View source for AMC AMX

{{short description|Two-seat sports car produced by American Motors Corporation}}
{{for-multi|other AMC models known as AMX|AMC Concord#AMX|and|AMC Spirit#Spirit AMX}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}

{{Infobox automobile
|name = AMC AMX
|image = 1968 AMC AMX 390 Go Package, front left (Cruisin' the River Lowellville Car Show, June 19th, 2023).jpg
|caption = 1968 AMX with "Go-Package"
|manufacturer = [[American Motors Corporation]]
|production = 1968–1970
|assembly = {{unbulleted list | [[Kenosha, Wisconsin]], United States | [[Port Melbourne, Victoria|Port Melbourne]], Australia ([[Australian Motor Industries|AMI]])<ref name="Kenwright">{{cite magazine|first=Joe |last=Kenwright |title=1968–1972 AMI Rambler Javelin & AMX |magazine=Australian Muscle Car |number=22 |pages=60–68}}</ref> }}
|aka = Rambler AMX (Australia)<ref name="Kenwright"/>
|class = [[Grand tourer]], [[Muscle car]], [[Sports car]]<ref name="Discovery"/><ref name="art"/><ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 1969 |magazine=Car and Driver |quote=the AMX was the winner in the "Sports/GT Category" |title=Annual Survey}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McClary |first=Andrew |title=AMC Javelin SST |url= http://www.carshowtv.com/2015/01/12/amc-javelin-sst/ |work=Car Show TV |date=12 January 2015 |quote=AMC introduced the AMX, which was a 2-seat grand touring model. |access-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190416/http://www.carshowtv.com/2015/01/12/amc-javelin-sst/ |archive-date=23 January 2018 }}</ref>
|body_style = 2-door [[coupé|coupe]]
|layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout|FR layout]]
|platform = AMC's "junior cars"
|successor = [[AMC Javelin#Second generation|AMC Javelin (second generation)]]
|designer = [[Dick Teague]]
|wheelbase = {{convert|97|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|length = {{unbulleted list | 1968–69: {{convert|177|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | 1970: {{convert|179|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} }}
|width = {{convert|71|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|height = {{convert|51|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|weight = Approximate: {{convert|3000|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
|transmission = {{unbulleted list | 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] floor shift (standard) | 3-speed "Shift-Command" [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] on console }}
|engine = {{bulleted list | {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} 4-bbl [[AMC V8 engine|V8]] {{convert|225|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 1968–69 | {{convert|343|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} 4-bbl V8 {{convert|280|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 1968–69 | {{convert|360|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} 4-bbl V8 {{convert|285|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 1970 | {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} 4-bbl V8 {{convert|315|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 1968–69 | {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} twin 4-bbl V8 {{convert|340|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 1969 SS (only) | {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} 4-bbl V8 {{convert|325|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 1970 }}
}}

The '''AMC AMX''' is a two-seat [[Grand Tourer|GT]]-style [[muscle car]] produced by [[American Motors Corporation]] from 1968 through 1970.<ref name="Discovery">{{cite web |url= http://blogs.discovery.com/velocity/2012/03/how-about-some-love-for-the-amx.html |title=How About Some Love for the AMX |date=25 March 2012 |first=Bill |last=Stephens |publisher=Velocity by Discovery |quote=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. |access-date=20 January 2013 |archive-date=5 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130505022601/http://blogs.discovery.com/velocity/2012/03/how-about-some-love-for-the-amx.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=DeMeza |first=Todd |title=Sports Car Classics: The AMC AMX |url= https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1042536_sports-car-classics-the-amc-amx |publisher=Motor Authority |date=11 February 2010 |access-date=22 January 2018 |archive-date=23 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190527/https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1042536_sports-car-classics-the-amc-amx }}</ref> As one of just two American-built two-seaters, the AMX was in direct competition with the one-inch (2.5&nbsp;cm) longer wheelbase [[Chevrolet Corvette]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Mueller |first=Mike |title=Corvette Milestones |year=1996 |publisher=MotorBooks International |isbn=978-0-7603-0095-4 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=2XL9SF1nBD8C&pg=PA11 |page=11 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> for substantially less money.<ref name="legendarycollector"/><ref name="stuffworksAMX">{{cite web|title=American Motors AMX |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/american-motors-sports-cars.htm |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |date=15 May 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210124005212/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/american-motors-sports-cars.htm |archive-date=24 January 2021 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zinn |first1=C.L. |title=Evolution of The American Motors AMX - The Other American Muscle Car |url= https://heacockclassic.com/articles/evolution-of-the-american-motors-amx-the-other-american-muscle-car/ |work=Heacock Classic |access-date=14 February 2022 |date=13 May 2019}}</ref> It was based on the new-for-1968 [[AMC Javelin|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 {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} or optional {{convert|343|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} or {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[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 [[AMC Javelin|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 car|compact]] [[AMC Hornet|Hornet]] in 1977, [[AMC Concord|Concord]] in 1978, and the subcompact [[AMC Spirit|Spirit]] in 1979 and 1980.

==Origin==
[[File:'AMX' badge 1968 and 1969 AMC.jpg|thumb|right|1968 and 1969 [[Pillar (car)|C-pillar]] AMX emblem]]
[[File:1969 AMC AMX red with white stripes.jpg|thumb|right|1969 AMC AMX in "Matador Red"]]

The AMX name originates from the "''A''merican ''M''otors e''x''perimental" code used on a concept vehicle and then on two prototypes shown on the company's "Project IV" automobile show tour in 1966.<ref name=mueller99>{{cite book |last=Mueller |first=Mike |title=Motor City Muscle: The High-Powered History of the American Muscle Car |publisher=MBI Publishing |year=1997 |page=99 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ZLP8kKL4w2kC&pg=PA99 |isbn=978-0-7603-0196-8 |access-date=21 March 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> One was a fiberglass two-seat "AMX", and the other was a four-seat "AMX II". These radically styled offerings reflected the company's strategy to shed its "economy car" image and appeal to a more youthful, performance-oriented market.<ref name=mueller99/>

The original AMX full-scale models were developed in 1965 by AMC's advanced styling studios under the direction of Charles Mashigan.<ref name=mueller99/> The two-seat AMX was a "big hit on the auto show circuit in 1966" and featured a [[rumble seat]] that opened out from the rear [[decklid]] for extra passengers called a "Ramble" seat. AMC executives saw the opportunity to change consumers' perceptions of the automaker from [[George W. Romney|Romney's]] economy car image to the realities of the new marketplace interested in sporty, performance-oriented vehicles. [[Robert B. Evans]] requested a car like the AMX to be put into production quickly.<ref name=mueller99/>

Two simultaneous development programs emerged for a [[production vehicle|production car]]: a modified Javelin and another for a completely new vehicle bodied in fiberglass. The first approach was selected to allow AMC to use its existing technology and [[monocoque|unibody]] manufacturing expertise to make relatively inexpensive modifications to the Javelin, approximating the prototype's styling and proportions. The automaker could turn out steel bodies in large numbers, so it rejected developing plastic (or fiberglass) bodies because those are intended only for low-production models.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dunne |first=Jim |title=Detroit Report ... |magazine=Popular Science |volume=189 |issue=6 |page=42 |date=December 1966|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=lykDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA42 |access-date=5 January 2012}}</ref> The first fully operational unit debuted as part of AMC's AMX project in 1966. The once-"frumpy" automaker jumped on the "pony car bandwagon" with its "attractive Javelin" and soon introduced the "unique" AMX featuring a design where "hoods didn't come any longer, nor decks any shorter".<ref>{{cite book|last=Mueller |first=Mike |title=Mustang 1964-1/2-1973 |year=2000 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=978-0-7603-0734-2 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=12Unsmyljk4C&pg=PA65 |page=65 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

