The Chevrolet Corvette was the fastest American-produced two-seater available to buyers in 1970, although the AMC AMX could snap closely at its heels in the right guise. Our feature car is one of those vehicles, featuring the range-topping 390ci V8 under the hood. It isn’t 100% original, but it is a tidy and solid classic that presents exceptionally well. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay near Bristol, Tennessee. They set a BIN of $36,900 with the option to make an offer. Barn Finder Larry D used his finely-honed classic radar to spot this gem, so thank you for that, Larry.
The seller has listed this AMX on behalf of its owner, having driven and inspected the car to verify everything is as claimed. They state its original owner ordered the classic in Mosport Green, but it underwent a color change to Golden Lime as part of a refurbishment. The paint shines impressively, with the seller noting a later touch-up near the driver’s side quarter window. They describe its overall condition as good driver-quality, stating the only known rust history is some professional patches on the lower rear quarter panels. Otherwise, this AMX is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. Underside shots reveal the floors as spotlessly clean and rock-solid, meaning the buyer will have no use for their welder and grinder. The chrome and tinted glass are excellent, with the Rally wheels adding a perfect finishing touch to this muscular classic.
Not only is this AMX numbers-matching, but its major drivetrain components have been recently rebuilt as part of the refurbishment process. Lifting the hood reveals the 390ci V8 that inhales deeply through the functional Ram Air hood that formed part of the optional Go Package. It should send 325hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed “Shift Command” automatic transmission. This AMX is 1-of-901 built with that combination in 1970 and should be capable of storming the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds before winding its way to 137mph. Chevrolet’s Corvette offered a faster two-seat motoring experience, but a car with comparable performance to this AMX would have cost the buyer 40% more. That made the AMX a performance bargain in that context. The seller indicates this car features an upgraded aluminum radiator and an HEI distributor. The owner added a new fuel tank, tires, brakes, and a booster. They acknowledge the valve covers are the wrong color, but that appears to be about the only shortcoming. This ground-bound jet runs and drives well and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
When assessing this AMX’s interior, the only fault worth noting is the non-functioning factory air conditioning. Otherwise, the interior of this sporty two-seater presents exceptionally well, There is no wear on the Black vinyl upholstery, with the new carpet equally spotless. The dash, pad, and console are excellent, and the faux woodgrain shows no signs of fading or lifting. The dash features gauges with crisp markings, clear lenses, and a factory tach. The only visible addition is a Pioneer radio/cassette player. Otherwise, this interior is as it left the factory.
Although the 1970 AMC AMX doesn’t command the sale price you might expect from similar cars from the era, they now receive some well-deserved attention. Values have climbed by a staggering 20% during the past year, with that trend showing no signs of slowing. Recent sales results suggest the price for this AMX is competitive, which helps explain why sixty-seven people are watching the listing. Will one of them hit the BIN button and treat themselves to an early Christmas present? That wouldn’t surprise me at all.
Isn’t this car awesome? You bet it is, being a bit partial. Every single one of these that comes up, I, and many other AMC fans, seem to have a kindred feeling about them. We could finally puff out our chests,,,some. I suppose how a Studebaker fan must feel about the Avanti, to a lesser extent. Quick correction, this car did the 1/4 in 14.4 @92 mph, which is still quite respectable for a freakin’ Rambler. I recognized the motor right away, sans the ram air, but had that chrome cover that said “AMX”. The old man bought a ex-forest ranger 1970 Ambassador, with this motor. It did wicked burnouts.
Same old thing here, lots of interest, but no offers, I’d say half that is a plausible number, it’s never going to be a 396 Chevelle, but to AMC nuts, this was as good as it got. To be clear, the Corvette may have been the fastest AMERICAN 2 seater, it isn’t even in the top 10 fastest cars of 1970. For the record, it would take a big block Corvette to beat this car, which I think the 390 here was technically a small block, and this would eat a 350 Corvette for lunch.
The Javelin of 69-70 with the 390 was no slouch either. I used to have a Javelin SST-390.
Not so sure the 390/325 hp AMX (especially with auto trans.) would beat either an L46 Corvette, or it definitely gets it doors blown off by the 70’ LT-1 cars….I like the AMX cars, but not with automatics….my friend had a good runnin’ 70’ with 360, 4 speed…..
You nailed it, AMC is the Rodney Dangerfield of the late ‘60’s muscle cars-“I don’t get no respect”. Yet when my HS buddy took us out in his 390ci 4spd Javelin it turned more than a few heads (& backroad 1/4 mile wins).
It also gave Dave the impetus to gather more AMC legends after HS, to go on and become one of the best sources in the country for AMC’s and related knowledge.
Like the AMX, but–Been patched, automatic, a/c doesnt work, for 36 large?? its only worth what somebody will pay for it? When a rambler would come in the garage for work, I used to remind myself that Kelvinator should have stuck to making refrigerators. Sorry, Guys, couldnt resist. Should we move onto “Steadybreakers” ? its all good.
Cheers
GPC
This car is sweet, the only thing missing is a third pedal. I always liked AMC’s, with the SC/Rambler being my favorite, but the missing pedal hurts it in my mind.
I was 16 years old getting ready to “Abandon” my then girlfriend bound for the USMC bootcamp in 1984. My girlfriend Drove an AMX 390 4 speed in white with red interior. The night before I left, the car would not start (again) so she left it. Never to return. It sat in front of my parents house for 10 years while I was deployed around the globe. It had the cool rear window spoiler. If I had to do it over again I would had saved that car. Great machines… Sidenote… Not much in the way of comforts in the backseats however. Buyer Beware! lol
The tag on the valve cover is the only number related to the engine. Change the valve cover and you can’t tell what engine you actually have. No such thing as numbers matching engine in an AMC. Since the valve cover are painted over, should be chrome, I would want to crawl under it and see what engine size is cast in the block
Nice hwy cruisers w the birg-warnwr shft-comand autobix and the 2.87 gear ⚙️
yep, should have chrome valve covers, not painted, quickest Ive ever seen in Automotive magazine of the period was a 14.06 quarter mile The AMX is about 200-300 LBS less then the Javelin. Remember each 100 LBS is a tenth of a second in the Quarter mile. So the two seat AMX is pretty quick, it also out handles all those other 60’s muscle cars. The only other really good handling car was the GSX BUick.
Once again, no period road test of a bone stock AMX or Javelin resulted in a top speed of 137. With 2.87 gears the theoretical top speed @ 5000 RPM is about 125. That does not take into consideration that 2.87 geared cars were always automatic from the factory & would also have perhaps 5% slip at 5000 RPM. With a few minor modifications, the motor could reach 5500, or even 6000 rpm, in top. At 6000 rpm with 3.15 gears a max speed of 140 is possible; with 2.87 gears, about 150…. This car seems pretty nice but my observation is the dipstick is clearly the type for a later Jeep motor which suggests that closer inspection is needed.
This and the Javelin were the only 2 design successes of AMC, imo.
With the Rebel being close behind.
The others were…shall we say….pretty undesirable heaps.
SC/Rambler, maybe not a design success, but it is very desirable.
Absolutely. Never said anything negative about this car, or any AMC (other than the Pacer) Upside down oil pan was what I called them.
I have been an AMC fan since the late 60’s when a friend bought a SC/Rambler which I purchased in 1977.
36k….he’s not ready to let go of her yet…
After reading all of the AMC hater comments, I would venture to say those comments originate from those racing lost to a AMC.