When Elvis passed over 40 years ago in 1977, this 1970 AMC AMX had just freshly been put into barn storage. That is exactly where it sat until the current owner, a friend of the seller, located and removed it recently. After 40 years relaxing in the dark, this AMX is in great restorable condition, especially considering it is located in Minnesota. This is also likely due to the 57,428 mile odometer reading. The seller believes this to be accurate, as when this car was transported (presumably to where it was parked) in April of 1977, the odometer read this number as indicated by the transporter’s receipt that was found in the car. You can find this white beauty here on eBay with the reserve off and bidding at $13,301.
The interior is all there and complete, but is definitely showing signs of aging. It is hard to tell from the pictures, but to me it looks like primarily moisture and mold damage which would be consistent with being parked for several decades. The door panels are the best part of the interior, as the seats show separation and the dash is mildly warped. The windshield will also need to be replaced. Though it would be tempting to leave this original, the car has already suffered a repaint so there is not much point in keeping a deteriorating interior!
The engine is an AMC 360 V8, and while a larger 390 was available, the 360 will provide plenty of power in a short wheelbase, two seater car like this. As a small, sporty, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered car, the AMC AMX was something of a competitor for the Corvette of the time. Why would someone choose this over a Corvette? It cost less. The seller says that the engine is not seized but has not been started, and that although it has the air induction hood, the air cleaner and induction components were stolen at some point in the past.
I am by no means a big AMC fan, but I have always though the rear ends of these cars were pleasing. It is symmetrical, simple, clean, and has just the right amount of curves to be interesting. Though it often falls second to the Javelin AMX in the eyes of the public, truthfully they were two different cars of slightly different classes. This car isn’t all original, nor is it perfect. It is mostly rust-free, but the trunk lid is in rough shape on the underside and the seller states that there is “light scale” on some of the suspension components. The majority of the sheet metal appears to be in good shape, and provided that there isn’t any shady bodywork hiding under that repaint, it could be a simple project.
Hagerty lists a “Fair” price of 9900. Being an auto without AC, this model isn’t particularly “hot”. Concours models top out about 32k. The missing induction parts are unfortunate. Seems the bidding is well above what this current vehicle is actually worth. These models do stand out and have a dedicated following. Hard to say what lies under that newer paint – that would be my main concern on this one.
The car is actually worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for it…
Not being an AMC fan, I am surprised by comment, and pricing of this car, I assumed it was a lot better deal, than it might actually be.
Clean it up, take care of what needs to be done and drive it for what it’s worth.
Only thing it lacks is a 4 speed but that’s another thought, too bad it wasn’t ordered that way.
A corvette competitor? That’s funny!
Look it up, seriously.
I own a 1970 390 4 speed AMX and a 1973 454 4 speed convertible Corvette both cars are in very nice clean and up to snuff under the hoods and the AMX schools the Vette every time.
Nice car, but then I’ve always loved Javelin’s and AMX’s, even though I’ve only ever owned Chevy’s and Pontiac’s. I think part of it was that I was a Mark Donohue fan, and part of it was that AMC underdog thing.
Back in 1970, a friend’s father bought a new, leftover 69 AMX. It was a 390, automatic, with a 3:91 posi rear, and red lines mounted on dark gray Magnum 500 wheels. The only thing wrong with it was that it was painted a really ugly tan color, ugh!
The car had less than 300 miles on it, when his father let us take it out one night. I don’t know what he was thinking, as we were only 17 years old, and you all know what we did with it! We went street racing.
I really liked that car, except for that tan paint.
I thought you were going to say you wrapped it around something. So, how did the racing go?
Well I am an AMC fan and although appears to be a nice car a few things I see in the pics don’t add up.
A 57,000 car in 1974 was only four years old. We are told was recently taken out of slumber. Being my experience with finding and enjoying many AMC’s myself in 30 years would/should still have the original paint on the valve covers. Someone has done a POOR job of squirting Rustoleom blue on them for whatever reason. Further adding the incorrect gloss black rattle can paint on the radiator and grille brackets while painting over the cooling instruction decal on the hood latch bracket. A nice touch.
The wheels are AMC but are not correct on this AMX and look very out of place. These were not available until 1971. 14″ Gremlin/Hornet 15″ Javelin respectively.
I haven’t read the ad but from the looks it is a base 360 car from the lack of rear bumper guards. Most likely did not have the ram air assembly. The automatic transmission is a major drawback as it is a Borg Warner unit.Hopefully it works good if not good luck in finding a shop who remembers them and can still get parts. Ideally to install a 72 up 727 you would have to change the crank shaft in the engine.
