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1 of 729: 1969 AMC AMX

To stand out from its competition from the Detroit “Big 3”, American Motors was never afraid to try something a little different. Like the Gremlin, Pacer, and Eagle automobiles of the 1970s-80s. In 1968, AMC joined the pony car wars with its new Javelin and – to be different – took a foot out of the wheelbase and created the AMX, too. It was a GT-style sport coupe whose closest rival was the Chevy Corvette. This 1969 edition wears an older restoration and presents well as a weekend cruiser. Located in Chandler, Arizona, the 2-seat sports/muscle car is available here on eBay where the bidding holds at $16,100.

The AMX was never a huge sales success as a standalone model, so after three years (1968-70) it became a performance option on the Javelin, gaining a back seat in the process. Out of just 19,134 units built overall, the 1969 model year would be the high-water mark at 8,293 copies. Engine choices included 290, 343, and 390 cubic inch motors, and the 343 with an automatic was a rare pairing in ’69 at a little more than 700 produced. The seller’s car would be one of those.

The term “modified vehicle” is used by the seller to describe the automobile. Since the 25-year-old restoration looks pretty standard, we assume he/she refers to some of the adjustments under the hood. This AMX has a GM alternator and electronic ignition below the distributor, not huge changes to the car. We’re told it runs well and generally serves as a Cars & Coffee kind of vehicle. It once had factory A/C, but the plumbing under the bonnet has been removed.

At 118,000 miles, the AMC product looks quite good. The bodywork and paint done in the 1990s still hold up from what we can see. It’s probably not perfect, but comes with a bunch of extra parts, although there is no mention if any of them will be needed anytime soon.

Comments

  1. Avatar Claudio

    I am a sun person
    My summer time cars have all been convertibles except for a 69 rs camaro
    The amx has always attracted my attention but sadly i would only use it in late fall as my camaro , cause you cant get me in a hardtop on a sunny day …

    Like 3
    • Avatar Ken Haughton

      Hey Claudio! I’m also a sun person. Unfortunately never was able to own much though. Having 2 daughters at 21 and 25 I went the way of responsible dad. So really the only “vehicle” I was able to own was my Suzuki GS750. But I had to sell that too eventually. So over the years I have tried to live a life of a dream car owner vicariously through the medium of the media. But I haven’t come across my choice of a dream vehicle yet. I would give my eye teeth for a 1971 LTD sedan. Looking as plain as a Jane could ever look. But It has to have whatever Ford was offering as a police package in 1971 LTD. Anyway. My girls are all growed up now living across the pond. And I’m now trying to save my nickels ( Canada has no pennies anymore ) to see whatever dream I can dream. God bless my man!!

      Like 0
      • Avatar Motorcityman

        Get a modern Challenger Ken, u won’t look back!
        I’ve on my 4th one, they’re addicting.
        Comfortable, a REAL back seat compared to a Mustang or Camaro and handle fantastic for a 4,000lb car!!
        MPG is pretty good with power…..I get up to 27mpg highway with my 2012 375hp 5.7 RT. The 3.6 305hp V6 can get 31mpg, I’ve had both.

        Like 1
      • Avatar Claudio

        Dear Ken
        You priorities were at the right place all along
        You took care of your children before yourself and sadly many men fail in this category
        I was lucky to have a lot of energy
        My main job paid for the house , kids , food
        And
        My second job paid for my car addiction and my third job , bought and sold cars
        So when i talk cars , i can talk for hours
        You have given a lot and i hope you are healthy and can now have a plaything of your choice

        Like 0
  2. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    The 343 was never really mentioned in conversations with 340’s, 351’s and 350’s but the small block AMC was plenty quick in a light offering like an AMX

    And, when you look at the dollar value of these compared to the big 3, these are bargains in the pony size muscle car marketplace

    Like 10
  3. Avatar Jeff Member

    343 had 280 horses, still had the good 202 heads for breathing ability.
    later it was stroked to make 360 CID. should be a fun driver.

    Like 1
    • Avatar SC/RAMBLER

      Yes but the 1970 and up dog leg exhaust port heads breathed much better. If I had a 343 and could find good 70 -72 cylinder heads and alignment dowels. That’s what I would do

      Like 1
  4. Avatar Steve Clinton

    From the moment the AMX was introduced I SO wanted one.
    Now I am 71 years old and realize some cars just aren’t practical.
    That being said…I WANT THIS AMX!

    Like 20
    • Avatar Jt

      Steve Clinton, I am 71 years old. I wanted an AMX the first time I saw one. I got mine 4 months ago. Calcutta Russet; 343; Go Pack; Console automatic..
      I can’t wait for better weather and cruise-ins and car shows. Buy this car.. You won’t regret it..

      Like 15
    • Avatar Motorcityman

      I bet it sells for around 25K……I too always wanted one, 61 years here.
      I saw a Red one with the 390 For Sale in a Detroit parking lot back around 1983 or so…..he wouldn’t budge from the $4,000 asking price.
      That was Big Bucks back then.

      Like 3
  5. Avatar Howie

    I like it, looks like it will be sold, reserve met.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Jimbosidecar

    At about 15 years of age, a neighbor bought a new AMX with the 390 and 4 speed. He took me for a ride. First time I’d been in a car that went an indicated 140 mph. Also first time I saw what “Power-Shift” was. He must have blown up that motor maybe 4 or 5 times while it was still under warranty. He got it replaced by the dealer every time.

    Like 6
  7. Avatar Larry D

    What a spaghetti conglomeration of spark plug wires. It’s always worth the time and money to cut your own wires to fit its application precisely.

    Like 4
    • Avatar RD Mash

      Lol, yea I noticed that too😂

      Like 0
  8. Avatar SC/RAMBLER

    I was told by an AMC dealership mechanic that if one puts the 70 and up dog leg exhaust port heads on a 343 they will beat a 360 equipped car . Too bad this one has the Borg Warner automatic, as a performance transmission I was told the don’t work out for that

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Gerard Frederick

    Why would anyone remove factory air?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Howie

      They never use it, never worked good, too much weight.

      Like 3
  10. Avatar chrlsful

    power robber frm engine too. It’s all bout Performance (MPGs’n pep) not comfort.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar Paul Whiteside

    Had a 68 that was first sold to Hertz rental car had all accessories 343 auto the air didn’t work, replaced all working parts and air was fine. Great little car sold it to buy a 401 4spd Javelin which was a lot hotter not because of no air it was just plain fast.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Larry D

    I used to own 1968 AMX, Dash Plaque No. 02940. It was a rare car in that it was a 390, 4-speed with Factory Air. Why is that rare? You will find lots of 390, 4-speeds but they have no A/C. Or you will find lots of 390s with A/C but they are automatics.

    Look around at the 1968-70 2-seater AMXs and you will see how rare that car was.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Larry D

    @RD Mash
    Yeah, that is one of my pet peeves. That and cheap, off brand batteries in nice cars.

    Like 1

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