The first rule when listing a classic is to get the best possible photos that really “sell” your car. You’re halfway there if you follow that practice, because the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words could never be more accurate. Therefore, the seller has let the side down with this 1969 AMC AMX. These cars are relatively rare, and their desirability is growing. This AMX features a 390ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and the optional Go-Package, making it one of the more coveted examples from that model year. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this beauty listed here on Craigslist in Yadkinville, North Carolina, for $6,500.
Launched in 1968 as a two-seat high-performance model, AMC made only minor changes to the AMX for 1969. The car was a bold experiment, but it never delivered in the showroom. The 1969 model year was the most successful, and with figures falling by over 50% in 1970, AMC quietly drew the curtain on AMX production. This 1969 example had led a literally colorful life, because the Big Bad Orange gracing its panels isn’t original. The seller states that it left the line wearing an unspecified shade of Dark Green, which could have been Hunter Green or Willow Green. However, the non-original paint is the least of its problems, because although the images aren’t good, I can spot rust in the rear quarter panels. It’s unclear whether this extends into the floors or trunk pan, but anyone contemplating restoring this classic faces a nut-and-bolt approach. The panels are straight, and while it is missing a couple of trim pieces, the tinted glass looks okay.
The seller’s poor image quality extends to the interior, because this one and a close-up of the dash center are all they supply. I think it is trimmed in Black vinyl, but apart from the cracked dash center panel, deteriorating wheel, and the missing radio, there is little we can learn. However, one welcome slice of news is that the gauge cluster is clear and features a factory tachometer.
The first owner ordered this classic with a 390ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. They ticked the box beside the Go-Package on their Order Form, adding a Twin Grip rear end, power front disc brakes, heavy-duty suspension, and other performance goodies to the equation. The AMX was a formidable weapon, delivering a factory-claimed 315hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. That placed its performance on par with the ’69 Camaro SS 396, which isn’t a bad benchmark. The seller confirms that this classic doesn’t run and that the engine is locked. It may need a big dose of Mystery Oil to get things moving, but it may be wise to budget for an engine replacement. However, if the V8 eventually turns, it might be salvageable.
The 390/four-speed combination was the popular pick among 1969 AMX buyers, accounting for 3,690 cars out of a production tally of 8,293 vehicles. That is still a fairly low number from a “big picture” perspective, especially for a high-performance model. The automotive world can change on a dime, but the classic world tends to evolve more slowly. Vehicles produced by marques that are no longer active made it difficult to find many parts needed for restoration. However, an industry has grown, providing high-quality reproductions for those willing to compromise on originality. The 1969 AMC AMX is no exception, and everything required to return this car to its former glory is readily available. It’s just a matter of someone committing to that process. Are you tempted, or would you be biting off more than you can chew?
Is the seller ignorant, lazy or just actually disinterested? Answer that and start the the conversation-or don’t. Good eye, Barney, and very good point as usual, Adam.
Always thought these were really cool as 2 seaters especially.
I agree with you BOTH!! Who on earth spots a dark cave and says,”Hey Look!!! What a perfect spot to photograph my classic car for sale!!!”
But it’s true, a “before” photo or two is great. But get it out in the light of day, buy a garden hose from Home Depot and go to town on it and make it look presentable. That being said. AMX’s are really great, and this one was optioned the way we’d all like to have one. And I do hope it gets saved.
The dusty barn find look is in but then “buy a garden hose” AND once cleaned, move the hose out of the picture. I never like a seemingly good exterior shot ruined by the hose and pail with a wet driveway spoiling the view. Worse? Yup, a half closed hood, a tow chain or strap and an interior full of junk. :-) Terry J
Normally I would agree but by the looks of this car, sunlight and water will not increase its desirability.
Right front spindle assembly missing, needs restoration.
Do you think this would make it a little hard to pull it out and wash it off then take pictures??
I like to read everything before I post a comment. some of you should try it before you post.
By the way it states this on the Craigslist site.
If you read the comments about ad presentation most of them can be taken as generic in nature about car sellers in general. I’m glad you read all available information from all sources before you comment, Don. Most of the time that should make your opinion more valuable. I prefer to say what I think based on being a car guy for 65 years and counting. That’s my research. :-) Terry J
Most likely – not a flipper or car person – or just maybe they don’t have the whatever to get it out of the garage or take better pictures. Most likely the next of kin is doing thier best to find somebody that would care to take it on – INSTEAD OF CALLING A WRECKER to just tow it off…..because you know the house is going up for sale………..
Typical brain dead, terrible pictures. Nonetheless it’s a cool ride. I think of the AMX as AMC’s ‘Corvette’ with the 2 seats and high power motor. I would take one of these over a similar era Corvette in fact, due to their extreme rarity now. Hope someone saves this one.
This AMX looks 10 better than the Forest Pony for half the price.
I love Mustangs, but I can not understand how all those rusted pieces, that may or may be real are worth so much more.
Sellers would be wise to put more effort in the cars they are selling. But this seller isn’t asking an arm and a leg. It’s a desirable car equipped with a sought after drivetrain. Any potential buyer within driving distance that is serious will make the time to see it in person.
