1970 AMC AMX

The American Motors Corporation produced the two-seat AMX from 1968 through 1970. It had a short wheelbase, GT-styling, and was the only American-built steel-bodied two-seater automobile on the market at the time, and the first of its type since the 1955 through 1957 Ford Thunderbird.

The wheelbase of the AMC AMX was one-inch shorter than the Chevrolet Corvette, America's only other two-seater on the market, albeit at a much higher premium. The AMX was much more affordable, and in spite of the enthusiasm for the model and its exceptional value, sales of the well-promoted vehicle were never spectacular. Two specially-prepared AMXs models had been brought to Goodyear's track in Texas where they were driven by Craig Breedlove, his wife Lee, and Ron Dykes to 106 world speed and endurance records in January of 1968. Breedlove later took the AMX to Bonneville where a speed of 189 mph was achieved in a United States Auto Club (USAC) sanctioned run, along with an unofficial run of over 200 mph. The American Society of Automotive Engineers named the AMX as the 'best-engineered car of the year' in 1969 and 1970.

The 1970 AMC AMX came standard with an overhead valve 360 cubic-inch V8 offering 290 horsepower. It was mated to a four-speed manual close-ratio gearbox with floor shift controls. AMC listed the fastback coupe at $3,395 and produced a total of 4,116 examples.

For 1970, the AMX received new rear lamps and a newly restyled front end that it shared with the other performance models in the AMC lineup. The grille was flush with the hood and had a redesigned bumper housing parking lamps. There were circular rally lights in the horizontally divided, cross-hatched grille. The hood featured a muscular Ram-Air induction scoop that allowed cold air into the engine.

The size of the vehicle was modified; it grew in length by about two inches and shrunk in size by one inch. Standard equipment included a heavy-duty 60-amp battery, courtesy lights, rear traction bar, Space-Saver spare tire, E78-14 Blackwall tires, steel-styled wheels, 140 mph speedometer, and dual exhaust system.

This was the final year for the original type AMX. The name would continue to be used on the performance models of the Javelin and Hornet.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe

When the Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson Motor Car companies merged in 1954, the result was the American Motors Corporation. Their purpose was to gain economies of scale and to more effectively compete with the dominant Big Three automakers.

Hudson had a history that dated back to 1909 when it was formed by the Detroit department store magnate, J.L. Hudson and Roy D. Chapin. Nash Motors was founded in 1916 by former General Motors president Charles W. Nash who had acquired the Thomas B. Jeffery Company.

Just like many brands in the late 1960s and early 1970s, AMC aggressively participated in the muscle and pony car scenes. The original AMX was a two-seat high-performance sports sedan that was produced from 1968 to 1971. It was intended to go head-to-head with America's only other two-seater of the era, the Chevrolet Corvette. The AMX name originated from the 'American Motors eXperimental' code used on two prototypes shown on the company's 'Project IV' tour in 1966. Also introduced in 1968, the AMC Javelin was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro.

All AMXs were identified with a glove box-mounted metal plate etched with a sequential identification number. This car has been restored by the current owner.

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: A0C397X289639

This AMC AMX Coupe is powered by the 390 CID engine offering 325 horsepower. It has a rare automatic transmission and is one of about 901 cars that were fitted with this feature in 1970. It has the Go Package, power front disc brakes, handling package, heavy-duty cooling and a Ram Air hood scoop. It is also one of 98 with optional leather seats. The car is fitted with the correct Matador Red paint, tilt wheel, AM/FM radio, console, and 145 MPH speedometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: A0M397X209002

This AMC AMX is an original Ram Air car powered by a 390 CID V8 delivering 325 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque. There is a 4-speed transmission, Hurst linkage, Golden Lime metallic with black C stripe, twin grip positive traction rear axle, powers steering, Go Package includes, front disc brakes, handling package, heavy-duty cooling system and functional Ram Air hood scoop.

The car has been treated to a restoration which included over 1800 hours of labor. It has a new interior including door panels, carpets, seats, dash and wood grain inlay. There are new taillights and lenses, marker lights, and all the stainless steel trim was replaced or restored. There is a new clutch, fuel tank, new Magnum 500 wheels with spinners and Goodyear performance radials. The chrome bumpers were replated and retains its original grille and radiator.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe

This 1970 AMC AMX was originally painted sonic silver that has been repainted Mercedes-Benz Iridium Silver Metallic. The factory 390 is now outfitted with Edelbrock Performer RPM heads, Air-Gap intake manifold, Comp cam, gear drive, electric fuel pump and electronic ignition. This car is one of less than 1,700 factory 390 4-speed cars and the last year of the true 2-seater AMX. It now features a coil-over front suspension, Flowmaster exhaust, and a DTS 9-inch rear with limited slip and 3.70 gears.

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: A0C397P136345

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 Dan Vaughan

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.

by Dan Vaughan