American Motors introduced two new cars in 1968. One was the Javelin, which would do battle in the pony car segment (Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, etc.). The second was the AMX, which was a GT-style hot rod with just two seats, based on the Javelin with 12 inches taken out of the wheelbase. This ’68 AMX is a restoration project that has never gotten off the ground and the seller would like to see someone get around to doing it. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this interesting product from the boys in Kenosha is available here on eBay. The bidding stands at $6,679.59.
If the AMX was intended to compete with the Chevy Corvette (and that’s if), they didn’t come close in terms of production numbers. Across three years (1968-70), AMC built 19,134 copies of the AMX, whereas GM assembled 84,644 of their sports cars. After 1970, AMC decided there wasn’t enough money in the AMX to keep it as a separate body style, so it gained a back seat and became a performance option on the Javelin. A 290 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor was standard and that’s how the seller’s auto came. With an automatic transmission, just 484 such units were built in 1968. Most of the buyers wanted more power, like the 390.
The seller bought this car five years ago out of an estate sale. At the time, the title could not be found so a bill of sale will have to suffice as the car changes hands again. Its prior owner apparently liked the look of the ’70 AMX over the ’68 and did a swap with the grille, headlight bezels, and hood. It’s either sat under a cover or in a garage for 35 years, so it’s more rust-free than you might think at first glance. But that doesn’t mean it’s not rough and the body and interior need loads of TLC.
As best as the seller can determine, the only items missing are the radiator, gas tank, and rear bumper. So that means the car hasn’t run in ages and there’s no telling what else it will take to rectify that. We don’t know if the engine or transmission is numbers-matching. If they’re not, we suspect the buyer might do a motor swap as the 290 V8 was not the beefiest of powerplants. But the AMX was lighter than the Javelin. Project anyone?
If that is a ’68 AMX, it sure has a lot of (poorly attached) ’70 model trim like the front end and the rear spoiler. Truth be told, I can’t tell if it’s misidentified as the wrong year or it’s just been poorly “updated”, because it’s all in such ramshackle condition either is a possibility.
Though if it’s a ’70, that puny AMC engine would be a 304. And since the tail badges are missing on this, maybe this really is a ’70 model.
It is a 68 or 69 model.
The dash design was different in 70. These cars are just now being recognized for what they really are!
If I remember correctly a 68 & 69 AMX has trunions
70 had upper controls with ball joints. A quick look under the front fender should determine if it is a 70 or 68/69 AMX.
It is a 68 with a 70 front end. It has the 68 rear tail lights and on the dash it has the 68 small Tach.
AMXs never got the 304. The base engine in ’70 AMXs was the 360-4 barrel.
It is a 68 AMX. Everything is there in plain sight for those familiar with AMC’s. Not tagging on you, just Google first next time and folks won’t pile on you. Here’s on big hint you can use in the future, any late 60’s AMC will have a trunion front suspension with those flat top shock towers. 1970 and up have a modern ball joint suspension with the shocks coming through for mounting.
I’m glad I bought my rough project 68 ANX a few years ago before the market went stupid. I’d never be able to afford it now.
Sorry the 290 4V is not a puny engine and a 304 V8 was never put into a two seat AMX from the factory. I don’t get it when someone sees an AMC project they always stammer put a 401 in it. All AMC vehicles do not need one to run. Any true AMC guy will tell you.
That card at AMX is better with the 390 interceptor engine then you got a car with a four-speed then you got a real car the 304 was for javelin’s and the 304 engine wasn’t that great if you ain’t got the 390 interceptor you ain’t got no motor at all I’m sorry that’s my opinion other people have other opinions
Definitely 1970 hood,fender caps grille and bumper, interior is looks to be a1969 Im judging that by the grab bar about the glove box door.engine I don’t know anyone who could tell what size it is a picture AMC v8 engine blocks are all the size back spoiler I had a 1970 mark donuhue that had that type of spoiler,(I heard that car is in Illinois) don’t know what yr those spoilers came out, I hope I helped
Don’t know why articles like this about AMC vehicles say “numbers matching.” There is no such thing with AMC’s.
