Some classics cross our desks at Barn Finds, and there’s a lot to like. This 1970 AMC AMX is no exception. From its spotless presentation to its 360ci V8 and optional Go Package, it appears to tick the “right” boxes as a high-end driver. Barn Finder Curvette has once again shown an uncanny knack for spotting desirable classics that deserve a closer look, so thank you, Curvette. The seller has listed the AMX here on Craigslist in Port Orchard, Washington, for $42,900.
AMC’s AMX enjoyed a brief spell in the sun, produced from 1968 to 1970. It offered an alternative to the Corvette for those seeking an American two-seat V8, and its relatively larger trunk made it more practical. This AMX left the line in 1970, and the seller says it’s rust-free and has no prior repairs. That isn’t as surprising as it might initially seem, because AMC placed a high emphasis on corrosion prevention measures. That doesn’t mean that they never rust, but they do typically fare better than many classics from this era. This car retains its factory undercoat, which is great news for enthusiasts seeking a rock-solid classic. The car presents beautifully and was recently repainted in its original Sonic Silver. The paint reflects like a mirror, with no patchiness or visible flaws. The panels are straight, and the trim and glass look excellent. The first owner ordered the car with the desirable Go Package, which added a functional Ram Air hood.
The Ram Air hood feeds copious amounts of cold air to this AMX’s 360ci V8. The Go Package also added power front disc brakes, suspension upgrades, and heavy-duty cooling. With a four-speed manual transmission, a Twin Grip rear end, and power steering, it should deliver an effortless, exhilarating motoring experience when the driver unleashes the 290hp and 395 ft/lbs of torque from its V8. Although the seller doesn’t mention it, the spotless state of the motor may indicate a recent rebuild. Everything looks extremely clean, and I would expect that any AMX within this price range to be a turnkey proposition.
The listing suggests the seller recently refurbished the interior, retrimming it in its correct Red leather. Interestingly, I located a prior listing for this car, and the door trims weren’t cut to accommodate aftermarket speakers. I’m not sure whether the ones in this listing are earlier, but I think they probably are. The only other flaw I’ve spotted is a cracked wheel. Otherwise, the interior looks extremely nice and has no aftermarket additions. It isn’t loaded with factory options, but the tilt wheel, factory tachometer, and Hurst shifter give the interior a purposeful appearance.
AMC deserved credit for producing some very interesting vehicles on a limited budget. Admittedly, cars like the Gremlin and Pacer weren’t oil paintings, but the AMX perfectly combined muscular looks with impressive performance. The badge’s time in the market was brief, and sales fell below expectations. The 1970 model year marked the AMX’s end, with 4,116 cars rolling off the line before AMC drew the curtain. Our featured car is a gem and seems ideal for enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver. Interestingly, this is not the seller’s first attempt to sell this classic. I located a recent auction where it failed to sell after the bidding reached $31,876. The current price is at the top end of the market, but do you think that figure is appropriate? I’d be interested to hear your feedback on that question.
Yep, a lot to like here. The price is not a lot to like though considering it’s way past top dollar – should’ve bit at the previous offering.
That said the 2 seat AMX surprised many an unsuspecting driver of one of the Big Three ponies of the day, more so when a 401 was stuffed in there.
Nice car, not so nice price, would enjoy working on this and more so driving it.
Really nice AMX. I don’t recall ever seeing one with a tilt wheel before. I’m sure the 360 4 speed with the Go Package definitely would surprise more than a few other muscle cars at a green light. As Nevadahalfrack already mentioned, that price is too steep for my wallet too.
But wow, the 2 seat AMX is one of my all time favorite AMC cars. Nice find Curvette!! And thank you for the write up too Adam.
Tilt wheel is rare. maybe 10% of AMXs or Javelins.
Gorgeous car, great color combination and drivetrain. I don’t know what prices should be, but there is no reason to sell at a discount if the pictures in the ad are an accurate representative of its condition.
Steve R
Bullseye 🎯 Steve. Blue Ribbon AMC here. Condition, and 4 sp makes it. 360 making plenty of juice.