Vic Raviolo, previously responsible for the Lincolns that raced in the [[Carrera Panamericana]] during the 1950s, was involved with engineering AMC's new sports-car-type coupe.<ref name=McCahill>{{cite magazine |first=Tom |last=McCahill |title=MI tests AMC's new AMX |magazine=Mechanix Illustrated |page=43 |volume=64 |number=478 |date=March 1968}}</ref> The AMX was the first steel-bodied, two-seat American performance car since the 1955 through 1957 [[Ford Thunderbird (first generation)|Ford Thunderbird]].<ref name="legendarycollector">{{cite web|url= http://www.legendarycollectorcars.com/garage/project-cars-legendary-collector-cars/1969-amx-by-american-motors-corporation/ |title=1969 AMX by American Motors Corporation |date=21 April 2010 |publisher=Legendary Collector Cars |access-date=11 September 2010}}</ref> Ford's original two-seater evolved into a four-seat [[personal luxury car]] starting in 1958.

The AMX was also the only mass-produced, domestic two-seater to share the market with Chevrolet's Corvette since the 1957 Thunderbird.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.petersen.org/default.cfm?DocID=1008&index=98 |title=Current Exhibit – Muscle Cars: Power to the People – 1969 AMC AMX |publisher=Petersen Automotive Museum |date=1 February – 1 June 2005 |access-date=17 June 2012}}{{dead link|date=November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=r9j7MWLE_jMC&q=domestic+2-seat+companion+for+the+first+time+since+the+demise+of+the+1957+Ford+Thunderbird&pg=PA103 |page=103 |title=The Cars of American Motors: An Illustrated History |first=Marc |last=Cranswick |publisher=McFarland |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-7864-4672-8 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> With a short, {{convert|97|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}, wheelbase, the AMX's direct competition was the one-inch longer ({{convert|98|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} [[Chevrolet Corvette]]. The AMX's manufacturer's [[suggested retail price]] (MSRP) was US$3,245 (US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|3245|1968}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}), nearly 25% below and over $1,000 less than the Corvette's price tag.<ref name="strohlfeature"/>

The AMX was introduced to the press at the [[Daytona International Speedway]] on 15 February 1968, just over four months after the Javelin went on sale. In the demonstrations on the race track, the new AMXs ran at speeds up to {{convert|130|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. American Motors' group vice president, Vic Raviolo, described the AMX as "the [[Walter Mitty]] Ferrari".<ref>{{cite book|last=Mueller|first=Mike|title=Classic Muscle: the evolution of the American musclecar|year=2005| publisher=National Street Machine Club|isbn=978-1-58159-238-2|page=101}}</ref> The AMX was designed to "appeal to both muscle car and sports car enthusiasts, two camps that rarely acknowledged each other's existences."<ref name="art">{{cite book|last1=Newhardt |first1=David |first2=Peter |last2=Harholdt |first3=Brock |last3=Yates |title=Art of the Muscle Car |year=2009 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=978-0-7603-3591-8 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ovVg_UkqfikC&pg=PA106 |page=106 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> The problem was the "tire-melting" acceleration of the two-seater made it "a quick car that handled like a sports car, confusing the buying public."<ref name="art"/> Automotive journalist [[Tom McCahill]] summed up, "the AMX is the hottest thing to ever come out of Wisconsin and ... you can whip through corners and real hard bends better than with many out-and-out sports cars."<ref name=McCahill/>

==Record-breaking==
[[File:1968 AMX Breedlove Records Champion Plug AD.jpg|right|thumb|AMX "shatters" speed records in an advertisement for [[Champion (spark plug)|Champion spark plugs]] ]]

To promote the new car, AMC's manager for performance activities, Carl Chakmakian, asked world land speed record holder [[Craig Breedlove]] to put the AMX through its paces before the new vehicles were even available for sale.<ref name="amx-perience">{{cite web|url= http://www.amx-perience.com/1968AMX_CraigBreedlove.php |title=A Record Setter, 1968 |website=AMX-perience.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121205070757/http://www.amx-perience.com/1968AMX_CraigBreedlove.php |archive-date=5 December 2012 |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/carl-chakmakian |title=Carl Chakmakian: AMC's Sultan of Speed |work=Hemmings |date=23 September 2018 |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref> In January 1968, two specially prepared AMXs set 106 world speed and endurance records at [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]]'s track in Texas driven by Breedlove, his wife Lee, and Ron Dykes.<ref name="gunnell15">{{cite book|last=Gunnell |first=John |title=Standard Catalog of American Muscle Cars 1960–1972 |year=2006 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-0-89689-433-4 |page= 15}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Is the AMX a True Sports Car? |magazine=Motor Trend |date=March 1968 |page=34 |volume=30 |number=3}}</ref> Breedlove's "Spirit of America" crew and Traco Engineering had six weeks to prepare the cars before they were to be displayed at the [[Chicago Auto Show]] in February.<ref name="amx-perience"/>

The [[AMC V8 engine]]s, such as the {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} engine in one car was bored out to {{convert|304|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} and the {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} in the other to {{convert|397|CID|L|1|abbr=on}}. The shop installed exhaust headers, eight-quart oil pans, oil coolers, hi-rise intake manifolds, racing camshafts with solid lifters and stronger springs, and larger carburetors. The cars had engine and rear-end oil coolers, as well as {{convert|37|usgal|L impgal|abbr=on}} cell-type safety fuel tanks. Engine components were [[X-ray]]ed and [[Magnaflux]]ed to check for cracks, as were chassis components.<ref name="amx-perience"/>

Chassis preparation included heavy-duty front and rear springs (part of the factory's optional handling package), rear spring traction control arms, heavy-duty shock absorbers, and a "[[Panhard rod|panhard]]" type track bar in the rear to eliminate side sway. Wide magnesium racing wheels and Goodyear racing tires replaced the stock road wheels and standard tires. The cars were aerodynamically modified: the front ends were lowered, the hoods were slanted down, and spoilers were installed below the front bumpers. The car interiors had structure-stiffening roll cages for driver protection, a stock bucket seat modified for additional support, and supplementary engine-monitoring instruments.<ref name="amx-perience"/>

Breedlove also took the AMX to Bonneville reaching {{convert|189|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} in a [[United States Auto Club]] (USAC) sanctioned run,<ref name="stuffworksAMX"/> as well as an unofficial run of over {{convert|200|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="legendarycollector"/>

==Industry firsts==
The AMX was not only sporty and attractive, but it introduced many industry firsts.<ref name="conceptcarz.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1748/default.aspx |website=conceptcarz.com |title=1970 AMX news, pictures, and information |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref>

The American [[SAE International|Society of Automotive Engineers]] (SAE) named the AMX as the "best-engineered car of the year" in 1969 and 1970.<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=Automobile Quarterly| title=AMC AMX and Javelin, AMC at Nürburgring |year=1981 |volume=19 |issue=1 |publisher=Princeton Institute for Historic Research}}</ref>

For its first-year recognition, the reasons cited included the car's dashboard, which was injection-molded in one piece "for safety purposes, an industry first."<ref name="conceptcarz.com"/> The AMX's new {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} engine was developed to have a large displacement within its minimal external dimensions and moderate weight, while the use of common components and machining with AMC's 290 and 343 engines assured manufacturing economy.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Leydorf |first1=George F. |first2=George E. |last2=Onishi |chapter=The American Motors AMX-390 V-8 Engine |year=1968 |publisher=SAE International: technical paper 680493 |chapter-url= http://papers.sae.org/680493/ |access-date=21 March 2012|doi=10.4271/680493 |title=SAE Technical Paper Series |volume=1}}</ref> The 1968 models also included an innovative fiberglass safety padding, a "plastic" on the inside of the windshield posts that was first used on the AMC Javelins.