“Numbers matching” for an AMC means the engine, transmission, trim level match the VIN, and the door tag, etc. While one cannot ‘prove’ that an AMC has it’s original engine, tranny, or rear end, per se-if the date codes line up with the production dates, that’s good enough for me.
For the record, there are in fact “numbers matching” AMCs with partial vins on engine and transmission. Those would be on cars built for sale in Georgia and Tennessee from 1972 up, where those states’ laws required more vehicle identification numbering throughout the car-I assume as a theft deterrent plan.
The dash predates 1970.
The car is a 1968 model. That can easily be seen with the VIN tag on the spring tower in the engine compartment. NO 1970 AMXs came with a 304 motor. No 1968-1970 AMXs came with a duck-tail spoiler. That item was reserved for “Donohue” Javelins and 1971 & up Javelins with the AMX package…..this car needs a ton of work, beginning with that WTF master cylinder.
JLHudson,
It’s the correct Master cylinder, someone took off the 2 brake lines & the 2 bolts holding it to the firewall, and as it’s still attached to the brake pedal, it simply rolled upside-down!
Bill McCoskey,
a closer inspection with my worn out eyeballs agrees with you. since the listing claims 290 motor & no vacuum booster it is certain to not be a Go-Pac car
Bill McCoskey,
My eyeballs always need a third look. 290 engine and no vacuum booster suggests that it is not a Go-Pac car.
This is sad and mighty rough.
Yes it is. Bill worsfold
Looks like some aftermarket single plane manifold, I dont remember any Mfr using anything like that!
Yes, the manifold looks like a Torker, which would not be suitable for a 290 motor that is not warmed-up quite a bit. AMC did not have any single plane and/or aluminum manifolds as factory equipment. There were two Edelbrock manifolds offered through Group 19: R4B & STR 11 and they should have an AMC number on them. Ford motors such as the 427 & 429 had a variety of “factory” manifolds available that were single plane and/or aluminum.
I just read an article about the ten cars most likely to gain provenance and value in the next decade and these cars AMC/AMX was on the list. I would say this car would be better made into a track only race car. I mostly go with original restoration, but not in this case, this example is just to far gone. Just my side of the story.
God Bless America
the bidding on the amx- most of the bidders are suspect scammers. Rough indeedy- make a Donahue tribute / clone? Bigger mill and a 4 speed. I’d have to see the underbelly to make a decision. Think by the time you got done you could have bought a decent one. Always liked the styling on the AMX. One of AMC’s last hurrahs. Good luck.
Cheers
GPC
A Donohue clone can not be made from an AMX. the 2500 or so Donohue cars were all Javelins. The AMX was not allowed in the Trans-Am series.
I believe ’68’s had the serial number on an emblem
in the middle part of the dash.
Pro touring car. Build up a hot 401,Tremec five speed, four wheel discs, stiff suspension, oval exhaust so you can drop it to the ground, cage it. Pull the carpet, blast the floor and LineX it red. Paint it pearl white with red from the bodylines on top of the fenders back to the rear side glass and up over the roof. Some saltflat wheels to round it off with low profile tires.
Doesn’t look like exhaust manifold is on passenger side so I suspect possible engine swap, especially with missing water pump and drive brackets.
Very early 1968 AMXs had a tag in the glove box area with just “AMX” or AMX & a number. Later 1968 & 1969 AMXs had a tag that was in the center dash piece. 1970 AMXs had the tag on the right side of the dash. These numbers are said to not be “in order” as far as production sequence. Perhaps that is basically true, however, i have observed a number of AMXs that reveals this: AMXs with VIN numbers about 1000 cars apart also have AMX dash tags that are about 100 cars apart and they are sequential with respect to the VIN.
Rough possibility if the price doesn’t get higher. Will require a lot of work first. No title a problem. DMV nightmare in some states.
Every AMC person knows that this is the rarest of all AMXs. 290 Auto. Only a handful left.
Did this sell?
please respond Id like to speak to you about parts
Jack