Traditionally, I wasn’t much of an AMC fan. I think it was the Rambler or Nash association or something similar. Whatever the case, I have reevaluated both AMC’s Javelin and AMX, the ’68-’70 vintage in particular. In a world that has gone nuts over old Chevelles, Camaros, Chargers, Shelby Mustangs, etc., this AMC pair could become quite the alternative find. And not just because of the exorbitant tariffs mandated by participants of the Detroit Three, there’s a genuineness to AMC’s dynamic duo that I hadn’t previously realized. With that thought in mind, let’s examine a Los Angeles, California domiciled 1969 AMX. It’s available, here on craigslist for $26,000. Thanks to Matt R for this tip!
While copper may not be the first muscle car shade that comes to mind, this AMX wears what appears to be Bittersweet Orange metallic fantastically. The seller suggests, “The most striking feature of this AMX is the copper-colored paint job that drapes over the curves and fenders of this beauty” and he rates it as being an 8 out of 10. Curiously, the hood and passenger side fender are fiberglass, which is theorized to be leftover from a racing past. The fender and hood alignment is fair but not perfect; regardless, the entire exterior package shows well and the Magnum 500 wheels perfectly complete the look.
Power specified for this AMX was a 315 gross HP, 390 CI V8 engine tethered to a four-speed manual transmission. The seller claims, “Our owner does know one thing for sure- this car is very fast, has tons of torque and can compete with anyone“. The engine of this 92K mile example is believed to be original and now sports headers.
The black vinyl interior is spectacular! Nothing appears to be out of place but there is some confusion with statements such as, “The carpeting is original or a replacement“. Well yes, that’s true, it would have to be either one (and I’m thinking the latter). It is stated that the clock and radio are not working but that’s small stuff and not unusual. The “less can be more” thought exists with this AMX’s lack of a center console – it reveals an open, uncluttered look.
The images of this car appear to have been shot in North Carolina though the seller is listed in L.A., so a clarification inquiry may be in order. Nevertheless, what’s not to like? This is an understated but often overlooked muscle car from an, unfortunately, fallen flag manufacturer. And its two-seater configuration, while eliminating some functionality, does add to its allure. I’d have to say that this AMX is certainly worthy of the same respect that any Camaro, Mustang, or ‘Cuda ever received. What says you?
At 26K I would be all over this car. Unfortunately this is a teaser. It may be listed for 26K but it’s actually listed on a auction website so it’s more likely to bring mid 30’s or more. I’m okay with the copper color. It’s unusual and in the pictures it represents well. One would think this 69 would have the go pack with the 390 and the 4-speed. I would do some interior work. Especially the door panels. Maybe replace the seat padding for more support. If it does not have the go pack I would add the limited slip and heavy duty suspension. Is 69 still a trunion car? I know a couple of AMC guys on the forum who could answer that one.
@alphasud, yes 69 would be using a trunnion set up
Here is the auction link. Looks like 9 days left.
https://www.clasiq.com/auction/1969-amc-amx/
Location Rich Square, NC 27869
“…let’s examine a Los Angeles, California domiciled 1969 AMX.”
North Carolina is a loooong way from LA.
The eBay listing states L.A., the license tag says N.C.; L.A. auction site? I reiterate specifically what the listing states.
JO
“A possible leftover from the cars previous racing days are the fiberglass hood and right fender.”
Huh?
The listing’s words, not mine.
JO
First To Go Would Be The Aftermarket Crappy Fitting Parts And Replace With Nos Or Rust-Free Replacement Parts , Car Have Racing History Or Crash History ? Thinking Latter
The write up says that the car had a fuel cell in the past. It’s now been replaced with a stock gas tank. The “Racing days” comment was probably caused by the mention of the fuel cell and some fiberglass body parts. Unless you’re racing it, most people don’t run a fuel cell or fiberglass body parts.
Looking for specs on this car… i stumbled upon a amx “ss” anybody heard of those ?
2200lbs 390, 4.44 gear , 4 spd, and it really ripped apparently
SS AMX was more like 3200 lb curb weight. About 52 built & raced in the same class with Hemi-Cudas.
SS AMX only 52 or 53 made, they ran 10 seconds out of the box…….
heater and radio and insulation delete. rated 420 HP by the NHRA
Gear sets where 4:44 to 5.0 usually with 2 four barrels on a cross ram..and other specific goodies, all set up by Hurst performance.
Why Just One Fiberglass Fender ?
Why one glass fender you can see though that the driver side fender is not original the headlight surround is not separate like the pass side nice looking car overall but a long way from original or spectacular IMHO
The headlight surround is separate, it has a tighter fit. You can see the seam in the side shots looks smooth from the front.
Looks like a decent overall car. A few things not correct: seats, door panels and turn signal lenses. This car is a very early “69” build as shown by the VIN & also the instrument cluster has the early style overlay.
hey guys, what’s the 4th foot pedal for ? ejection ?
since there is no visible hand brake.. I say its the parking brake pedal.
I REALLY hope this is an attempt at bad humor.