For the following year's award, the SAE recognition included the 1970 AMXs (and Javelins) being the first production cars to use windshields that were safer, thinner, and lighter than ordinary [[laminated glass]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Clarke |first1=Sally H. |first2=Naomi |last2=Lamoreaux |first3=Steven |last3=Usselman |title=The Challenge of Remaining Innovative: Insights from Twentieth-Century American Business |year=2009 |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=978-0-8047-5892-5 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Ho6hmHrCjCEC&pg=PA99 |page=99 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> Developed by [[Corning Incorporated|Corning]], the glass featured a chemically hardened layer designed to give under impact and crumble into small granules to reduce injuries.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Dyer|first1=Davis|first2=Daniel|last2=Gross|title=The generations of Corning: the life and times of a global corporation |year=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-514095-8 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/generationsofcor00davi/page/302 302]–303 |url= https://archive.org/details/generationsofcor00davi |url-access=registration|quote=Javelin windshield.|access-date=12 September 2010}}</ref> The inner layer has "stress raisers that will cause it to break before excessively high concussion forces can be developed in the occupant's skull."<ref>{{cite book|first1=John R. |last1=Blizard |first2=John S. |last2=Howitt |chapter=A New Laminated Windshield Designed to Minimize Laceration |year=1970 |publisher=SAE International: technical paper 700428 |chapter-url= http://papers.sae.org/700428/ |access-date=21 March 2012|doi=10.4271/700428 |title=SAE Technical Paper Series |volume=1}}</ref>

American Motors also incorporated new designs for windshield sealing for the 1970 models and developed a systems solutions process that began in the styling studio to ensure maximum efficiency.<ref>{{cite book|first=Ronald R. |last=Parry |chapter=Windshield Sealing Parameters |date=February 1970 |publisher=SAE International: technical paper 700098 |chapter-url= http://papers.sae.org/700098/ |access-date=21 March 2012|doi=10.4271/700098 |title=SAE Technical Paper Series |volume=1}}</ref>

==1968==
[[File:1968 AMC AMX go-package white NJ.jpg|thumb|right|1968 AMC AMX with Go-Pac]]
[[File:1968 AMC AMX 390 GO PAC white s.jpg|thumb|right|1968 AMC AMX with chrome wheels and red stripe tires standard with Go-Package]]
[[File:1968 AMC AMX yellow 390 auto md-er.jpg|thumb|right|The "AMX 390" engine]]

American Motors promoted the mid-model year launch of the AMX to automotive journalists at Daytona to emphasize its sports car performance, as well as with a marketing agreement with [[Playboy Enterprises]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Hadsall Jr. |first=Guy |title=Mister Javelin: Guy Hadsall Jr. at American Motors |year=2007 |publisher=The Olde Milford Press |isbn=978-0-9662019-2-5 |pages=33–34 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bZrIXzKUHvUC&pg=PA33 |editor-first=Patrick R. |editor-last=Foster |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> To introduce the AMX to its [[Car dealership|dealers]], AMC held meetings at nine [[Playboy Club]]s.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Truesdell |first=Richard |title=The "36–24–35" 1968 AMC AMX |magazine=Automobile Magazine |date=27 July 2015 |url= http://www.automobilemag.com/news/the-36-24-35-1968-amc-amx/ |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

The AMX was introduced to the public on 24 February 1968, five months after the Javelin and other 1968 AMC cars. The AMX was promoted as "the only American sports car that costs less than $3500".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.arcticboy.com/Pages/arcticboysamx4.html |last=Wilson |first=Bob |title=Arcticboy's AMX page 4: 1968 magazine ad |website=arcticboy.com |access-date=5 February 2011}}</ref> American Motors advertisements also showed "a helmeted race driver revving up at the starting line in one of AMC's sporty AMX models, which it describes as ''ready to do 125 miles an hour''."<ref>{{cite book|title=Automotive Repair Industry: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopoly of the Committee on the Judiciary; United States Senate, Ninetieth Congress, Second Session pursuant to S. Res. 233; Part 1 |year=1969 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=UGo1QdAhmJgC&q=American+Motors+Corp.,+in+its+ads+shows+a+helmeted+race+driver+revving+up+at+the+starting+line+in+one+of+AMC's+sporty+AMX+models,+which+it+describes+as+%22ready+to+do+125+miles+an+hour|page=776}}</ref>

The two-seat AMX was "meant for a small, well-defined market niche, and it pulled young people into AMC dealer showrooms in never before seen numbers".<ref name="candp02">{{cite magazine |magazine=Cars & Parts|volume=45 |year=2002 |pages=16–21 |publisher=Amos Press |title=1968–1970 AMX}}</ref> Numerous road tests described the new AMX as a "handsome two-seater with American-style acceleration and European-style handling".<ref name="candp02"/> Journalists gave it a real run workout on all kinds of terrain and wrote "that the AMX is one of the best-looking cars – if not the best-looking car – made in the U.S.A."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=A to Z on the AMX from AMC |magazine=Auto Topics Autodriver |year=1968 |volume=68 |pages=74 |publisher=Counterpoint}}</ref>

All AMXs came with four-barrel [[Carburetor|carbureted]] small block<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.amxfiles.com/resource/tech/v8faq.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20080411085752/http://www.amxfiles.com/resource/tech/v8faq.html |archive-date=11 April 2008 |title=AMC 'Small Block' V8 Engines |website=AMXfiles.com |access-date=5 February 2011}}</ref> [[AMC V8 engine]]s in several versions: {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|225|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, N-code), {{convert|343|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|290|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, T-code), as well as the {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} "AMX" featuring {{convert|315|hp|kW|abbr=on}} with {{convert|425|lb·ft|N·m}} of torque (X-code). All are derived from the same external size block. However, the three engines differed vastly internally, with the smallest engine having small intake and exhaust valves, thin block webbing, and a cast nodular iron crankshaft; the 343 used larger valves with a thicker block webbing; and the 390 moved up to a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, as well as larger rod bearings, {{convert|2.250|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} compared to {{convert|2.090|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} in the smaller two versions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sessler |first=Peter C. |title=Ultimate American V-8 Engine Data Book |edition=Second | year=2010 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=978-0-7603-3681-6 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=eT7LT69STO0C&pg=PA228 |page=228 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref>

A [[BorgWarner]] T-10 four-speed [[manual transmission]] was standard, as were unique traction bars, dual exhaust system, and fatter tires for better traction. A "Shift-Command" three-speed [[automatic transmission]] with the capability of manual shifting (BorgWarner model M-11B or M-12) was optional together with a [[Center console (automobile)|floor console]] mounted shifter.

