The AMX was a 2-seat GT-style performance car sold by American Motors between 1968 and 1970. From 1971 to 1974, it was a 4-seat extension of the Javelin pony car. And the name returned in 1979-80 as largely an appearance package on the Spirit subcompact. The latter is the rarest of the lot at just 4,500 copies, and a V8 version was only offered in 1979. That’s what the seller has to present, restored about 20 years ago. Located somewhere in Canada, this AMC is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $760.21 USD with an unmet reserve.
AMC’s Spirit (1979 to 1983) was a Gremlin with new sheet metal. And continued to be produced as a hatchback. With a 304 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel), that was as potent as the latest AMX would get. The package focused on appearance and graphics such as fender flares, a front air dam, a more “spirited” suspension, and bigger wheels and tires. And there was a great big AMX in the center of the hood. The 1979 AMX was the last AMC car to be sold with a V8 engine.
The seller’s auto is one of 3,657 produced with AMX graphics. The number built with the 304 isn’t known versus an inline-6. It’s a one-owner vehicle, and the seller’s listing reads like it was placed by a dealer. Its rarity probably increases because we’re told the color (Wedgewood Blue) was seldom used. We’re also informed that the vehicle has a manual transmission, though the seller doesn’t differentiate between a 3 or 4-speed. The mileage is shown as 572,000, but surely that’s a misprint.
This vehicle was restored in 2007, and some minor rust and paint defects have developed over time. The doors tend to be finicky (probably out of alignment). Two sets of rims are provided with good tires all around. Spare parts are included along with a pair of extra fenders. It gets even better as a spare hatch is thrown in along with another 304 V8 that came out of a 1970 AMX with a 4-barrel carburetor. Does this era of the AMX boil your blood any?
Its a four speed. I zoomed in. Sweet ride. Its one I would want if I could now. AMC was way ahead of their time.
Wow I didn’t know they made them in this color! My aunt had a 1979 Concord Limited in this Wedgewood Blue. I’ve never seen an AMX in it. They are usually black , red or sometimes white.
Me neither! I like these quad headlight AMXs in black with the orange graphics!
Nice car although you have to wonder what kind of restoration was undertaken when it has that much rust? Would need to add some vintage AC but still a nice car as long as the rust is repairable.
Great looking ride. I seen one like this since I was a teenager back 79. I remember it was black with AMX stickers on it and same rims. It was cool looking. Some AMC guys wanted to drop in a 401 or 390 into it. I don’t know it that happened…. But, there is always a but..🙄 Mr. Bondo reared its ugly head in the doors ,quarter panel and rocker panel. Also should remove the seat covers to show us the damage to it. I got a kick out of all the Audio equipment installed. You know its from late 70s early 80s equipment. 😂. 304 is not bad once you install a 4 bbl and intake and change the cam if you want to. The price i would give $11,000.00 tops of American Money 💰. Good luck to the seller. 🇺🇸🐻
Lots of rust. And what is all that stuff wedged into and under the dashboard. I’d like to know who’s idea of restored this is.
Worked bussing tables at a Country Club the Summer of 79′. Head Waiter “Mitch” had just bought a new 79′ AMX, kept talking about how it was such a better deal than a 79′ Mustang.
If you look close you can see a Vacuum Guage in the Console, quirky AMC!
Somewhere in Canada? Burnaby is basically part of Vancouver.
Quite rare, but that typically means few wanted one back in the day. I like the AMX myself and it sure would stand out at the car events. I am going to guess AMC made very few cars in 1979 with a factory tachometer.
I would sure have concerns on the rust. It’s more than minor in my mind and it’s going to be costly to do it right.
Still, pretty neat car!
Cool car considering the number of takers there were in ’79. Graphics replaced raw performance but we all know what was going on at the time. The manufacturers were attempting to keep the memory alive as best they could. AMC was all but gone with twists and turns unimaginable ahead.
Very nice. There’s a bit more blue in the interior than I would prefer, but it wouldn’t stop me from driving it daily.
An epic tale, mostly forgotten now, is how a team of two of these AMX’s, running on BFG street radials, placed first and second in class in the 1979 Nürburgring 24 Hours Race for FIA Group 1 sedans. They qualified 20th and 21 out of field of 109 cars and finished 25th and 49th overall. Team Highball’s drivers were Amos Johnson, Lyn St. James, Dennis Shaw, Jim Downing, Gary Witzenburg, and actor James Brolin. Hagerty media has a great article on the race, written by Gary Witzenburg and BFG made a documentary that’s probably out there somewhere. Makes this car special.
pretty lame seat covers and steering wheel cover beside all the other issues.1 thing for sure you won’t see another 1
Even as ugly as this vehicle is, and i am taking into consideration that this was 1979. The only thing that could help this so called AMX, is a complete drivetrain from a 1968-1970 AMX, or a 1971-1974 AMX Javelin.
Back around 1980 I was at a dealer’s only wholesale auto auction and came across one of these. It was the V8 4 speed version. This one was black with the graphics package. I remember being impressed at the time with the power and how it drove. To me it felt much more tighter and responsive than the Mustang of the time. It is hard to say if it was quicker or not but I’m confident that the two were a fairly even match. Build quality on the Mustang was better in terms of body gaps, quality of interior materials etc.
There were 1977 and 1978 AMXs, based on the Hornet hatchback.
These are pretty cool cars!! Should be pretty snappy with that powertrain!!
No Howard comment yet??
Who is Howard??
I had this exact car. Bought it new and still have the original window sticker. Unfortunately it was rusted out in spots in 3 years. Traded it in on a 1982 Mustang GT.
Ended at $5100 Canadian.
Reserve Not Met.
6 bids.