When the AMX was introduced by American Motors in 1968, it was unlike any other U.S.-built car – except maybe the Chevrolet Corvette. It was a 2-seat, GT-style muscle car that had its roots tied to the also-new Javelin pony car. Sales were soft, so when the Javelin was redesigned in 1971, the AMX became the performance arm of the Javelin (seating for 4 and all). This 1973 AMX project is rare because it came with a 401 cubic inch V8, the largest in the AMC arsenal. Needing loads of work, this project is in Stafford, Virginia, and is available here on eBay for $8,500 OBO.
The total number of AMXs built in 1973 was 5,707 per seller-provided data. But only one-quarter of them had the 401 big-boy engine (1,420). This car is finished in what’s left of its original Olympic Blue Metallic paint, which may not have made the Top 5 in AMC paint colors that year. So, if you set out to find a surviving ’73 AMX with a 4-speed transmission and the 401 in this color, it might be an undertaking that could take you months and months (or longer). This example is also equipped with the Go-Pack option, whose contents varied from year to year.
For now, a 360 V8 resides in the engine bay, and nothing about this car is close to being in running condition. But you’ll get not one but two 401 V8s, one of which has a numbers-matching block. We’re told the “structural framework” of this project is in excellent condition, so perhaps there is some gold here to be found with an odometer reading just shy of 100,000 miles.
The seller found this AMC in a barn many years ago and towed it home. Since then, it’s been in a garage and kept covered. It does have functioning cowl induction and had air conditioning from the factory. We’re told there is enough of the car here to get it back to 95% of stock factory shape. The car has not escaped corrosion, with rust in the rear quarter panels and floorboards. Some replacement sheet metal comes with the deal to get you started. This was AMC’s top-of-the-line muscle car in 1973.
I worked with a guy that had a black one. Very impressive for the year!!
The ’68-’70 were the best looking imo. I think they looked bloated when they came out with this.
Much better looking in my opinion, earlier model looks like it might fall over and cut short. This gen is longer, wider, lower; used on the super speedways.
I know a guy in Boston area that has one, rarely takes it out, in person they look even better than in pictures. AMC did a great job designing with most all their cars IMO.
The bonus engines will make up for the buy in. Id make a sweet rat rod.
Javelins and AMXs were forgotten and rarely seen. This is the 4th in the last 2 weeks. Great looking cars, must be a lot harder to get parts for. I do not think I’ve seen one on the road in decades.
I own a 68 Javelin. Parts aren’t difficult to find for the most part thanks to several good AMC vendors out there.
There’s only one engine in it. I was thinking the two 401s under the hood and the 360 in the trunk. Not sure how I’m going to get them all working together, but we’ll burn that bridge when we get to it…
No such thing as a numbers match AMC.
The best you can do with AMC vehicles is to see if the engine is of the type specified in the car’s VIN.
Looks like alot of goodies for the money. Very collectible Car truly deserves to be restored and saved.
Without the front fender bumps, it would be easy to mistake these for a notchback Mustang, from the side.
Just looked at one of these on an auction site I visit… It is still in the barn so it fits… it is a 4 speed car too!!
Core 401 engines are around $2500 so the project is in line with the ask. Make no mistake. Lots to be done and can be IF you can do it yourself and know your AMCs. If you are new and wanting in find a better car.
Being an original Z code 401 and M code is a major plus. Vin specific. 798 AMX 797 Javelin
Breaking it down further. If those are OEM 15″ rally wheels that is another $1000. If the ram air cleaner is in the trunk add another $1000. Rally cluster and tac is $500. Unbroken grill tub and screen $1000. Fiberglass cowl hood and rear deck spoiler together $800. Don’t forget the twin grip rear axle.
Not worth anymore than 5 000.To have a nice driver the expense will be minimum of 20 grand more.
My advise: Find a better one that requires little more than a tank of gas.
Now , this was a beautiful new car once , it is very saveable but how much will it cost to make it new again ?
Labor and parts cost have exploded and finding labor that isn’t chemically infused is nearly impossible
Still a car that must be saved cause it’s so very rare
I picture it with fuel injection , big wheels to fill the bulbous fenders and huge brakes , the rest being awesome from its creation
It’s defo an AMX – it’d take lots of work – interior stripped out engine bay also – then machine shop & reworked minimum 30-40k thrown at it all in 50k for a car worth 30k MAX.