A popular "Go-Package" option was available with the four-barrel 343 or 390 engine. It included power-assisted front disk brakes, "Twin-Grip" [[Differential (mechanical device)|differential]], E70x14 red-stripe performance tires on 6-inch wide steel road wheels, heavy-duty suspension with thicker sway-bars, heavy-duty cooling, as well as other performance enhancements.<ref name=mueller99/> A wide range of specialized performance parts were also available through AMC dealers for installation on customer's cars. These were known as "Group 19" parts because of how AMC organized its parts books.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillick |first=Barbara |title=Group 19 – AMC high-performance parts were second to none |url= http://www.matadorcoupe.com/enginespecs.htm |work=Muscle Car Review |via=matadorcoupe.com |date=July 1990 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

===Breedlove AMX===
According to several sources, "Breedlove Replica" cars to commemorate the speed and endurance records were offered by AMC.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nicholls |first=Richard |title=Supercars |year=2002 |publisher=Tangerine Press |isbn=978-0-439-42465-3 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=RTy6wRNb1ZAC&q=AMC+even+made+50+Breedlove+specials+with+red,+white+and+blue+paint+jobs+to+celebrate |page=25 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> The ''Standard Catalog of American Muscle Cars 1960–1972'' describes an estimated 50 "Breedlove" AMXs were sold featuring the red, white, and blue paint scheme along with the standard 4-barrel {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 with four-speed manual transmission.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TwcOO2OxujYC&pg=PA15 |last=Gunnell |first=John |title=Standard Catalog of American Muscle Cars 1960–1972 |page=15 |year=2006 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-0-89689-433-4 |access-date=16 November 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

However, AMC historians argue there was no "factory literature, order sheets, advertising, photographs, or anything else to properly document any factory 1968 or 1969 'Breedlove Replica' AMXs."<ref name="mitchellreplica">{{cite book|last=Mitchell |first=Larry G. |title=AMC Muscle Cars |year=2000 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=0-7603-0761-X |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=JHVaQFDrx_MC&q=Breedlove+AMX+replicas&pg=RA1-PT23 |page=79 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> According to historians a new car that a dealer in Canada ordered could not have been painted at the factory, but rather outsourced to local Kenosha [[Automobile repair shop|body shops]] to perform the final painting.<ref name="mitchellreplica"/>

===Playmate AMX===
[[File:1968 AMC AMX Playmate of the Year Pink at 2015 AMO meet-09.jpg|thumb|right|The actual PMOY award car]]

''[[Playboy]]'' magazine's 1968 [[Playmate of the Year]], [[Victoria Vetri|Angela Dorian]], was awarded a specially painted "Playmate Pink" 1968 AMX.<ref>{{cite book|last= Strodder|first=Chris|title=Swingin' Chicks of the '60s: a Tribute to 101 of the Decade's Defining Women |publisher=Cedco Publishing |year=2000 |pages=58–59 |isbn=978-0-7683-2232-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.playmateamx.com/ |title=The Playmate AMX |website=playmateamx.com |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> It was powered by the base 290 V8 with automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt wheel, AM/8-track radio and optional rear bumper guards. Aside from the unique color, it differed from other AMXs with its dashboard number plate containing Dorian's measurements, making her car AMX 36–24–35.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.timelessrides.com/wiki/amc/amx |title=AMC AMX Information and History |publisher= Timeless Rides |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121120053652/http://www.timelessrides.com/wiki/amc/amx |archive-date=20 November 2012 |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> The car, currently owned by Mark Melvin who purchased it from Dorian in 2010, was featured in an episode of [[Jay Leno|Jay Leno's Garage]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsQvxZbiiac |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/YsQvxZbiiac |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=1968 AMC Playmate of the Year AMX |publisher=Jay Leno's Garage |date=19 April 2015 |via=YouTube |access-date=28 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/04/20/playmate-of-the-year-amx-returns-to-its-original-pink/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150424014703/http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/04/20/playmate-of-the-year-amx-returns-to-its-original-pink/ |url-status= usurped |archive-date= 24 April 2015 |title=Playmate of the Year AMX returns to its original pink |first=Daniel |last=Strohl |date=20 April 2015 |publisher=Hemmings |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>

Some sources describe other AMXs as having been painted Playmate Pink at the factory. AMC's marketing vice-president, Bill {{Not a typo|McNealy}}, who handed over the keys to Angela Dorian's car, mentioned that "a number of them" were finished in pink.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.planethoustonamx.com/stuff/mission-amx-playboy-pinks.htm |title=Mission AMX: The Beautiful Angela Dorian/Victoria Vetri..... & Pink AMXs! |website=planethoustonamx.com |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref>

In late 1968, a Playmate Pink AMX was special-ordered by a dealership in rural [[Potosi, Missouri]]. This 1969 model year car's door tag indicates a "00" paint code (meaning a special-order color). It has a 390 V8 with automatic transmission, as well as the performance "GO" Package, air conditioning, and leather seats.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/school-teacher-or-playmate-1969-amc-amx |title=School Teacher or Playmate: Guess which one special-ordered a pink AMX? |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |date=April 2010 |first=Daniel |last=Strohl |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref>

===Hertz rent-a-racer===
[[File:1968 AMC AMX 390 Go Pac Hertz AMO 2015 meet 2of5.jpg|thumb|Restored 1968 AMX, originally a Hertz rental car]]

In the late-1960s, [[The Hertz Corporation]] offered "rent-a-racer" program in selected locations that included cars such as [[Chevrolet Corvette|Corvettes]], [[Jaguar E-Type|Jaguar XK-Es]], [[Shelby Mustang]]s, and AMXs.<ref>{{cite web|title=1968 AMC AMX Hertz Rent A Racer |url= http://www.1968hertzamx.com/ |first=Bruce |last=Nolan |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130524163408/http://1968hertzamx.com/ |archive-date=24 May 2013 |access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref> There is no record of how many AMXs were ordered by Hertz for their fleet. Still, the factory "Build Sheet" for a car may indicate that AMC sold the car to Hertz.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Clarke |first1=Adam |title=Rent-A-Racer: 1968 AMC AMX Hertz |url= https://barnfinds.com/rent-a-racer-1968-amc-amx-hertz/ |work=Barn Finds |date=26 October 2021 |access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref>

