
There was once a perception that buying a two-seat V8 American passenger car from the late 1960s meant handing over the cash for a Chevrolet Corvette. However, knowledgeable enthusiasts will also nominate the AMC AMX, a classic that provides very respectable performance and excellent comfort. This 1969 AMX is an absolute gem. The owner has been its custodian for over fifty years, and has protected it from adverse weather and abuse. It features a 390ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and the desirable Go Package. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this fantastic survivor listed here on eBay in Addison, Illinois. The seller set their BIN at $39,900 with the option to make an offer.

AMC developed a reputation for pushing boundaries. Cars like the Gremlin and Pacer stood out for their distinctive styling, regardless of whether you find the appearance of either appealing. Releasing the AMX in 1968 was a bold move, one that didn’t translate into enormous sales success. The 1969 model year proved the badge’s high point, with 8,293 buyers handing over their cash to drive away in the company’s daring two-seat GT offering. This vehicle emerged during 1969, ordered by its first owner in Matador Red. The current owner purchased the car in 1974, and it has remained squirreled away in a warm and dry garage ever since. It sees action on fine days, with this approach leaving the AMX nicely preserved. Close inspection reveals minor paint chips, but the panels are straight, the underside is free from penetrating rust, and this classic retains 100% of its original steel. The trim and glass are in good condition, and this AMC rides on its correct Magnum 500 wheels with bright trim rings.

This classic’s first owner ordered the AMX powered by the 390ci V8. They also selected a four-speed manual transmission and didn’t stop wielding their pen until they’d ticked the box beside the Go Package on their Order Form. It added a Twin-Grip rear end, power-assisted front disc brakes, and suspension upgrades to improve the car’s handling. The 390 was a potent piece of equipment, with that year’s Sales Brochure confirming power and torque figures of 315hp and 425 ft/lbs. With the car weighing in at slightly more than 3,200 lbs, acceleration is all that you might rightly expect. The seller indicates that this AMX has been meticulously maintained, and the deal includes an extensive selection of documentation and service records. It recently received major suspension and brake work, and potential buyers can consider this a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.

One aspect of the seller’s listing that I admire is that they don’t try to paint this AMX as something it isn’t. They admit that it recently received new carpet, but the rest of the interior is original and shows wear on the driver’s seat. However, the remaining upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear or distress. Someone also installed a cassette player near the driver’s right knee, but it could be removed if the buyer prefers total originality. The dash and pad are excellent, and the gauges and wheel appear perfect.

Classics with long-term ownership histories are nothing new, but enthusiasts who have been custodians of their cars for over five decades are obviously passionate about their pride and joy. Such is the case with this 1969 AMC AMX. It isn’t perfect, but its overall condition is mighty impressive for what is a genuine survivor. The seller’s price sits high in the current market, but the indications suggest it is justified. This AMX has generated considerable interest since hitting the market, but do you believe that this will translate into sales success?




Look at the dealer invoice in the pics.
You mean where the describe the engine as the 290 not a 390? Hmmmm…
My BIL has been rebuilding a near identical ’69. Runs well but he’s never going to finish the body or repaint it…not skills within his wheelhouse.
Not to disparage my BIL in the least – he added a 4 speed and rebuilt the engine, skills FAR exceeding anything I could do with all nine fingers. NEXT is welding and body when he figures both out and adds them to his wheelhouse!
7th VIN = X = 390
This is great!! I guess they don’t do engine detail.
Invoices generally had 290 listed first, as they were the standard engine in AMXs. The 390 is listed directly below under the headrests, and was naturally, an added cost, as part of the Go Package. The VIN also bears this out, with X in the seventh place. AMCrs only have a few numbers to go by, so we never use terms like ‘numbers matching’. It has presented some issues in the AMC community, such as , there are more Mark Donohue Javelins today, than were produced in 1970! Go figure!
Interesting. Truly heart breaking to finally part with the love of your life. I know many who have AMCs and are the original owners. A thought. Maybe it’s just me. The younger generation is priced out of the housing market. How could they afford to buy a vintage muscle car? You buy a new 69 AMX for $3500. Enjoy it all your adult life. Protect and care for it. Then list it for sale at $40,000. Who is your audience? What seems most important? Finding someone like yourself to be a caregiver or get richly compensated for your time and effort. Take it to an auction and let the sharks go wild. Then your baby is shuffled from collector to collector.
Dang, this thing is beautiful and one of my all time favorite muscle cars. I don’t know their value well, but I’ve seen what appear to be worse deals. Not in my budget, but I dream of finding one of these that’s not so well sorted and possibly is. One of the most underrated muscle cars ever IMHO.