Red interior is quite rare but to be nice needs everything. Not sure why the console is beat to hell. The paint and chrome looks pretty shiny in comparison. Assuming you park a 4 year old car in a garage even if it spent 4 years in the elements I would expect it to be in better original condition. If it sells for anywhere close to the price the cosmetic issues can be addressed and you would have a nice car or spend a little more for the 390/4 speed GO car.
To those who laugh at the AMX being a competitor to the Corvette. It had some similarities mainly they were the only American cars that were two seat cars available at the time.
As far as competition on the drag strip those that laugh need to study their history books in that the SS/AMX put many cars including Corvettes, Mustangs Camaro’s and Mopar’s on the their trailers headed home. They would easily do it with the front wheel off the ground. The AMX has broken many records in it’s short three year period it was made enough to prove to some who can think outside the box that there were vehicles made by other companies.
Have 2 AMXs unrestored but complete. The prices now for parts and insurance, have stopped all restoration. One is a 390 and the other a 343 that is rare like hens teeth. Have a 1969 Javelin with a 360 in it. A 390 and 401 engines sitting and todays costs again stopped all work. Retired and how long that will continue who knows. Good luck to all of us.
Bought a 1968 Javelin in 68 after seeing the AMX do wheel stand. Two children caused the purchase of the Javelin and not the AMX.
You should build them and sell one to pay for the other or post them here for sale !
Classic cars are fun!
I believe in the jay Leno theory “have as many that will fit in the garage plus one”!
(60s Mustang convert,
60s Chevelle convert ,
Chevy truck (old navy type 54)
Then motorcycles too!
Ron, Sadly I know exactly where you are. You have done everything right. Through the years of raising kids and having responsibility you remained true to your passion after seeing an AMX do it’s thing. You bought when you could and planned on retirement…….for many of us it never comes.
No one has Jay Leno’s money to enjoy. That is absurd. Those that do have money have it for a reason. They planned on a rainy day.What no one else plans on is getting old. Not having affordable health insurance on top of everything else. Old = trips to the hospital. Sadly we can’t go back in time and buy those mint one owner $1500 AMX’s and dealer parts. More importantly to be able to invest in the stock market for those no name start up companies like ebay google and facebook and make millions in our 401K
That is reality and a new normal. Many on here would fail to admit but are in exactly the same boat one way or another. I am in my 50’s and already battled cancer. My insurance company has paid out nearly $300K so far not to mention my out of pocket. I’ll be going to the hospital every 3 months to be checked for reoccurring cancer for the rest of my life.
Believe me I used to love projects and vintage cars (mainly AMC’s) Face death (chemo and radiation until you can no longer stand) that changes. I am still into cars. Today I beat on Imports with my son. They are cheap and fun. I enjoy life with my family (what I have left) and don’t miss the working on antiquated projects/money pits sitting in my garage putting me in a depression because it is still unfinished. Priorities/life changes.
The Borg-Warner automatics that AMC used prior to 1972 are very similar to the Ford FMX. If asking around for someone to work on them you may have better luck asking about the Ford slushbox.
AMCFAN, Read your response and you are right on about life. I worked in medicine my whole life and saw the horror of reality and the ravages of time on a human body. I’m 67 now and have health FOR THE MOMENT. My significant other, “Sweetie Pie” just got diagnosed with Parkinsons. OMG. Can life all change in a day. I’m too an AMC fan, always thought they were the unloved bastard kid, no matter how cool, smart, or nice they were. Just got a bad Rap. Hang in buddy. Strength comes from within and I see clearly that you have that.
Iwill say I like javelins, and AMX, my favorite matchbox/hot wheel. But I do not understand insurance, parts $. Hmm, sell? Or call the silly gal on geico, ?
Is true! These were quick! An even better threat to corvettes of the day was the S. C. Rambler. I’ve known of a couple that absolutely smoked Corvettes!
American motors javelins were nice performance vehicals !
I liked the 401 big blocks!
The Bama police did too!
They ran them as patrol cars probably slamming muscles cars daily . :-0
Yep, they used these for several years. This one looks like a tribute version. Most of the real ones that I remember had a Long CB antenna on the side of the drivers rear quarter panel, in addition to the one on the roof. It was just above the side marker and body line. The rest looks pretty accurate.
Winning bid:US $16,101.00
[ 37 bids ]
Just a point to make. Hagerty’s values don’t dictate selling prices, selling prices dictate Hagerty’s values