===Von Piranha Edition===
Thoroughbred Motors in [[Denver]], Colorado, modified an estimated 22 new AMXs for select AMC dealerships to have ready-made racers for both the dragstrips and road courses nearby.<ref>{{cite web|title=Von Piranha Edition: 1968 AMC AMX 390/Go-Pack |url= https://bringatrailer.com/2017/12/12/von-piranha-edition-1968-amx-amx-390go-pack/ |work=Bring a Trailer |date=12 December 2017 |access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="30-yearMystery">{{cite magazine |first=Scotty |last=Lachenauer |title=The 30-Year Mystery of the Von Piranha 1968 AMC AMX |magazine=Hot Rod |date=30 March 2016 |url= http://www.hotrod.com/articles/the-30-year-mystery-of-von-piranha-1968-amc-amx/ |access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Palmer |first=Jamie |title=Update: 1968 AMX Piranha For Sale Again |url= https://barnfinds.com/update-1968-amx-piranha-for-sale-again/ |work=Barn Finds |date=22 December 2015 |access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref> They were named "Von Piranha" and the changes included the addition of two sets of air scoops on each C-pillar with ducts to cool the rear brakes and on the roof above the windshield that was reportedly functional to cool the cockpit on race-bred versions. The AMX's twin hood bulges were cut open to increase airflow in the engine bay. The original Piranha buildup was believed to have AMC's Group 19 R4B intake stamped with the Von Piranha logo and a 950 CFM Holley three-barrel carburetor.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Mystery Of The Von Piranha 1968 AMC AMX |url= http://fastmusclecar.com/best-muscle-cars/mystery-von-piranha-1968-amc-amx/ |work=Muscle Car |date=31 March 2016 |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> The sales manager at Thoroughbred at the time and local racing legend, Ronald Hunter, raced a Piranha at the [[Continental Divide Raceways]] and other events.<ref name="30-yearMystery"/>

==1969==
[[File:69AmX.jpg|alt=1969 AMX with Go Package in Bittersweet Orange metallic|thumb|1969 AMX with Go Package in Bittersweet Orange metallic]][[File:1969 AMX black with red stripes VA f.jpg|thumb|1969 AMC AMX]]
[[File:1969 AMC AMX Big Bad Green at 2009 Potomac Ramblers meet 2of3.jpg|thumb|right|1969 AMC AMX in "Big Bad Green"]]
[[File:1969 AMC AMX Big Bad Green at 2009 Potomac Ramblers meet 3of3.jpg|thumb|right|1969 AMX interior with the center panel "Gauge package"]]

The AMX's full second model year saw only slight changes, except for a $52 increase in its base price.<ref name="stuffworksAMX"/> The five-spoke Magnum 500 steel road wheels were no longer chrome plated, but now came with a stainless steel trim ring. The racing stripes were now available in five colors. The interior featured a revised instrumentation with the 0–8000&nbsp;rpm [[tachometer]] moved to match the [[speedometer]] that was now calibrated to {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Interior door panels were revised, carpeting was upgraded, new [[leather]] upholstery was optional, and the gas pedal became suspended.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/AMC/1969_AMC/1969_AMC_Full_Line_Brochure/1969%20AMC%20Full%20Line-32-33.html |page=33 |title=1969 AMC Full Line Brochure |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> Later production cars received a hood over the instruments in front of the driver. Trunk capacity was {{convert|9.7|cuft|L|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/AMC/1969_AMC/1969_AMC_Full_Line_Brochure/1969%20AMC%20Full%20Line-44-45.html |page=45 |title=1969 AMC FullLine Brochure |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

Starting in January 1969, all manual transmission AMXs came with a [[Hurst Performance|Hurst]] floor shifter. The center console-mounted three-speed "Shift-Command" automatic remained optional with "1", "2", and "D" forward settings. The "D" mode was for fully automatic operation, but the driver could shift manually through all three gears by starting in the "1" setting for first gear with no upshift, then the "2" setting for second gear with no upshift, and finally to third-gear in the "D" setting.<ref>{{cite web |title=1967 AMC Ambassador Engineering |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1967-1968-amc-ambassador3.htm |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |date=11 October 2007 |access-date=16 November 2012 |archive-date=12 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110612132148/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1967-1968-amc-ambassador3.htm }}</ref>

A "Big Bad" paint option for $34 became available in mid-1969. The neon brilliant blue (BBB), orange (BBO), and green (BBG) exteriors included color-matched front and rear bumpers, as well as a unique slim bright lower grille moulding for the front bumper and two vertical rubber-faced painted bumper guards for the rear. The factory-painted 1969 AMXs were 195 in BBB, 285 in BBO, and 283 in BBG.<ref name="lyons&scott">{{cite book|last1=Lyons |first1=Dan |first2=Jason |last2=Scott |title=Muscle Car Milestones |year=2001 |publisher=MotorBooks International |isbn=978-0-7603-0615-4 |pages=90–92 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=nUkf0FM0u6UC&pg=PA92 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

''Popular Mechanics'' wrote that the 1969 "AMX preserves the status quo this year, being virtually unchanged, and remains an absolute delight to drive."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kilpatrick |first=Bill |title=Personal Cars: High style combined with speed 'n' sport |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=October 1968 |volume=130 |issue=4 |page=109}}</ref>

===California 500 Special===
The "California 500 Special" is a version of 1969 AMXs sold only by Southern California American Motors Dealer Association members. It was part of a marketing campaign to commemorate the 1969 season at the [[Riverside International Raceway]].<ref name="AMX500-barrett-jackson">{{cite web |title=1969 American Motors AMX California 500 Special |url= https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1969-AMERICAN-MOTORS-AMX-CALIFORNIA-500-SPECIAL-15368 |website=barrett-jackson.com |year=2006 |access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref> They would serve as [[Safety car|pace car]] and the dealers would sell replicas.<ref name="AMX500-perience">{{cite web |title=1969 AMX 500 Special |url= http://www.amx-perience.com/articles/1969AMX500Special.php |website=amx-perience.com |access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref> All were finished in Big Bad Green with black stripes and included the 390 Go-Pac, automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, radio, light group, visibility group, and a saddle leather interior.<ref name="AMX500-perience"/> The cars also featured "Trendsetter Sidewinder" exhaust side pipes in place of the molding strips on the rocker panels and were identified by brass plaques mounted on the hood blisters that had crossed checkered [[racing flags]] and the words 500 Special.<ref name="lyons&scott"/> A total of 283 AMXs were built in Big Bad Green for the 1969 model year; however, the exact number of California 500 Special versions is unknown, with only an estimate of 32.<ref>{{cite web |title=1969 AMC AMX California 500 Special |url= https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20582/lot/301/ |website=bonhams.com |date=17 January 2013 |access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="AMX500-barrett-jackson"/>

{{clear}}

===Super Stock AMX===
[[File:1969 AMC AMX SS Hurst at Kenosha show.jpg|thumb|right|1969 Super Stock AMX]]

AMC also introduced the Super Stock AMX. To maximize quarter-mile performance, the 390 engine was equipped with twin Holley carburetors and 12.3:1 compression-ratio cylinder heads, plus [[Aftermarket (automotive)|aftermarket]] ''Doug's'' headers and exhaust system, and the tires were drag slicks. [[Hurst Performance]] carried out several additional modifications.<ref>{{cite web|title=SS/AMX webpages|url= http://www.ssamx.com/index.html |first1=Mike |last1=Weaver |first2=George |last2=Gudat |quote=This site is dedicated to the old SS/AMX warriors... |access-date=5 February 2011}}</ref>

American Motors rated the car at {{convert|340|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, but the [[National Hot Rod Association]] (NHRA) rated it at {{convert|420|hp|kW}} and shuffled it among various competition classes that included SS/G and SS/D. The Super Stock AMXs were also put in SS/E class by NHRA based on the car's {{convert|3050|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} weight and estimated {{convert|405|hp|kW|abbr=on}} and ultimately slotted into the SS/C class.<ref name="Shaw">{{cite web |last=Shaw |first=Tom |title=Incredibly Well Preserved Original 1969 AMC Super Stock AMX Has Just 23 Miles on the Odo |url= https://www.hotrod.com/articles/incredibly-well-preserved-original-1969-amc-super-stock-amx-has-just-23-miles-on-the-odo/ |publisher=Hot Rod |access-date=20 September 2020 |date=31 March 2016}}</ref>

