1969 AMX

The AMX name originates from "American Motors eXperimental", a code used on several early prototypes developed by AMC. These were part of the company's attempt to change its "economy car" image to a more performance and youth-oriented market. The original AMX full-scale model were developed in 1965 by AMC's advanced styling studios under the direction of Charles Mashigan. In 1966, a concept carwas designed by an outside consultant and named the "AMX II". This was a fiberglass-bodied car that was part of AMC's "Project IV" exhibit. AMC, gave the go-ahead for the Italian coachbuilder Vignale to construct a real car. A steel-bodied, operational car was delivered in just 78 days. This was known as the "AMX Vignale" and first displayed at the 1966 New York Auto Show.

American Motors had two simultaneous development programs: (1) to build a production vehicleby modifying the Javelin and (2) to create a completely new car out of fiberglass. The first approach used AMC's existing technology and unibody manufacturing expertise and was thus selected. By making fairly inexpensive modifications to the Javelin, the production car approximated the prototype's styling and proportions. The AMX debuted just over four months after the Javelin went on sale.

This was the first American steel-bodied, two seat production model since the 1957 T bird. The only other two-seat domestic sports car at that time was the Corvette with a 98-inch wheelbase, while the AMX had 97-inches (2463.8 mm) between the front and rear axles. American Motors maximized the performance car connection by having race drivers Craig Breedlove and Lee Breedlove set 106 world speed records with the new AMX . The motoring press was introduced to the new model at the Daytona International Speedway. Even Playboy Enterprises was enlisted to help market the new AMX.

The two-seater AMX was a limited production car built for three model years following its debut as a mid-year model on February 15, 1968. Production totals as follows: 6,725 (1968), 8,293 (1969), and 4,116 (1970).

The AMX was named "Best Engineered Car of the Year" in 1969 and 1970 by the American Society of Automotive Engineers. Among the reasons they cited was its industry-first all one piece injection molded dashboard for safety purposes.

All 1968 to 1970 AMXs came with a 4-barrel carbureted V8's in 290, 343, 360 and 390 in versions, all derived from the same external sized block. A T-10 4-speed manual transmission was standard, as were special traction bars, dual exhaust and fatter tires for better traction. Performance with the latter engine was very competitive, and the AMX found its greatest success on the dragstrip, where it held the Super Stock champion title for many years. When AMC debuted the AMX, they hired on the expertise of Craig Breedlove to challenge the existing national and international speed records. More than 100 records were broken, and some were shattered, including an average speed of 130 mph for 24 hours, compared with the previous record of 103 mph.

In 1971, AMC transferred the AMX name to a performance-oriented version of the Javelin, which continued through 1974.

In 2005, the Speed Channel show American Muscle Car tested an AMX 390 as part of a comparative test to identify "the greatest muscle car ever built." While giving up a great deal of raw power to the other competitors (including a GTO Judge, Mustang Cobra Jet, and Hemi Challenger), the AMX's lighter weight allowed it to be competitive and place above a number of the larger, more powerful cars.

There are many active AMC car clubs for these cars, and parts availability is reasonably good.

This Excellent Example is effectively a number 1 car. I could find no real faults or problems with the car, it is show ready, and would place well in any show you took it to. It runs and drives very well, and needs nothing to be enjoyed immediately. It featurss the 390/4 bbl quadrajet, Auto, and the rare white/red color combination. Our client, a respected local collector purchased the car in 1988 at the National AMC meet where it received Best of Show. The car was completely restored in 1987 and all receipts for that work are with the car as well as factory brochures, and copies of feature articles about this car.

In our opinion these cars are your last chance to get a true Muscle car for reasonable money. All of the competitors to the AMX are selling well into the 6 figures and we think these cars should be as well, but so far the marketplace isnt paying attention, so nows your chance. Don't wait, these cars are going to rise quickly.