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Rust-Free Project: 1968 AMC AMX

Delving into the world of rust repairs can be daunting for some people, and more than a few have thrown the whole idea into the “too hard” basket when they’ve decided to embark on a classic restoration. That’s what makes this 1968 AMC AMX an attractive proposition for any enthusiasts searching for a project build. This AMC is a rock-solid survivor that will allow its next owner to keep the grinder and welder safely locked away in the cupboard. It isn’t perfect, but as restoration projects go, they don’t come much more straightforward than this. If that has been enough to whet your appetite, you will find this AMX located in West Fargo, North Dakota, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the BIN at $19,000, and with eighty people watching the listing, you have to wonder if one of them will be preparing to hit that button.

This photo clearly demonstrates just how promising this AMX is for potential buyers. It is indicative of this classic’s rust, which is limited to the occasional light dusting of surface corrosion that would be a breeze to address. Not only are the floors clean, but so are the exterior and the trunk pan. The seller states that a previous owner treated the car to a repaint in its original Frost White and followed the clear-over-base route. This is cracking and looking tired, so the buyer will probably choose to strip it away so that they will be working with a sound base. The exterior shows nothing beyond a few superficial marks, and once again, there’s nothing present that would demand panel replacement. The bumpers could stand a trip to the platers, but most of the remaining trim and glass looks quite acceptable. The wheels wear Ford center caps, and the owner believes that the wheels themselves may be from the same source. This would be worth investigating if the buyer is seeking 100% originality.

The original owner must’ve focused on effortless performance when they ordered the AMX and chose to equip it with a 390ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That V8 would’ve produced 315hp in its prime, which was sufficient to launch the AMX through the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds. The owner confirms that this classic is numbers-matching, but we are flying blind when we reach the question of its mechanical health. The owner doesn’t indicate whether the car runs or drives, but since it appears that he is approachable, obtaining that information should not present a challenge for potential buyers.

It seems that the buyer will have a task or two to tackle if this AMC’s interior is going to present perfectly, but it appears that they will be the types of tasks that the new owner could undertake in a home workshop. Identified problems include deteriorating seat upholstery and collapsing seat foam. Replacement covers are easy to find in the correct color and material and will cost the buyer around $400. The story is similar with the foam, but that will lighten the bank balance by about $310. The other item that will make potential owners wince is the wheel. This one is badly cracked, and it may have deteriorated beyond the point of no return. If that is the case, they will need to locate a replacement. There are plenty of choices if originality isn’t crucial. However, a good genuine secondhand item will cost about $360. They are out there, but it will be a matter of the buyer demonstrating patience because they don’t appear on the market that often. The original radio has made way for a radio/cassette player, but the rest of the interior appears to be unmolested. The car is equipped with air conditioning, but this is currently inoperative.

For enthusiasts hunting for a straightforward project build, this 1968 AMX is worth a closer look. When considered on a “bang for your buck” basis, these have to be one of the bargains of the classic world at present. Values have remained virtually stagnant for the past five years, and even a spotless example with a 390 under the hood will struggle to attract a value far beyond $40,000. A pristine example might stretch to $50,000, but the seller may need to be patient to achieve that price. This car is not to the point where it could command those sorts of prices, but if the photos and text of the listing are accurate, getting it to that level might not be difficult or particularly expensive. Tackling a project build that remains financially viable can be a challenge, but that appears to be on offer in this case. When you examine it carefully, is this a project that you would consider pursuing further?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo alphasud Member

    Wouldn’t take much to get this one running and enjoy it as you work on it. I seem to like doing that with my car projects. I thought the AMX numbers were a random thing and not sequential but I might be wrong here. This car has electric wipers. Seems like a fair price based on what a turn key car sells for with a 390.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar photo Wayne

    While in college and working at a Pontiac store, we had 2 AMXs traded in, in the same week. Since we would get to work very early in the morning, interesting new and trade-in cars would get a fun “quick” test drives before settling down and get to work. (a very cool perk to entice ones being to work early/on-time) The first AMX (Both 4 speeds by the way) was a 343 and a fun drive. The second was a 390 and a definite blast down Lake Shore Drive.
    (other early morning test drives were a new 455SD Firebird, a couple of big block Vettes. and Alfa Romeo Montreal)
    My Dad sold his Corvette (when I was in high school) to buy an AMX, but the big “D” (as in divorce) managed to stop that process. And he never did buy one, only he was always on the look-out for the one optioned the way he wanted.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar photo Howie Mueler

    Looks like a fair price for a fair car.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar photo Larry D

    I really love these 2-seat AMXs. I owned 1968 #02940 some years back. My son was young at the time. We had a Great Dane who had recently birthed a litter of pups. My son and I used to ride around in that car with the four pups in the area behind the seats. My son is grown now but we both mention occasionally how we did that in the old AMX back then.

    Oh, the memories these old cars can provide.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar photo 8banger Member

    I like the bug-catcher looming behind it in the first pic.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar photo Steve Clinton

    Sold for the BIN price of $19,000.00 on 9/30/2021

    Like 3
  7. Avatar photo wuzjeepnowsaab

    Good price, and yes I agree…always say these are an amazing value in the muscle car ring. Gobs of power from that 390. And 1968-69, AMC had pretty good build quality. I had a couple Rambler Americans (180* opposite end of the spectrum I know) that were just indestructible.

    A shame about the blahhh color. Probably knocked 5K off the value

    Like 2
    • Avatar photo Gary James Lehman 8197384

      BLAH color?? It’s gorgeous. Quit picking flyshit out of pepper.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar photo Rob

    Who ever bought this car, contact me. I have history dating back to the late 90’s early 2000’s on this car as I was the previous owner before the guy who just did a quick flip on here or Ebay (which ever it sold on). BTW It wasn’t a Barn find.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar photo chrsful

    there it is !
    I’m really enjoyin these AMX showin up. Didn’t when they were 1st out. Right sized. Great stylin! U can do anything w/a shell. I’d perfer these in SCCA livery. Guys at the garage – drag.

    “…a project you’d consider further?” But this is no project (to me). I’d drive as is~

    Like 0

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