Most of the cars were prepared and custom-painted by AMC dealers to be campaigned at big racing events where they ran in the low 11s on the tracks.<ref name="Shaw"/> The best recorded quarter-mile was 10.73 seconds at {{convert|128|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="howamx390">{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1969-amc-amx-390.htm |title=Classic Muscle Cars: 1969 AMC AMX 390|author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |website=howstuffworks.com |date=21 June 2007 |access-date=26 June 2010 |archive-date=29 April 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100429235451/http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1969-amc-amx-390.htm }}</ref>

The Super Stock AMX was meant for the race track and lacked comfort equipment such as a heater. The car could be ordered in all white or vertical bands of red, white, and blue, distinguishing numerous AMC competition cars of the day. The base price was $5,994, approximately $1,900 more than a fully loaded 1969 AMX. Moreover, the factory [[warranty]] was unavailable for these cars.<ref name="howamx390"/>

{{clear}}

===Pikes Peak cars===
[[File:1969 AMC AMX Pikes Peak car at Kenosha show.jpg|thumb|right|1969 AMX Pikes Peak pace car]]

The [[Pikes Peak International Hill Climb]] used 1969 AMXs as pace cars for the [[Hillclimbing|hillclimb]] race to the summit of [[Pikes Peak]] that was held on 29 June 1969 in [[Colorado]].<ref name="pikespeak">{{cite book|last=Mitchell |first=Larry G. |title=AMC Muscle Cars| year=2000 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=978-0-7603-0761-8 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=JHVaQFDrx_MC&q=1969+Pikes+Peak+Hillclimb+Pace/Courtesy+AMX&pg=RA1-PT70 |page=126 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref>

The AMX Pace and Courtesy cars were used by racers (including [[Bobby Unser]]) to practice the week before the race up the mountain.<ref name="pikesamxs">{{cite book |last=Gunnell |first=John |title=American Cars of the 1960s: A Decade of Diversity |year=2005 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-0-89689-131-9 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=_apeyhD-Dj8C&q=1969+Pikes+Peak+Hillclimb+Pace/Courtesy+AMX&pg=PA77 |page=77 |access-date=21 March 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> There were 12 (10 according to some sources) pace/courtesy AMXs, and all were equipped with the "390 Go-Pac" option and finished in "Frost White" with red stripes and red interiors.<ref name="pikesamxs"/>

Many AMC and Jeep vehicles have participated in the annual race, winning class titles and setting records. However, the only two-seat AMX officially raced in the hill climb was a 1969 model by Larry G. Mitchell in the 1987 "Vintage" class.<ref name="pikespeak"/>

===AMX-R===
[[File:Car show view from Gilmore bus 9 (1143620025) AMX-R.jpg|thumb|AMX-R at the 2007 Gilmore Car Museum car show]]

The original AMX's "Ramble" seat idea was considered for possible production.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Strohl |first=Daniel |title=Ramble(seat) on |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |date=November 2009 |url= http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2009/11/01/hmn_feature7.html |access-date=26 June 2010}}</ref> A working prototype was built in 1968 from a regular AMX by James Jeffords, a designer-customizer, and was named the AMX-R.<ref name=amx-r>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.hagerty.com/lifestyle/hobby_article.aspx?id=34642 |last=Peterson |first=West |title=1968 AMX-R |magazine=Hagerty Lifestyle |date=1 May 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110721013126/http://www.hagerty.com/lifestyle/hobby_article.aspx?id=34642 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> Jeffords was also head of the Javelin Trans Am Racing Team for AMC.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mitchell |first=Larry G. |title=AMC Muscle Cars |publisher=MBI Publishing |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-7603-0761-8}}</ref> Together with industrial designer [[Brooks Stevens]], they decided to also "plush up" the interior, add custom paint treatment and hood with Jeffords's name in badge form, as well as a modified suspension as part of their plan to offer an optional Ramble seat for 500 production cars.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Let's Hear It For Javelin! American Motors tries to become king of the hill |magazine=Car & Driver |year=1968 |volume=14 |number=3 |page=104}}</ref> The prototype was prepared by Dave Puhl's House of Kustoms in Palatine, Illinois.<ref name=amx-r/> However, numerous problems prevented serial production, including safety and [[product liability]] concerns, AMC's refusal to sell him the cars to modify, as well as the adverse reaction from [[Ralph Nader]] to the exposed exterior seating idea.<ref name=amx-r/> The AMX-R's special blacked-out hood treatment would later be offered as a "shadow mask" option on 1970 AMX models.

==1970==
[[File:1970 AMX Big Bad Green 390 Go Pac in WI show.jpg|thumb|1970 AMC AMX]]
[[File:1970 AMC AMX 390 go-package Commodore Blue and Machine wheels 1.jpg|thumb|right|1970 AMC AMX with "Ram Air" 390 V8]]
[[File:1970 AMX yellow with black shadow mask.JPG|thumb|right|1970 AMC AMX with black shadow mask]]
[[File:1970 AMX BBO-interior.JPG|thumb|right|1970 AMX interior]]
[[File:1970 AMC AMX 390 go-package Commodore Blue and Machine wheels 8.jpg|thumb|right|1970 AMX with standard simulated wood-grained rim-blow steering wheel]]
[[File:1970 AMC AMX 1.jpg|thumb|right|1970 AMC AMX with factory ''sidewinder'' [[sidepipe]]s]]

American Motors 1970 AMX advertising headlined, "We made the AMX look tougher this year because it's tougher this year".<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=cUY1AAAAMAAJ&q=We+made+the+AMX+look+tougher+this+year |author=American Motors |title=We made the AMX look tougher this year... |type=Advertisement |magazine=Hot Rod |year=1969 |volume=22 |page=71 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref> They were mildly [[Facelift (automotive)|facelifted]] resembling the first two model years, but the changes were different enough to be a separate design for 1970. Featured was a new front-end design with a longer hood that had a "power [[blister]]" with two large openings. These air intakes were functional cold [[Ram-air intake|ram-air]] [[Forced induction|induction system]] with the popular "Go Package" available with the 360 and 390 engines. The new [[Grille (car)|grille]] was flush and full-width, incorporating the [[headlamp]]s. The revised rear end also featured full-width [[taillamp]]s and a single center-mounted backup light. Side marker lights were now shared with several other AMC models. Riding on the same [[wheelbase]] {{convert|97|in|mm|0|adj=on}} as before, the changes increased the AMX's overall body length by about {{convert|2|in|mm|1|abbr=on}} to {{convert|179|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}.

