1970 AMC AMX Fastback Coupe

American Motors had a history of producing economy compacts. Their path took a turn when they threw its hat into the muscle-car ring in 1968 with the all-new Javelin pony car. The 2-plus-2 coupe instantly established its performance credentials in the SCCA Trans Am series with a team headed by former Corvette racer Jim Jeffords and drivers Vic Elford and George Follmer.

The AMX, also introduced in 1968, was a bold, two-seat fastback coupe created by removing 12 inches off the Javelin platform and reducing the wheelbase from 109- to 97 inches. Its very compact footprint was a full 2 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Corvette. When AMC announced the car, they stated that racer Craig Breedlove had used it and had set more than a hundred speed records.

The AMX came to full fruition in 1970. It was offered with a complement of engine and transmission options including a 3-speed automatic or Hurst-shifted 4-speed manual transmission. Additionally, a wide range of axle ratios was offered. Buyers could upgrade the AMX from the standard 290 CID V8 with 225 horsepower to a 343 CID offering 280 horsepower. For those seeking more, AMC offered a 390 CID High Compression V8 which produced an impressive 315 horsepower. The 393 V8 used the 343's more efficient cylinder heads and forged-steel crank and connecting rods with larger bearings. It breathed through a sealed-air induction system feeding a single 4-barrel carburetor. In this guise, the 390 AMX could race the quarter mile in the 15-second range.

This particular example is an all original, restored car built to original specifications. It has a Ram Air Go Package with leather interior.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017