Is this the ultimate AMC? It’s the last of the two-seat AMX models, with the strongest available engine and a four speed. It has the “Go” Package, which includes the twin-grip differential, front disc brakes, and upgraded suspension. It’s Matador Red with a red leather interior. If it’s not the top of the heap, it’s a close enough facsimile. Being sold in Wisconsin, this is an original California car that has been treated to a complete restoration, so it is not going to come cheap. The “Buy It Now” price on eBay is $54,900, which is a lot, but it is in line with the Hagerty Value Guide. Is this AMX worth the money?
The big 390 was boosted to 325 horsepower for 1970, a ten-horsepower increase that was only bettered by the Rebel Machine in 1970. Four-speed cars got a standard 3.54:1 gear out back, with optional 3.15s and 3.91s. The seller doesn’t say which one this car has, but the standard gear is a nice compromise between accelerative fun and general usability. I regularly attend the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drags in Stanton, Michigan, and there’s a red ’70 AMX that turns some impressive quarter-mile times and speeds. The AMC V8 can be a potent package.
An attractive exterior deserves a complementary interior, and this one looks like new, with its red-on-red-on-red motif and handsome “woodgrain” dashboard, which was a bit of an upgrade for 1970 (in my opinion). The seats are genuine leather, which was an option listed in the brochure, and the seller claims that the AMX has a reasonable 87,000 miles on the odometer. I’ve always been a sucker for a four-speed shifter sans console, with nothing but the transmission tunnel between you and the transmission. This is a great interior.
Being a California car, rust shouldn’t be a problem for the new owner, and the pictures show a solid and nicely restored car.
You may have noticed the missing trim rings in the first photograph, but the seller assures us that they are indeed included with the AMX, and has attached this picture as proof.
Perhaps the only item of questionable taste on this beautiful AMX is the luggage rack mounted on the trunk, which the seller claims “may be a dealer installed item.” That’s not a big deal, in my opinion. There are a lot of fans out there of the cars of plucky American Motors, and this might be the best of them. What do you think? Is this the ultimate AMC?
Yes it has all the goodies, but for that money it should be much cleaner.
I owned one of these , a’69 model with the what we called the”skunk” package. Which consisted of all the above+ traction bars. The short wheelbase gave it some low speed agility, but that was about it. A “fair” auto crosser. Even with the 390 engine package, Camaros and Mustangs of the day would beat it every time. Give me a ’69 Z28 any day. I’m not saying the car was not fun, I just wouldn’t spend this kind of money for it. It just ain’t that great.
I also had a 69 AMX. I never drag raced it, but drag racing was what they were best at. I have a 70 390 go-pac Javelin that I like much better–looks, handling, everything. There`s a reason why Javelins were chosen for Trans Am racing.
The Javelin was AMCs Trans Am car because the AMX was not allowed by the rules. The AMX was allowed in SCCA class B racing using the 343 motor. Look up Ike Knupp & TEAM AMX. They whipped Corvettes and everybody else on a shoe string budget.
Back when i had little self control, i scoffed at Mustangs and Camaros. My AMX was a bit warmed up with headers and a carb. If i wanted a challenge, i looked for motorcycles.
Long ago, two AMXs went to an auto-cross sponsored by the local Porsche club. In stock class, an AMX took first. In modified, an AMX took third place. The Porsche guys were pissed….the ALFA guys were very amused. Mario Andretti test drove an AMX in 1968. He really liked it. I will go with what Mario thinks.
Maybe something in the 40’s.The dash has been butchered, with all those little gauges stuck in it. The luggage rack was a dealer-installed option, but a major turn-off for me. I also have to agree with Howie. Shouldn’t it look nicer on the exterior? Being the owner of a 69 AMX, and a long-time AMCr, I LOVE these cars. It’s about time they have started to get some measure of respect and rising values. Mecum sold a 69 Big Bad Blue AMX in July ’22 for $71,000. It’s about time.
In addition to the Pierre Cardin and Levi editions, AMC built this prototype Rodney Dangerfield edition.
Luggage 🧳 rack too 🙌
There was a luggage rack on Shatner’s ’63 split window Corvette he bought USED! in ’67 after acquiring enough money for it from you know what.
Ultimate production AMC? Mark Donohue Javelin, no question. Ultimate AMC ever? AMX/3.
I’m going to go along with Joe S on this one. I have a ‘68 of which I’m very fond, but this is over priced, as it not stock (hacked up dash), nor a well done day 2 or restomod. The lumpy carpet is an indicates a poor quality of work which is a bit worrisome for that kind of money.
Are there missing trim rings on driver side of this neat ride?
That’s what I’m thinking, and that the brake fluid lines leading from the master cylinder look a little wonky.
Jeff, you should read the article here and on Ebay.
Thanks! I see that they are included
It looks like the wrong size wheels and we know wrong size tires. Suspension looks like 4-wheel drive vehicle. Pretty nice looking driver with a little TLC. The right tires and wheels and correct the stance, would make a world of difference in the presentation. Just needs a bunch more time spent on detailing.
I have seen much nicer examples in that price range. While this one is nice, I think it would be better in the $43-45 range.
This guy should go to sleep before he dreams!!!
For that kind of money, this AMX should be perfect and correct in every way. Total restoration doesn`t mean that much if there are incorrect details. What does the underbody look like? Should be show condition.
State Trooper in our area had a 1970 AMC Javelin Mark Donohue Edition And that thing would screem. He was friends with the younger set in town
Looks like the Dodge from last week that had been cut down from an alldoor.
My opinion, provided free of charge for rebuke, not among AMC’s best.
What is with the drivers door- body lines and gaps are not right. The hood gaps are no good. For $55,000, this car is overpriced, IMO. Love this car. Looks more like a survivor that has been cleaned up. Just out of my price range. LOL
I once owned a very similar car. A 70 Javelin SST with white rally stripes. Although I like the looks of the Javelin more this car is rarer with the 4 speed and maybe not worth the ask now but will be in the near future. In my opinion.