American Motors also changed the AMX's engine lineup for 1970 with the introduction of a new {{convert|360|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} four-barrel ({{convert|290|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, P-code) to replace the {{convert|343|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8. The smallest 290 was dropped, and AMC could claim 65 more base horsepower than the AMXs featured previously. The [[AMC V8 engine#390|{{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine]] continued, but upgraded to new heads with {{convert|51|cc|abbr=on}} [[combustion chamber]]s that increased power to {{convert|325|hp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}} at 4800 rpm and {{convert|430|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 3200 rpm.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.conceptcarz.com/s7379/AMC-Javelin.aspx |website=conceptcarz.com |title=1970 AMC Javelin Technical Specifications and Dimensions |access-date=11 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=269203 |website=carfolio.com |title=AMC AMX, 1970 MY 7030 7039-7
|date=19 March 2013 |access-date=11 September 2018}}</ref> The code remained "X" for the engine on the [[vehicle identification number]] (VIN). The "Go package" was available with the {{convert|360|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} engine (including power front [[disc brake]]s, F70x14 raised white letter tires, handling package, heavy-duty cooling, and the ram-air induction system) for $298.85, or including the 390 engine for $383.90.<ref name="gunnellp19">{{cite book |last=Gunnell |first=John |title=Standard Catalog of American Muscle Cars 1960–1972 |year=2006 |publisher=KP Books |isbn=978-0-89689-433-4 |page=19}}</ref>

Also new, the front [[double wishbone suspension]] had [[ball joint]]s, upper and lower [[control arm]]s, [[coil spring]]s, and [[shock absorber]]s above the upper control arms; as well as trailing [[strut]]s on the lower control arms. The "Magnum 500" road wheels were now standard, but the new "Machine" 15x7&nbsp;inch slot-styled wheels became a mid-year option.

The interiors of the AMX were also redesigned. The broad wood-[[grained]] [[dashboard]], [[Center console (automobile)|center console]], and two-spoke "[[Rim Blow]]" [[steering wheel]] were new. Tall [[bucket seat]]s now featured a "[[clamshell design]]" integrating the [[headrest]]s. Leather [[upholstery]] was $34 extra.<ref name="gunnellp19"/> The exterior rearview mirror featured a new design that sometimes matched the car's body color. The three "Big Bad" exterior paints continued to be optional on the 1970 AMXs, but they now came with regular chrome [[Bumper (car)|bumpers]]. A new "shadow mask" exterior finish applied over any available AMX color was a $52 option,<ref name="gunnellp19"/> which included a satin black-painted hood, engine compartment, front fender tops, and side window surrounds offset by thin silver striping. The optional "C-stripe" was $32.<ref name="gunnellp19"/>

The manufacturer's [[suggested retail price]] (MSRP) for the base model was [[United States dollar|US$]]3,395 (US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|3395|1970}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}) as AMC promoted the 1970 AMX as, "A sports car for the price of a sporty car."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.arcticboy.com/Pages/arcticboysamx.html |last=Wilson |first=Bob |title=Arcticboy's AMX page 1: 1970 Magazine ads |website=arcticboy.com |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref>

''Motor Trend'' summed up a road test of a 1970 AMX with the 390 engine as "one of the better-constructed cars around."<ref name=nothin>{{cite book |title=Nothin' But Muscle |year=2010 |publisher=F+W Media |isbn=978-1-4402-1549-0 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=o6hBEhAvkUoC&pg=PA12 |page=12 |author=Staff of ''Old Cars Weekly'' |access-date=21 March 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Described as "the best version yet of this blend of muscle car and sports car", the 1970 model was also the last "true AMX".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1970-amc-amx.htm |title=Classic Muscle Cars: 1970 AMC AMX |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |website=musclecars.howstuffworks.com |date=12 January 2007 |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref>

==Performance figures==
Original road test of a 390 AMX by ''Car and Driver'' (1968)
* [[0 to 60 mph|0 to {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}}]] = 6.6 seconds
* 0–100&nbsp;mph = 16.3 seconds
* [[Dragstrip|Dragstrip {{convert|1/4|mi|m|0}}]] [[acceleration]] = 14.8 seconds @ {{convert|95|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
* Top speed = {{convert|122|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}

Original road test of a 390 AMX by ''Motor Trend'' (December 1969)<ref name=nothin/>
* 0 to {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} = 6.56 seconds
* Dragstrip {{convert|1/4|mi|m|0}} acceleration = 14.68 seconds @ {{convert|92|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}

=== Racing ===
[[File:AMC AMX Adkins burnout before dragrace.jpg|thumb|right|AMX dragracing [[Burnout (vehicle)|burnout]]]]
[[File:Two AMC AMXs dragrace takeoff.jpg|thumb|right|Two AMX [[drag racing|dragster]]s taking off]]

As an American-built two-seater, the AMC AMX was a high-performance car with few equals.<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=Cars & Parts |title=American Motors AMX |volume=29 |page=30 |publisher=Amos Press |year=1986}}</ref> They were campaigned with factory support and by independents in a variety of road and track racing series as well as being classified as [[grand tourer]]s.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=c1NWAAAAMAAJ&q=The+1970+AMX's+360-cubic-inch+V-8+pushed+it+out+of+Class+B+and+into+direct+competition+with |title=The AMX and the Javelin |magazine=Automobile Quarterly |year=1981 |volume=19 |issue=1 |access-date=9 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=JHVaQFDrx_MC&q=AMX+1969+343+B/Production+five+first-place+finishes+closest+competitor+was+a+Corvette&pg=RA1-PT68 |last=Mitchell |first=Larry G. |title=AMC Muscle Cars |publisher=MotorBooks/MBI |year=2000 |pages=55, 124–126 |isbn=978-0-7603-0761-8 |access-date=9 March 2019}}</ref>

The cars were regular performers on [[dragstrip]]s across the United States. Drivers included [[Shirley Shahan]], better known as the "Drag-On Lady", and Lou Downy. [[National Hot Rod Association]] (NHRA) champion Wally Booth raced AMXs in both the Super Stock and the [[Pro Stock]] classes.<ref name="Discovery"/> Herman Lewis, often described "as 'the Godfather of AMC Racing' ... won 200 events in his hellacious red, white, and blue AMX."<ref name="Discovery"/>

The 1968 and 1969 AMXs with AMC's {{convert|390|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} engines compete in contemporary [[Nostalgia Super Stock]] drag racing.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.nssracing.com/rules/nmca-rules/ |title=Nostalgia Super Stock Racing Rules |website=nssracing.com |year=2012 |access-date=7 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103055430/http://www.nssracing.com/rules/nmca-rules/ |archive-date=3 November 2013}}</ref> Owners have also modified AMXs to compete in modern Pro [[Touring car racing]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1080527_1969-amc-amx-defines-what-a-pro-touring-car-should-be-video |title=1969 AMC AMX defines what a pro touring car should be: video |first=Kurt |last=Earnst |publisher=Motor Authority |date=16 November 2012 |access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref>

The [[Sports Car Club of America]] (SCCA) classed the AMX in B Production for amateur competition, the same class as the Shelby GT350. An AMX scored second place in the 1969 SCCA national championship.<ref name="stuffworksAMX"/> Dwight Knupp drove his AMX just 1 minute and 14 seconds behind a Corvette's winning average of {{convert|102.385|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} on 30 November 1969, at the [[Daytona International Speedway]] with 16 cars in the B production class, and placed sixth overall out of the total of 28 A and B class cars competing in the race.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.virhistory.com/cars/arrc/1969-res.htm |title=1969 ARRC (Daytona) Complete Results |publisher=VIR History |access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.racingsportscars.com/photo/Daytona-1969-11-30b.html |title=American Road Race of Champions – Classes: AP+BP |website=RacingSportsCars.com |access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> The two-seat AMX was never eligible for SCCA Trans-Am competition.

