American Motors wasn’t afraid of doing things differently, and the early two-seat AMXs are a prime example of that. The whole idea must have sprung from a conversation like “why not cut out the middle of a Javelin so that the resulting two-seat car has a wheelbase one inch shorter than a Corvette?” It’s a shame they didn’t go through with the original show car’s “Ramble Seat” (rumble seat), but hey, look what did make it to production! Barn Finds reader Bill W. was kind enough to send this great AMX find in that’s been stored in a chicken coop for the past 25 years. It’s now located in southern New Jersey and is listed for sale here on craigslist for $10,500 or best offer.
While there is a substantial amount of surface rust on this car, there’s not a lot of holes. The thick repaint visible in the shots around the emblems and trim must have protected the metal somewhat. And if you know AMXs and clicked on that emblem link, you’ll have seen that this car has a 390 V8–and I’ll bet your ears just pricked up.
There was an optional “Go Pack” available on these AMXs, and we are told this car has it. There was a four speed transmission with a Hurst shifter, power front disc brakes, the “Twin-Grip” limited slip differential, some heavy-duty suspension parts and some other performance features.
The interior looks like–well, a car that’s been in a chicken coop for 25 years! The seller has accumulated some spare components that are included, such as part of the dash, but if you want this car to look like new you’ll have some more stuff to do and parts to acquire.
Here’s that 390. Sharp eyed AMC fans will note that this is not the stock carburetor, but never fear, it’s included. As a matter of fact, the seller does a lot to answer questions you may have in a short ad, although I would like to see some under car pictures and closeups of the rusty areas.
As a nice final touch from the seller, I’m guessing this is a photograph of what the car when it was in the chicken coop! I know I’d love the opportunity to have this car back on the road!
I would want to know how long the “chicken coop” had been decommissioned before the arrival of the AMX. If the poultry-poop has permeated the porous plastic panels, this could take on the legendary status of the Corvette with the decomposing cadaver.
Yo, looks to me like a solid buy. I’d rotisserie the body and reassemble. The body doesn’t look too rusted out…but some underbody shots would go a long way to help foreign buyers. IMO.
Needs a upclose inspection, but look’s like a good deal. That is some ugly rust and not the pretty kind you can just clear coat I don’t think.
I’m thinking it was in a chicken coop with no fowl in it or the condition would be much worse.
I think these are great,underappreciated/undervalued muscle. Get em while you can. I remember one running at Cecil County Dragway,Md in my youth. It was Big Bad Orange/390,Cragars and it could lift the wheels easily and run with the SS/Z/28 Camaros and the like. Cool as hell.
I think these are great,underappreciated/undervalued muscle. Get em while you can. I remember one running at Cecil County Dragway,Md in my youth. It was Big Bad Orange/390,Cragars and it could lift the wheels easily and run with the SS/Z/28 Camaros and the like. Cool as hell.
http://bringatrailer.com/2015/09/17/big-bad-orange-1969-amc-amx-go-pack/
The AMX is one car that looks cool in orange.
Every car is a barn find these days. I suppose chicken coop adds some zest to the listing, but I would be more convinced if it was covered in actual chicken schmidt.
This is one of those cars where I go “I am interested but it is way too much money for a project.” Then I realize that the money is probably about right these days and cars with two doors built in this era will never be cheap again.
The original ‘chicken coop’ AMX was one of the rare AMX/3 super cars.
Chicken crap & ocean air, a certain combination for disaster, I think I’ll pass.
Two of these in excellent condition went at Mecum last week for $40K which translates to $44K with buyer premium. Higher than average, which is good. Don’t get me wrong, but at that price you would need to do everything yourself not to be very underwater on this one. A whole lotta work here.
like……..
So once there was a chicken, and it took a walk through this shed and now it’s a chicken coop. The End.
In February (2017) we let our ’69 AMX go through the Leake auction here in OKC. I wasn’t too keen on letting it go through with no reserve but was told,” oh this thing will do real good. The car brought $14,000.00.
Sad, sad day, someone got a steal. I will never again let a car go through with no reserve.
Wouldnt it b nice to have enough cash to fix these old beat up cars to pristine condition and do it for love and not worry about losing money?
If only we had the time AND the money. What a life it would be!