual

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1968 AMC AMX