If you had the money in 1970 and wanted a domestically-produced two-seater with sporting credentials, the most obvious choice was to splash your cash on a Corvette. However, the AMC AMX was a viable alternative that offered good looks and excellent performance. Our feature AMX has recently received a meticulous restoration, and its drivetrain is the most desirable available during that model year. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting the AMX listed here at Hemmings in Lexington, Massachusetts. Cars of this caliber are rarely cheap, and you must part with $78,000 to take this one home.
The AMX appeared as a standalone model in 1968 and would remain in production for only three years before the badge was moved to the Javelin as an options pack. Our feature car is a final-year example that recently underwent a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration. Therefore, the fact that it appears to present perfectly is unsurprising. The first owner chose to clad its exterior in subtle Hialeah Yellow, adding the new-for-1970 Shadow Mask treatment which added $52 to the sticker price. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are laser-straight, and the underside shots confirm that this classic is rust-free. The hood features a functional “Fresh Air” induction system, which was an integral part of the “Go Pack” that was chosen by the first owner. The trim and glass are in as-new condition, with the dealer-fitted side exhaust adding a sense of purpose.
The seller supplies no engine photos but confirms that this AMX features the range-topping 390ci V8, generating 325hp and 420 ft/lbs of torque. The rest of the drivetrain includes a four-speed T-10 manual transmission, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. These were genuinely fast cars, capable of scorching through the ¼-mile in under 15 seconds. The panels and paint weren’t the only aspects of this AMX to have TLC lavished on them during the restoration, with the drivetrain receiving similar attention. The seller states that the car runs and drives extremely well, with the power assistance making it a pleasure to use. Those searching for a turnkey classic offering exhilarating performance may need to look no further than this AMX.
The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this AMX, with the interior receiving a retrim in Black vinyl. Once again, nothing warrants criticism, from the upholstered surfaces to the faux woodgrain. The gauge cluster features clear lenses and crisp markings, and the driver can tailor their position, courtesy of the tilt wheel. Other factory features include a clock, AM/FM radio, and a rim-blow wheel. The seller says that everything works as it should, with no functional issues or other problems.
AMC deserved far greater success than it achieved because the company was home to a collection of innovative thinkers who could extract the most from every penny of the development budget. The AMX was a perfect example of this approach, and I’ve always believed that more than 4,116 of these cars should have rolled off the line in 1970. The seller’s price for this AMX sits at the top end of the market, but its condition and specifications justify that figure. However, I believe that they may need to be patient in their quest to find it a new home, unless you find it irresistible.
I must say kudos to Barn Finds to post something that is on another big car site.
I’m glad they did Howie. This may be one of the sharpest looking AMC AMX models I’ve ever seen. What a beauty 🏁
I agree, Howie, I love looking (dreaming) on Hemmings and until recently, BF would not post the submissions from there.
There are a lot of cars on there that I know BFers would love to see and comment on.
Thanks, i would give you a thumbs up but that has not worked for me in at least a year.
Thanks Howie!
If you really want to gives a thumbs up, there is a way to do it:
When someone leaves a comment, the URL looks like this:
https://barnfinds.com/23k-original-miles-1986-chevrolet-monte-carlo-ss/#comment-1516761
When you click that URL, you can’t leave a thumbs up.
However, if you take that URL and delete the last part of it – in this case, it is #comment-1516761 – and then refresh the page, you can leave thumbs up again.
It looks more difficult than it actually is.
Perhaps you’ve found the problem with the comment like system. I’ll have to forward this info to the plugin developer. Thanks!
Hey Jesse, That would be great – hope it helps!
Beautiful car. Fair price, IMHO
That’s really well done, better than new I’d wager.
Feast your eyes, as you won’t see many like this car, either in publications or in public. There is a charcoal grey 1970 AMX not far from my home. It doesn’t have any of the trimmings this car does. I don’t know what engine it has either. But other than that car, I haven’t seen any AMX in a long time.
Ooh! This is one sweet looking AMX. The lead photo was a little deceiving. I didn’t expect the awesome two tone. Something about a ’70 AMX. It just looks more buff, like a ’69 Camaro or Firebird. Some will prefer the leaner look of the earlier car. I liked the redesigned interior, too. All around great looking car.
Wondering what the option price was for the rim-blow horn steering wheel?
And why anyone would possibly need it?
It was standard on AMX.
Back in the day these were seriously fast cars that sort of flew under the radar. Only car that beat me in my street racing days running my 390 three speed Mustang fastback. Half a car length. Power to weight ratio was the secret sauce for these. This is a really sweet example. If you can afford the price of admission then you will be getting one of the best AMX’s out there. Wish it could be me. GLWTS.
a fav for me from just recently & due to BF.
I noticed the ‘jump seat (between buckets) a rare option.
I agree the blk paint option threw me off, looked all blk in
1st pick.And I would never paint any vehicle (plane, boat
car, cycle, train, etc YELLOW).
As a younger me , I always admired these whenever I saw them and now as a 60 + rebel , I really feel for the underdog that worked so hard to produce such a great machine .
AMC produced some ugly cars to get attention but the BIG guys simply crushed them with lies and fake reviews and articles from paid off magazines , I see things haven’t changed , cause the liars still lie …
YOLO