The AMX was a 2-seat GT-style muscle car built by American Motors from 1968-70. At the time, it was one of only two U.S.-built 2-seaters, the other being the more expensive Chevrolet Corvette. This ’68 edition was built for speed, with its 390 cubic-inch V8, 4-speed manual transmission, and the highly desirable Go Package option or “Go Pack.” This documented survivor needs a bit of work to be a daily driver, much less a showpiece. Located in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, this AMX is available without reserve here on eBay. Interested parties have driven the bids up to $17,977.77.
AMC had two newcomers in 1968, the AMX and the pony car it was based upon, the Javelin. In some respects, the AMX was a Javelin with twelve inches and the back seat removed from the Javelin (remember, it was AMC, and their pockets weren’t as deep as GM, Ford, and Chrysler’s). Over three years, they would build 19,134 copies before deciding to make it a performance option on the 4-seat Javelin for 1971-74. 6,725 AMX’s would see the light of day for 1968, with 2,112 of them being equipped with the drivetrain pairing of the seller’s car. With the Go Pack, the numbers would be smaller, but not known.
The seller uses this car weekly, and it runs well but will need some TLC to recapture former glories. The Go Pack option on this car (which cost $311 back then) would have brought the following items to the AMX: the 390 V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust, heavy-duty cooling system, power front disc brakes, upgraded suspension for improved handling, limited-slip differential, wide-tread tires mounted on 5-spoke “Magnum 500” wheels, and over-the-top racing stripes.
We’re told the car is mostly original, wearing a repaint in the factory color from 1985. Though the seller says it shines up well, its quality now is poor. The “magnet test” reveals that most of the sheet metal is still solid except behind the rear wheels. The driver’s side front fender was repaired ages ago that will need redoing, The paint is bubbling in a few places that may or may not signal bigger issues. And the undercarriage and floorboards look good, though the trunk needs repairs where someone cuts holes for air shock lines.
The red interior looks good to me, but the seller only describes it as Fair. Because of sun exposure over the years, the material should be redyed, and both the carpeting and headliner replaced. Mileage on the AMX has not been noted, but we’re told It’s mechanically sound. Some more modern touches have been done under the hood, such as an Edelbrock Torquer intake, Holley mechanical secondary carb, headers, MSD ignition, and a high-performance camshaft. But the windshield wipers aren’t working, and there is some occasional clutch and shifter noise. Overall, this may be a car you could enjoy for a while before beginning to do some work.
Easy fix for the wipers is to get rid of the vacuum motor and convert to electric. The go pack could also be had in the 343 as well. I’m surprised of all the AMX’s showing up as of late. The 4-speed is definitely the one to have as most seen lately are automatics.
@alphasud. Not so simple to convert to electric wipers. The linkage has to be changed to the correct one for 1968.They are hard to find as it was only used in 1967 & 1968. 1969 & up electric motor linkages had splined wiper arm hubs that are bigger than 67 & 68. They will not fit through the hole in the cowl of a 1968 AMX, Javelin, Rambler etcetera.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…these AMX’s, especially 390 GoPak cars are absolute bargains when you compare them to similar muscle cars of the same era. This is a solid driver from the looks of it and compare that to what the bid would be on a 396 Camaro or Mach I in like condition.
Seems like an honest description in the listing
The rear wheel openings make this car look like it’s moving just sitting there. AMC styling is growing on me.
in 1969 AMC AMX gave up on the ford type 4 speed stick and went to a factory HURST shiffter, for thos quick bang shifts and quicker quarter mile times….fastest 1/4 mile test i could find in a magazine was 14.06
yeah was a 22 dollar option for electric wipers. weird huh? Leather interior was a 60 dollar option. go figure
It’s almost the 70’s and AMC still had vacuum wipers? Were they the last?
Yes, AMC used vacuum wipers all the way through the 1971 model year. Standard electrics did not come until 1972.
I still yearn for a ’68, ’69, or ’70 AMX.
Love ’em or hate ’em, AMC came up with some original (different) designs. The Pacer, Gremlin, and the ’74 to ’78 Matador Coupe come to mind.
I agree, I’ve owned a few Plymouths, a bunch of Chevy’s, and a mustang, but never an AMC, would love this !
I like it, also has a 65 Mustang listed with no bids.
AMC fans are extremely loyal to the marque. A friend in high school bought a red on red 68 4 speed AMX 290 for like $1,100 in 1972. It was like new. He took very good care of it. I had a 70 Road Runner then, but always liked that AMX.
Nice car. And not a camaro/mustang. Basically a shortened and hopped up Hornet, right?
The 390 is a sweet motor and would do this car justice. I had a 360 in my old Cherokee Chief and for a truck with a 2 bbl it ran great!
The style of these early AMX’s just do it for me.
This is from the Javelin platform, and has nothing to do with the Hornet, that came out 2 years afterwards.
@Robt Javelin not Hornet
My mistake.
The Javelin actually preceeded the Hornet by a couple years. But they were both built on the same amc ‘junior’ platform.
Any day Barn Finds lists an AMX…
is a good day for me.
A friend of mine just acquired a 68 AMX. 390/auto. I haven’t driven a muscle car in a while, so he let me drive it for a bit. Yeah,…I forgot what muscle cars were all about. It’s pretty quick. The only thing I found to complain about was the steering column…the steering sat too close to me, and too low. Other that that, I had fun for an hour or so…a 4 speed would have added to the fun.
This car looks in about the same condition. Good luck to the new owner!
One of the things I enjoy about this site is learning about stuff you had no idea about. Like vacuum windshield wipers still being standard in 1971! My 1952 Plymouth touts electric wipers as standard. I love these cars and one of the biggest reasons is that this is the only vehicle that kicked my butt in head to head 1/4 mile stock. Got my 1967 Mustang 390 by half a car length. Good times!
Nice. Didn’t these come with the lo rear gearset to boot ? Whats in there ? 3.91
I purchased a 69 AMX 390 brand new when I was 19 years old. I started saving up for it the day I saw the concept car on the cover of Motor Trend magazine’s May 1966 issue, and was able to pay cash for it in Jan 1970. These cars are a blast to drive, and even though they weren’t the fastest Muscle cars out there, they were among the quickest. They had such phenomenal weight transference that with a 4 speed, 4.11 or steeper gear, it was not uncommon to see daylight under the front wheels. As for the vacuum wipers. I found them to work more quietly, than your typical electrically operated wipers. Infinitely adjustable, and the ones on my car still work fine.