Can’t believe it’s still available in that condition and that drive train for 26K!!
Beautiful specimen in every way including price. Wouldn’t change a thing. AMC’s answer to the mussel car craze. Good grocery runner.
All kinds of mismatched paint.
Who cares, paint is cheap!
That’s a VERY clean 390 4 speed AMX that u don’t see at every car show like a Mustang or Camaro!
Too many copper flags on this one.
4 speeds never had consoles. Hopefully the steel hood is nearby, as they are impossible to find. Breathed a sigh of relief when you said the hood is fiberglass! The thought of hood pins through such a rare hood makes me nauseous. As for go pak, I have seen AMXs in all different configurations of options. you could order what you wanted. My ‘non-go pak’ 68 AMX had a 3.54 posi rear from the factory. Original tags were in the trunk and on the differential.
Can’t say I was ever much of an AMC fan, but an AMX with a 390 & 4 sp. would have definite appeal. I’m not a racer so a 360 eng. would probably be completely adequate, even with A/T. It seemed like about the neatest thing they ever built.
I can tell you that they are very fast off the line. I stop light drag raced one in 1970 with my 1967 Mustang. It had the 390 “police interceptor” and three speed manual. I hole shot him but he went by me at about 60 mph. Never saw that coming.
Love the car but never had good lock with amc v8 motors. Had two factory v8 in jeeps and they both locked up with any warning,just be driving down a dirt road at about 15 miles an hour and the darn thing died, didn’t get hot didn’t knock just stopped running and she was locked up tighter than a drum. This was in a factory 81 cj7 jeep with a 304 and I always keep the oil changed. The same thing happen to my daughter with her wagoner with a 360,driving along 30 mph and it died and no way could you turn that motor even with a breaker bar on the crank bolt. I have never seen motors do this without some warning, haven’t read a good explanation as to why this happens to amc motors, but I have my theory, the oil pick up is in the rear and bolts to the rear of the block inside of the oil pan, this connects to a oil galley that runs the length of the block to the timing cover where the oil pump is mounted to the outside of the timing cover. This long distance that the oil has to travel works fine when the motor is new but, after time that long passage in the block starts to become clogged with sludge and just like our arteries if clogged we stop running. Pro stock racers that ran AMC motors would run an oil line inside the lifter valley which bypassed the galley in the block. Anyway ,sorry for the long winded rant as to why this guy doesn’t trust amc v8.
P.S. that’s why that same old jeep which I have had for 22 years runs a 350cid Chevy, problem solved.
your “theory” is wrong.
Oh yea, then set me straight, how you explain why this happened ?
Looks like an aftermarket Hurst shifter, which is a good thing. Original AMXs had a thin, too long shifter to row the 4-speed.
Very nice. Good color and has the stick and 390. It even looks like the dog would fit behind the seats…I hope it gets bought and kept in the same shape.
They still have vacuum wipers for 69?
Initial HP rating for the SS AMX was 405 HP. That was raised to 420 HP, probably after the Big Three complained. The SS AMX did not run 10s out of the box. One needed to put in a big solid lifter cam (flat or roller tappet). If one considers today’s cars that run in the 10s, you will see that they weigh a bit more than an SS AMX and have a superior transmission. They also have a rating of 700 HP. This suggests that the NHRA rating of 420 HP was very conservative.
Ok, there were problems with oil distribution & recovery. The main galley clogging with sludge & starving the pump is not one of them. The extra oil line is for increased oil supply for the rear bearings, which are furthest from the pump. There are other ways, for severe duty, to divert oil from the valve-train and cam bearings which makes it available to the main/rod bearings. Before oil filters commonly had internal by-pass valves, the oil pump cover had a pressure relief valve that was known to be problematic on some vehicles; this issue was eliminated with a revised pump cover. Oil return from the heads can also cause problems. Most American built V8 motors, plus others i am sure, have similar issues…….for example, it is why Ford made the “side oiler” block: the regular FE blocks needed better oiling when all-out racing was the goal…..
Vacuum wipers were standard in 1969 and yes, those were overly frugal. The Hurst shifter was also available beginning in 1969……and for those who think SBC are so bullet-proof, just remember to weld the oil pick-up to the pump body among other things
I had a 68 390 Hurst Go Pkg. car. I thought 68 was the only year the AMX was it’s own car? I thought 69 on was a Javelin with the AMX pig as a trim option. Also thought 68 was the two seater car and from then in it was a 4 seater? That’s what I get for thinking!!! Fast, fun cars!
68, 69 and 70 AMX’s were there own model and all 2 seaters. Body change in 71 made the Javelin/ AMX and it had a back seat.
“…What say(s) you…”
same, but lack of utility? I say opposite -more- as now the back is freed up for other things, haulin, etc.
Yes, “same” as i never looked them over in the day (well a girlfriend’s ex had one I liked. Being a teen we had so few places to go that that back was useful). But I sure do today. American racing at its best. A sacrilege but I might puta 351/428 in, 5 speed, 9 inch, bigger brakes, R&P, suspension mods…