In the late 1960s, only two U.S. manufacturers built a 2-seat automobile – the Chevrolet Corvette and the American Motors AMX. The latter, a GT-style muscle car, had light sales from 1968 to 1970, so AMC nixed production and turned it into the performance version of the Javelin pony car. This 1973 AMX is one of those machines and seems to be a solid runner with a few imperfections. Located in Aurora, Oregon, this 4-speed performer is available here on craigslist for a dollar short of $25,000. A Barn Finds salute goes to “Curvette” for another great tip!
The Javelin and AMX both arrived in 1968, with the latter being akin to the former with a foot taken out of the wheelbase. The AMX was all about going fast, so when the pony platform was redone for the only time in 1971, the AMX variant was dropped after sales of just 19,000 units in three years. The AMX would continue as a Javelin extension until the company got out of the market in 1974 (as did Chrysler, too, with no more Barracudas and Challengers). In 1973, AMC only found buyers for 25,195 Javelins, and the AMX was no more popular than in the 1960s, at 5,707 copies.
Due to rising insurance premiums and emissions tightening, less powerful engines were finding their way into muscle cars as standard. With the 1973 AMX, the 304 cubic inch V8 was the starting point, with installations at 20% of production. That’s what we have in the seller’s car, assuming it’s original. Since we’re told the car is “very stock,” we assume so at 53,000 miles. The same is deduced of the 4-speed manual transmission, which was optional over a 3-speed.
The interior is at least partially new and looks great. Other than one spot where some rust is trying to brew, the body appears sound, though the orange paint comes across as fading (a variant of the Big Bad colors AMC offered in 1969 and 1970?). The shocks and front suspension bushings were changed not long ago, along with the clutch and drum brakes (weren’t front discs standard on the AMX?). This is a driver quality car, but will it move at the seller’s price (not a Mustang or a Camaro here, the more popular ponies)?
Lots of imperfections for the asking price. There is no reason to believe the mileage is true unless there is documentation, a picture of a 5 digit speedometer on a 50 year old car doesn’t mean much on its own.. The rust in the right rear looks to have either been filler or repaired, then painted, why are the wiper arm missing and seats replaced, gauges not working and it’s a 4 wheel manual drum brake car. The 4spd is a plus, but there are lot of other options in this cars price range. It doesn’t look like a bad car, but that’s a lot of money for what is essentially a driving project.
Steve R
Except for the 1965 Marlin AMC was late to the standard front disk brake party. Not sure of the exact year but it later in the 1970s.
So yes, manual drum brakes were standard on your 1973 AMX. Heck, if it were a 1971 model electric windshield wipers would have been optional!
Good eye lead and a manual transmission are drum brakes best friends.
Always liked these too. Appreciated the attempt to give a single digit salute to the car manufacturing world but alas to no avail..
With that said must agree with one of our better resident automotive sharpshooters, Steve R.This is a case that starts with an acronym my LEO buddy coined well, JDLR-“Just Don’t Look Right..”
I grew up saying stuff like that looked hinky but I liked his definition.
Correct me if I am wrong, but this appears to be a Javelin with added exterior pieces and door panels to create a Javelin AMX. In 71 thru 74 the AMX was the performance package on the AMX. This would include front disk brakes unless customer deleted, a functional cowl induction hood and a complete gauge package including tach, temp, volts and oil pressure gauges.
There were low level Javelin AMXs. Disc brakes had to be ordered, individually, or as part of the GoPac. The VIN indicates this is a Javelin AMX: 304 with floor shift 3 speed.
Just checked the VIN. This was a 3 speed car. Some references maintain that the 4 speed would only be available with the 360 or 401.
These are not 25K cars, yet.