American Motors beefed up the muscle car side of its business in the late 1960s. The AMX debuted in 1968 as a GT-style performance car with 2-seats. So, its closest competitor may have been the Chevy Corvette. Akin to the also new Javelin, the AMX was only offered as a standalone model for three years. This ’68 edition has been sitting in a barn for many moons, and the body has its share of issues. Hoping to be freed from its perch in Snohomish, Washington, this well-worn project is available here on craigslist for $5,500. Kudos to “Barney” for the tip!
Just 19,134 AMXs left AMC’s possession from 1968-70. 6,725 were built in the first year, and only 902 came with a 343 cubic inch V8 and an automatic transmission like the seller’s car. So, if it should happen to be numbers-matching, it would be a rare automobile after 58 years. But time and Mother Nature have not been kind to this machine, so if you plan to restore it, get your finances in order.
The history of the AMX isn’t known, but it saw enough use over the years to have the odometer turnover (something you don’t see on newer cars since they went from five significant digits to six). The body is full of dents, and the hood isn’t in the photos, but the seller says it’s there somewhere and will go with the sale.
Obviously, this AMC doesn’t run, and we don’t know what it might take to coax the engine back to life. The original color may have been silver, and the needy interior is red. The project car sports Magnum 500 wheels, which is a plus in its favor. Bring cash and a trailer, but keep your hands off the nearby Challenger as it’s not for sale.
Love that aftermarket Hard Hat style air filter!!! Ok…. Sorry…. Couldn’t resist. Even though they’re a two seater I never put an AMX in the same croud as a Vette. I always considered them as a very unique 2 seater coupe. The lines are beautifully done on these, the proportions, everything. Dick Teague did a phenomenal job when he designed these. I’m sure this one looked amazing with its silver paint and red interior, a really nice combination. I know the 343 is no 390 but I’m sure it was no slouch either. Hopefully someone can save this one and iron out those wrinkles. Great write up Russ, thank you.
LOL! Everyone knows that rodents are VERY afraid of the color yellow and would never risk it and crawl underneath.
What a crazy idea,
Well, the last line in the ad answered my unasked question, LOL!! :-)
Some unanswered here like does the engine rotate 360*, are all the missing parts accounted for, why was it parked/partially stripped and what does the underside look like?
But whatever the answers, here’s to hoping someone brings this back to life and cares for it-yes we realize it’s “just an AMC” but it’s a chapter in the automotive book that shouldn’t be forgotten and/or neglected.
GLWTS
The ad leaves more than a little bit to be desired. This is the kind of car that serious potential buyers within driving distance will go see in person. It doesn’t really matter if the seller sends you more pictures and information, you’ve got to show up to get the deals. It’s rough, but if it doesn’t need significant rust repair an AMX enthusiast might find it worth the effort. There is a reason why many sellers of cars featured on this site have been highlighted multiple times, while there are a significant number of readers that complaint there aren’t any more reasonably priced cars. Both can’t be true at the same time.
Steve R
Well said Steve R. These are the types of cars I am most interested in. For me the project is a big part of the interest in the hobby. These are a personal favorite of the muscle car era for me. If I was anywhere nearby I’d do exactly as you suggest and go have a look. I sure hope someone can bring this back to life.
Looks worth saving. I like restoring anything and like AMXs. Total restoration needed here. Plenty of work, time and money. I like things as new as possible when finished or it`s not worth the effort.
worth saving but won’t be cheap to save
I agree with Driveinstile. As a long time AMX and Javelin owner, I have never considered the AMX to be in anything but a class of its own. It is not a sports car in the classic sense. It is not a pony car (that’s the Javelin), and it isn’t a muscle car, by definition. It is unique, from a car company that lived by the old saying….’necessity is the mother of invention’. If you haven’t watched the recent documentary about AMC (The Last of the Independents), I suggest you do. For non AMC guys, especially.
As an AMC enthusiast and former AMX and Javelin owner restoring this car is not that far out of the question in terms of parts or expense but as it was said “if it is numbers matching” wjich diesn’t happen with AMC as there is no such thing. It would look great back in a nice silver exterior and red interior. Don’t restore it to think you will make money though as they don’t sell for bib bucks unless they are exceptional or have some rare qualities. Great project if all the parts are there car for the right price.
Totally agree, I will never sell my 70 AMX. As far as numbers matching you are correct. But you can come close. This AMX seems to have the engine code tag still screwed to the right valve cover. That and the block numbers, and the car manufacture date on the drivers door and engine code in the vin will get you as close as possible. The engine needs to be assembled with in 2 weeks prior to the car build date. A 343 4v should have a Z code. The engine was good for 280 hp and 360 lb ft of torque.
AMC did not have numbers matching, but you can tell by the tag on the right valve cover, which appears to be in place, will show the build date and engine code. you can then look on the drivers door and get the yr and month of the AMX assembly date. The engine should have been built within 2 wks prior to the car assembly date. The 343 4v should have an engine code of Z. That 343 had 10.2:1 compression and 280 hp with 365 lb ft of torque.
IIRC, the door tag on 68 & 69 cars did not have month/year listing. It can only tell what year, which assembly line and the order it was produced. From the car’s VIN, the week it was produced can be determined. i do not have the tables with that info.
Looks like the seller would at least roll up the windows to keep the chickens out of both cars. Really neglected cars.
A Rambler, by any other name.
CEO of AMC at the time was Roy Chapin Jr. The son of the founder of Hudson….as in Hudson Hornet. The most dominant car in the history of NASCAR.
💥 Did he win the Demo Derby?!? 💥 pl