AMC AMX

For other AMC models known as AMX, see AMC Concord § AMX, and AMC Spirit § Spirit AMX.

AMC AMX
1968 AMX with "Go-Package"
Overview
ManufacturerAmerican Motors Corporation
Also calledRambler AMX (Australia)[1]
Production1968–1970
Assembly
DesignerDick Teague
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer, Muscle car, Sports car[2][3][4][5]
Body style2-door coupe
LayoutFR layout
PlatformAMC's "junior cars"
Powertrain
Engine
  • 290 cu in (4.8 L) 4-bbl V8 225 hp (168 kW; 228 PS) 1968–69
  • 343 cu in (5.6 L) 4-bbl V8 280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS) 1968–69
  • 360 cu in (5.9 L) 4-bbl V8 285 hp (213 kW; 289 PS) 1970
  • 390 cu in (6.4 L) 4-bbl V8 315 hp (235 kW; 319 PS) 1968–69
  • 390 cu in (6.4 L) twin 4-bbl V8 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS) 1969 SS (only)
  • 390 cu in (6.4 L) 4-bbl V8 325 hp (242 kW; 330 PS) 1970
Transmission
  • 4-speed manual floor shift (standard)
  • 3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic on console
Dimensions
Wheelbase97 in (2,464 mm)
Length
  • 1968–69: 177 in (4,496 mm)
  • 1970: 179 in (4,547 mm)
Width71 in (1,803 mm)
Height51 in (1,295 mm)
Curb weightApproximate: 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)
Chronology
SuccessorAMC Javelin (second generation)

The AMC AMX is a two-seat GT-style muscle car produced by American Motors Corporation from 1968 through 1970.[2][6] As one of just two American-built two-seaters, the AMX was in direct competition with the one-inch (2.5 cm) longer wheelbase Chevrolet Corvette,[7] for substantially less money.[8][9][10] It was based on the new-for-1968 Javelin, but with a shorter wheelbase and deletion of the rear seat. In addition, the AMX's rear quarter windows remained fixed, making it a coupe, while the Javelin was a true two-door hardtop.

Fitted with the standard high-compression 290 cu in (4.8 L) or optional 343 cu in (5.6 L) or 390 cu in (6.4 L) AMC V8 engine, the AMX offered sporty performance at an affordable price. Despite this value and enthusiastic initial reception by automotive media and enthusiasts, sales never thrived. However, the automaker's larger objectives to refocus AMC's image on performance and to bring younger customers into its dealer showrooms were achieved. After three model years, the two-seat version was discontinued.

The AMX's signature badging was transferred to a high-performance version of its four-seat sibling, the Javelin, from the 1971 to 1974 model years. American Motors capitalized on the respected reputation of the original two-seat AMXs by reviving the model designation for performance-equipped coupe versions of the compact Hornet in 1977, Concord in 1978, and the subcompact Spirit in 1979 and 1980.

  1. ^ a b Kenwright, Joe. "1968–1972 AMI Rambler Javelin & AMX". Australian Muscle Car. No. 22. pp. 60–68.
  2. ^ a b Stephens, Bill (25 March 2012). "How About Some Love for the AMX". Velocity by Discovery. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013. It did receive the Grand Touring appellation from some quarters and thanks to the top shelf 390-cubic-inch, 315-horsepower engine (which got nudged up to 325 in 1970), the AMX had no trouble wearing the "Muscle Car" moniker.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference art was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Annual Survey". Car and Driver. May 1969. the AMX was the winner in the "Sports/GT Category"
  5. ^ McClary, Andrew (12 January 2015). "AMC Javelin SST". Car Show TV. Archived from the original on 23 January 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2018. AMC introduced the AMX, which was a 2-seat grand touring model.
  6. ^ DeMeza, Todd (11 February 2010). "Sports Car Classics: The AMC AMX". Motor Authority. Archived from the original on 23 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  7. ^ Mueller, Mike (1996). Corvette Milestones. MotorBooks International. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7603-0095-4. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference legendarycollector was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (15 May 2007). "American Motors AMX". auto.howstuffworks.com. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  10. ^ Zinn, C.L. (13 May 2019). "Evolution of The American Motors AMX - The Other American Muscle Car". Heacock Classic. Retrieved 14 February 2022.