Steve R
And $$$$$$$
That actually sounds like a decent price for an AMX in this
condition – have you noticed the asking prices on really nice
ones?
There’s also an emblem with a number on the center of the dash
on the 68’s.Wonder what this one is?
There is a pic in the listing. AMX14118
It’s 2:45 minutes from me. Very tempted to go take a look.
IMO I think the ’69 Javelin AMX was AMCs best looking car. It’s the only one that has a sports car design to it, especially with the fastback style. They had the SST version also, that looks really good.
Not a Javelin.
My dad and I have restored and currently show a 69 Javelin SST in Big Bad Blue and are now in the process of restoring a 69 AMX.
When I searched a 1969 Javelin, it brought up both the SST and the AMX
Before I start a hornets nest, I was wrong. I did a different search and found the AMX was a stand alone model by AMC. They did say that it was built on a shorter platform of the Javelin though.
Bingo!!
Wow, great sort after car. If it was closer, it would be gone, even with the headaches…
Needs work but at $6,500 this will be gone soon. Sellers is definitely lazy and the only reason this will sell is because of what it is at a decent price. AMX 390 4speed with Go package, doesn’t get any better.
surprised it’s still for sale. here we have another lazy seller with poor pica and info. diamond in the rough but will need lots of cash.
Have seen this type of thing frequently in recent years… Seller has aged out, completely lost interest/ability and just wants it gone… or, someone is liquidating an estate for an aged or passed on family member and has no real interest and/or knowledge. It’s just “uncle Bill’s” old dead car… That said, if one is looking for reasonable muscle car project, this looks like it could be a deal…
This is the exact car that I’ve been looking for & it’s within a few hours of me, needs some work, price not too bad and stored inside, I wonder if it’s still available!
The ad is still up…
Already emailed the seller, waiting for a response.
It just looks like it was really abused. Definitely would require a close inspection before anyone should shell out a penny.
If you think there are any out there that were NOT abused, you’d be living in a fantasy world, those of us who were of driving age back then drove em like we stole em, and a few of us did steal them………sadly!
Adam, what’s with you and my breakfast?!
Can I at least get through 1 bowl of cereal without drooling in one? Rust on this car maybe scary. Would require a very extensive inspection. I have driven one of these with the exact same specs and hadca blast driving it. The next week I drove another except it had the smaller engine. It was quite nice also, but not the adrenaline pumper of the 390 car. This could be a nice car for someone willing to overcome it’s possible short commings.
1/4 panel replacement is almost a given seeing the pictures. But hopefully the floors are solid. For me, the mechanical issues are easy. But the body work I can do, but takes me 10 times longer than it should to do the job correctly. As body work is my limitation. (As in the words of Clint Eastwood. “A man has to know his limitations”. And body work is one of mine.
Lovely looking car. Assuming everything works like they should, this should be a great resto project or a restomod.
Is there a reason why a great % of the sellers do nothing to enhance the look of their vehicles?
The AMC 390/4-Speed is a good example of this. Why not wash the car and replace at least a couple of the burnt-out lights in the garage?
Then you’d be campaigning that it wasn’t a barn find! That’s part of the fun. You never know what you’re going to get…
You say the desirability is growing and I am part of that. I have never given a AMC product a second look but this baby is one of my dream cars especially with that 390/4 speed. Regardless of how it is advertised, I wouldn’t be surprised if this sells quickly or have already sold.
Between the Javelin SST and the AMX, I’d love the Javelin SST. Look at the front of the cars and you’ll see why. 🙂
Right front spindle assembly missing, needs restoration.
Do you think this would make it a little hard to pull it out and wash it off then take pictures??
I like to read everything before I post a comment. some of you should try it before you post.
By the way it states this on the Craigslist site.
Goog looking testosterone car, fun to drive…
Just a bunch of arm chair restorers making harsh comments…..where’s our AMX guy ?
My reply got scrubbed. Simply put and it gets old. For those that don’t know how to look at an ad with limited pics and info move on.
If your ONLY experience is with Chevrolets or Fords an AMC is not for you. For Mopar folks. Sorry an AMC is not a Mopar. If you don’t have a mindset or predetermined notion of an AMC then look further.
The add tells me the seller has ran out of time. It could also be his family is stuck trying to sell it. Big indicator using Craigslist in 2026. The car is priced like it’s 2003 again. If you are quick to leave the lounger you got a deal.
Something to think about that yes the seller may have passed on and the family now has the responsibility of selling it. This car is but a few hours from me and if I had the money and the means I would go look at this. This is a reasonable price for this car and I have seen dumpster fires that cost way more!
Whoever posted this car ad doesn’t respond to requests, I was ready to go up with a trailer & take it home, oh well, maybe the next one.
I emailed him too and never heard back.
I said it before, I’ll say it again: I was with Hertz in the 60s and 70s and tried to keep the keys to an AMX or a GT350 in my pocket. The Shelby looked as though it were doing 100 in its lot space. The AMX would eat it for lunch and spit out the space saver spare. The AMX’s only problem when we had them was points burning out at inopportune times.
Ford enthusiasts do not compute. Those that know, really know.