Here on eBay is a 1969 AMC AMX project car, equipped with a 390 cu. in. V8 motor and a four-speed manual transmission. Bidding is at $5,850, reserve not met, and the car is located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. AMX production was limited as fewer than 20,000 were sold over three model years from 1968 through 1970. Adding to the mystique, special options were featured on some examples and a few unique models punctuated the line-up. Enthusiasts will pay up for the Hurst AMX or the California 500; the 390 motor; a four-speed manual; “Go Package” cars; any Big Bad color; or a later car. This car ticks a couple of “desirability” boxes, with the right motor and manual transmission, which its VIN confirms was the car’s original configuration. While it’s not a Big Bad color, the Bittersweet Orange shows off the AMX’s angular lines exceptionally well. This car came with two black stripes, which are missing entirely from the hood. We can see at a glance that the wheels do not match and the grille is missing. We’ll get to the rust later….
A few parts have disappeared from the engine bay including the original air cleaner, which is becoming difficult to find. Hopefully, the seller has that item lying around. This car doesn’t run, but when the new owner finally gets this beast fired up, it will scoot like a scalded cat. More than one AMX was wadded up from overly enthusiastic driving – it was a lightweight car with no back seat while the 390 supplied over 300 bhp. Its zero to 60 time was a scorching 6.5 seconds.
The new owner will face rust repair (to nearly every panel) in addition to a multitude of other tasks. I’m betting that the rubber in the suspension is rotted; new tires are a must. These cars were delivered with a space saver spare and an air tank canister, both of which seem to be missing. On the other hand, the bumpers are fairly straight, and the owner reports that the car does roll and steer.
The interior needs a Spa Day for sure. Those gauges might require encouragement in order to work again, though at least they are not missing. Do not underestimate the fragility of the interior – it’s all plastic and age makes plastic willing to crack if you just look at it sideways. My 1968 AMX reminds me not to work its interior door handles too vigorously – they are fragile too. All in all, we have a modestly desirable example with substantial needs. I would rather put money into a better-optioned version; what do you think?
When I opened this I thought “Bet I know who reviewer is”! Who knows more about these than you. You have one of finest examples in world!!
Hard pass , as they say
I had a 69 Javelin back in the 80’s, really nice in a blue/blue color. I like the AMX but the Javelin looks more balanced in my opinion
As it sits there’ll be a crankcase pressure buildup problem and power brakes that only work when the throttle is opened. The vacuum hose for the brake booster is connected to the PCV port but should be connected to a fitting that threads into that opening in the top of the intake manifold in front of the carburetor.
“…rather put money into a better-optioned version…”
shucks, “gedem while U can” I say (affordable too).
rest0(mod) means slo deposits of money to me as
well (I sure don’t have a big pot of it lyin round).
Love ta C ur’s sometime. Altho a girlfriend’s ex had 1,
in the day, I’m a much later convert. I luv em, just not
too much body wrk, but any color/configuration… even
like to C 1 photoshoped into a vert. Check this cousin –
a Pacer that’s been modded:
https://www.reddit.com/r/WeirdWheels/comments/gxb72m/pacing_yourself_a_custom_amc_pacer/
Not a great photo, but here she is. Red inter, 390, 4 speed, GoPak.
Ms Rand, that picture just makes me feel better. People just don’t realize what a miracle the decision was for a major auto manufacturer to offer such a radical car. Thank you.
$7,900 now, and looks like reserve has been met.
Missing and hard to fin d OEM parts, rust. Probably be too upside down for me even though I like AMXs.
We’ve definitely seen worse on here. I say restore it. Although, it would take some doing, not the worst. Looks like it’s missing some parts. These cars are getting harder and harder to find. I’ll take this over a Mustake or Camaro anyday.
Just about any AMX is worth saving. But don’t modify too much and keep the 390 and 4 speed for sure
In the early 1990’s I owned a 1973 Mark Donohue edition AMC Javelin, yellow with black striping in mint condition. Blue printed engine to make it a 401. I took it Hershey to sell one day but no one who looked at it believed that the engine was a 401. When I bought it the original owner wanted $4,000 for it. I balked, so she gave it to me for just $2,000. 6 weeks later I flipped it for $4,000 instead of keeping it because I was in the process of restoring a 1954 Hudson Hollywood Super Wasp. Looking back, I should have dumped the Hudson and kept the Javelin. But I always thought the AMX had way better styling than the Javelin. I like the AMX better than any other car from the 1970s.
“enthusiasts will pay up for a Hurst AMX”……just another paltry $100,000.
“hurst AMX”???