American Motors ramped up its role in the performance car scene by introducing two new products in 1968. The first was the Javelin, a “pony car” like the Ford Mustang. The other was the AMX, a GT-style automobile that locked horns (to an extent) with the Chevy Corvette. Production numbers weren’t robust, so AMC moved on from the AMX as a separate model after 1970. This 1968 edition is largely original, so it would be a survivor with 68,500 miles. Located in Portland, Oregon, this beauty is available here on Facebook Marketplace where the first $33,000 gets to take it home. Attaboy, T.J. for another outstanding tip!
The AMX was an easy car for AMC to create because it started as a Javelin with 12 inches removed from the wheelbase (AMC pulled that trick again in 1970 with the Hornet-based Gremlin). Production of the AMX stopped at 19,134 units in 1970, though the name carried on through 1974 as an option on the Javelin (going from two to four seats). 6,725 copies left the assembly line in ‘68, with just 2,287 units having the 390 cubic inch V8 (315 hp) paired with an automatic transmission like the seller’s survivor.
We’re told this AMX was the 437th one built in 1968, but we understand those little plates that AMC put on the dashboard of AMXs weren’t necessarily sequential. We assume the X-code 390 V8 in this car is numbers matching, but the seller doesn’t go there. This car has all the goodies, including the Go Pack option and Twin-Grip limited-slip differential. Since the car originated in California, it still sports its CA “black plates.” The AMC has plenty of documentation, including registrations going back 50 years.
The Hialeah Yellow paint is said to be from the factory, as are the black racing stripes. The interior is also from Day 1 and looks to be in good, well-kept condition. While the headliner is new, the carpeting is old and the steering wheel has the requisite crack in it. The trunk pan may have been repainted as it looks good for being 56 years old. If you’re in the market for an AMX, it might be hard to find one any nicer.
Let’s see…this one or the one from November 13? Decisions, decisions.
1. AMC owners dont use the term ‘numbers matching’. There are few numbers to match.
2. The AMX was NOT made by shortening the Javelin. The Javelin was a lengthened AMX. The AMX was designed first, but sold after the Javelin.
I didn’t know that. Also didn’t know you could get an AMX with an automatic. That doesn’t really bother me, I still think it’s a great car. I don’t really beat on my old stuff anymore now that I am becoming a “seasoned” citizen
The Javelin used styling cues from the Vignale AMX. The production AMX was slated to be a fibre-glass car on a new chassis. This was deemed too expensive & risky and the first fibre-glass bodies did not pass durability tests. When the CEO, Robert Evans heard that, he suggested that the AMX could be built the same way as a Javelin: modify the Rambler American chassis and attach a steel AMX body….this AMX is very nice: Clean, low miles with A/C, electric wipers and Go-Pac. Some might not like the Hialeah yellow, but this looks like a really good car for cruising around.
I don`t know why Hialeah yellow was not a popular color. I like it. A friend of mine has a 68 AMX this color–or it was– and he intends to go back to original color after he finishes the Hudson Wasp he`s restoring. His family had an AMC dealership in Orchard Park NY. Nash, Hudson, AMC is in his blood.
Autoloader doesn’t hurt this one Uncle Ed. I’m sure Howard would agree. The Borg-Warner shift-command unit, pairs well w the powerful 390 motor. 315hp/425lb-ft, 2.87 ring and pinion gear std⚙️ 3.15 optional. Really nice subdued AMC here.
10-4 on the self shift. I read, in 1968, 2,287 of the 6,725 AMXs had automatic, so not a popular option. For the future, the automatic will seal the deal.
I have seen Javelins with a 6 and a column automatic. I’m, sure they built it in whatever configuration that would sell.
I think the staple shifter in the later automatics is sharp looking.
I have seen Javelins with a 6 and a column automatic. I’m, sure they built it in whatever configuration that would sell.
I think the staple shifter in the later automatics is sharp looking.
Sweet ride!! Price seems fair. I hope for all it sells.
The 2 seat AMX has great lines. AMC did a great job designing it. This one looks great inside and out.
How rare is that partial console? – never seen that before – would prefer it be partial at the other end between the seats with an armest.
All 1968-1970 AMXs with an automatic had a console. 1970 was a bit different and had a glovebox.
1968-1970 AMXs with automatic had that console. It is not rare. The 1970 console was a bit different & had a glovebox.
Okay, back in 68 I was a 21 year old car lover and automatic transmissions were for old folks. 4 speeds got my blood running hot. I car pooled with a few other guys making the daily commute to work and back, so one day we decided to stop at the local AMC dealership to check out the AMX on the showroom floor (we worked the swing shift), so we had a little time to check it out. It was all black inside and out. 390 with 4 speed, and all of us liked the car but not enough to persuade a purchase. We moved on to work, and waited a year or so before any of us could afford a new car. Most went with Chevy. Mine was a 69 Nova.
God Bless America
I’ve always wanted one of these. There was one sitting in a garage a bit north of me and I thought many times if they would sell it but decided against it. After all, there was no sign on it. This summer I stopped to get gas and there was the AMX, on a trailer. I was talking with the guys and they just stopped and asked if he’d sell it. It had no engine or transmission but the body was decent. Oh well.
To PRA4SNW comment. You could get a 6 cyl. plain jane Javelin. The AMX was different. All performance-oriented options. 8 cyl. only. Torque links standard, etc. No, they would not build an AMX in any configuration.
Boris, I know that the 6 was only in the Javelin and did not mention AMX intentionally.
Just pointing out that seeing an automatic is not that unusual in this class of car.
You shouldn’t have much if any corrosion from salt with these cars they were not made to be operated winter weather. That twin grip limited differential was anything but limited. I had to shift to neutral at stop or my rear end would just spin in place. So I didn’t drive it in winter weather. Got tried of standing on my brakes.
.
.
Back in those days people did drive all cars in winter. Especially if it was their only car.