Nice thing with the 1970 model is you can finally say goodbye to the ancient trunnion-based front suspension and bask in the glory of full ball joints. Looking at the master cylinder this car also appears to have power front disk brakes.
The engine compartment photo doesn’t show the windshield wiper motor though, so I can’t tell if this car has AMC’s infamous standard vacuum type or the optional electrics.
Very nice car overall but too rich for my blood even if it wasn’t thousands of miles away.
The lower portion of the wiper motor is just visible in the photo here in this ad, and it’s definitely an electric version in the Craigslist ad photo.
I’ve owned a couple of cars with vacuum wipers and it’s easy to see why they went out of fashion.
I had a ’68 with a 343 and Auto with A/C. Plastic timing Gear broke and the Mechanic at the Corner Gas Station got me a 360 from a Hornet. Ended up getting 25 Miles per Gallon from the original 11 Miles per Gallon from the 343.
Had the Vacuum Wipers. Best wipers ever. Infinitely Variable, from a slow crawl to super fast. Think they all went to Electric after ’68 didn’t they? Guess they claimed took too much power during Acceleration, although don’t see me accelerating that much in the rain.
This car has no A/C Compressor, but appears to have Factory A/C Vents on the Dash. Can’t see the Controls to verify the Factory A/C. If so, could have been an Engine Swap. Regret having sold it for $500 after 150,000 miles and lots of Rust and Brake problems. Had it for 10 years.
Great color, in and out. Last year for room for two. All it needs is a 390.
I was lucky to drive a 360 and a 390 AMX almost back to back. (just a few days separated the drives) They were both “Go Pack” cars. Since both were trade-ins on new Trans Ams. There was no reason to baby either one. The 390 car definitely had more torque, but the 360 car really didn’t give up much as far as acceleration goes. I would have been happy to have either car back then. (about 1973) And still wouldn’t block access to my garage now. Dad got Aced out on ordering an Avante and (he and I) had just completed a restoration on his ’58 Vette. But he really thought hard about selling the Vette and buying one of these. But never pulled the trigger.
….or a 401.
Needs nothing imo. I’d love to have this car.
My favorite car built by AMC. Shame it didn’t last longer. I really like this but, not for $42,900
Super clean and not too flashy.
Another super fund by Curvete.
When you look under the hood, my first thought was Is that a Pontiac engine in there ?
The Pacific North West is a gold mind for clean classics !
Nice car. I loved the looks of the ’70’ AMX and Javelins. Some of the coolest offerings from AMC. Too rich for my blood and besides I still have my Fairlane in the garage. Haven’t been able to drive it since June. Had shoulder surgery and a 4spd w/manual steering makes it near impossible. Best wishes and have fun to new owner.
Best of luck with your recovery, hope you are Cruisin soon.
Like most everyone was saying it is too rich for my bank account but this is one nice looking car and would make a nice addition to my collection even if it is thousands of miles away. I hope the new owner takes good care of this because we may never see cars like this again.
That was quick. This car was just posted on Bring a Trailer last week. It was bid to low thirties and a no sale. A fair amount for a 360 car. $42,000 is now quite the ask. The many AMC groups have been following and this has had plenty of free advertising.
The seller should be well advised that the demographics are changing and the enthusiasts are aging out. He should have taken the money and ran. Now it’s being shopped around.
Sweet ride, the price might be a tad high, but these days everything has gone up.
It always baffles me why someone would select the smaller engine over the top engine. The cost difference wasn’t great, and the MPG benefits are minimal. Maybe it was insurance? Still a nice car
It was just on Bring a Trailer, RNM at $31,876.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1970-amc-amx-21/
I’m not big on silver cars, but with the red interior, I think it looks sharp.
silver/red a combo you can’t go wrong with.
Vintage American muscle has never been my thing, but if I were to add one to my fleet, it would be one of these…
Nice AMX!! Love the color combo!!
Someone’s dreaming!
And, and, and…………..Gone!!