A 1969 AMX was entered in the 1971 and 1972 [[Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash]], an unofficial automobile race from New York City and Darien, CT, on the US Atlantic (east) coast, to Redondo Beach, a Los Angeles suburb on the Pacific (west) coast. A team of enthusiastic brothers, Tom and Ed Bruerton, finished the 1971 competition in fifth place.<ref>{{cite book| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=7SVr1lbOVbYC&pg=PA151 |title=50 Years with Car and Driver|first=Marty|last=Padgett |publisher=Filipacchi Publishing |year=2005 |isbn= 978-1-933231-00-6 |page=51 |access-date=11 January 2012}}</ref> They drove {{convert|2897|mi|km|0}} in 37 hours and 48 minutes at an average of {{convert|77.3|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, with no speeding tickets.<ref>{{cite book |title=Cannonball! World's Greatest Outlaw Road Race |first=Brock|last=Yates |publisher=Motorbooks |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-7603-1633-7 |page=61}}</ref> Their AMX already had {{convert|90000|mi|km|0}} on the [[odometer]] and the brothers had previously taken it on numerous endurance rides, including "a rocky ride the entire length of the [[Baja California Peninsula]]."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=bVO1N3N_UWkC&dq=AMX+90,000+miles+on+the+odometer+a+rocky+ride+the+entire+length+of+the+Baja+Peninisula&pg=PA35 Yates, p. 35.]</ref> They again entered "their battlescarred AMX one more time" in the 1972 run.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Irp9fHQKV9YC&dq=Tom+and+Ed,+were+returning+from+their+Sandy,+Utah,+haunts+to+run+their+battlescarred+AMX+one+more+time&pg=PA87 Yates, p. 87.]</ref> The brothers finished in eighth place, making the coast-to-coast outlaw race in 39 hours and 42 minutes at an average of {{convert|72.3|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>Yates, p. 91.</ref>

==Production==
[[File:1969 AACA museum AMC AMX flv.jpg|thumb|right|1969 AMX in "Big Bad Orange" with 390 Go-Package at the [[AACA Museum]]]]

The two-seat AMX was built for three model years following its debut as a mid-year model on 15 February 1968.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.planethoustonamx.com/main/amc_production_figures.htm |title=AMC AMX & Javelin 1968 thru 1974 Production Numbers |website=planethoustonamx.com |access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> The first 1968 model year cars were scheduled to appear in dealer showrooms on 19 March 1968.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=xm0iAQAAMAAJ&q=AMX,+is+scheduled+to+appear+in+dealer+showrooms+March+19.+Base+price+of+$3245+includes+the+biggest+engine+AMC+has+ever+marketed—a+315-hp,+390-CID+V-8 |title=Ford, AMC cars to bow at Chicago show |page=41 |magazine=American Machinist, Metalworking Manufacturing |volume=112 |year=1968 |access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref>

AMC AMX model year production totals in the U.S., by engine and transmission:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; width:55%;"
|-
|
! scope="col" | 1968
! scope="col" | 1969
! scope="col" | 1970
! scope="col" | Total
|-
! scope="row" | 290 manual
|525
|619
|n.a.
|1,144
|-
! scope="row" | 290 automatic
|484
|299
|n.a.
|783
|-
! scope="row" | 343 manual
|415
|843
|n.a.
|1,258
|-
! scope="row" | 343 automatic
|902
|729
|n.a.
|1,631
|-
! scope="row" | 360 manual
|n.a.
|n.a.
|836
|836
|-
! scope="row" | 360 automatic
|n.a.
|n.a.
|747
|747
|-
! scope="row" | 390 manual
|2,112
|3,690
|1,632
|7,364
|-
! scope="row" | 390 automatic
|2,287
|2,183
|901
|5,371
|-
! scope="row" | Model year and grand totals
|'''6,725'''
|'''8,293'''
|'''4,116'''
|'''19,134'''
|}

In 1969, American Motors showed the next generation AMX/2 concept car in the automobile show circuit.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1969-amx-2-concept-car-and-1970-amx-3.htm |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |title=1969 AMX/2 Concept Car and 1970 AMX/3 |date=8 November 2007 |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |access-date= 16 November 2012 |archive-date=23 December 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121223094931/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1969-amx-2-concept-car-and-1970-amx-3.htm }}</ref> As the two-seater AMX production ceased in 1970, AMC was developing a sophisticated European-engineered alternative, the AMX/3 for 1971 introduction.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.supercars.net/cars/2982.html |title=1971 American Motors AMX/3 |first=Richard |last=Owen |website=supercars.net |access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=r9j7MWLE_jMC&pg=PA121 |pages=171–172 |last=Cranswick |first=Marc |title=Cars of American Motors: An Illustrated History |publisher=McFarland |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-7864-4672-8 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> However, overall economic conditions changed with spiraling inflation pushing sales of smaller cars along with the insurance companies' decision to penalize high-powered automobiles resulting in decreasing the sports-type car market segment, and the AMX was made into a high-performance model of the 4-seat Javelin starting in 1971.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=2dK1AAAAIAAJ&q=spiraling+inflation+that+lifted+small+car+registrations+at+the+expense+of+sports-type+cars+was+another.+Finally,+there+was+the+insurance+companies'+decision+to+penalize+high-powered+engines+AMX |page=17 |title=Ward's Automotive Yearbook, Volume 32 |publisher=Ward's Communications |year=1970 |access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref>

===Assembly in Australia===
[[File:Rambler AMX 1969 advert.jpg|thumb|right|1969 Rambler AMX assembled by AMI]]

A total of 24 [[Traffic directionality|right-hand drive]] 1969 model-year AMXs were hand-assembled under license in Australia by [[Australian Motor Industries]] (AMI) between August 1969 and July 1970.<ref name="ami-amx">{{cite web|url= http://www.amx-perience.com/1969AMIAMX.php |title= Australian Motor Industries AMX |website=amx-perience.com |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140814055815/http://amx-perience.com/1969AMIAMX.php |archive-date=14 August 2014}}</ref> They used the name '''Rambler AMX''' as AMI produced the [[Rambler (automobile)|Rambler]] range of cars since October 1960.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=W68vAQAAIAAJ&q=October+Rambler+franchise+from+American+Motors+range+extended |first=Peter C. |last=Stubbs |title=The Australian motor industry: a study in protection and growth|publisher=Cheshire for the Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne |year=1972 |page=69 |isbn=978-0-7015-1382-5 |access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> [[Complete knock down]] (CKD) kits were shipped from [[Kenosha, Wisconsin]] to AMI's facilities at [[Port Melbourne, Victoria|Port Melbourne]] in [[Victoria, Australia|Victoria]].<ref name="Kenwright"/> Only three colors were offered: White, Safety Wattle Yellow, and Signal Red.

Differences to the RHD Australian AMXs (compared to the U.S. models) included different outside rear-view mirrors and black vinyl trim inside the "AMX" circle logo on the C-pillars. As with other Australian-assembled AMC models built in right-hand drive, windscreen wipers were not reversed, remaining LHD pattern, but the power brake booster and heater on the firewall were swapped over. Although the power steering pump remained in its usual left location, the remainder of the steering components were on the right side of the car. The cars came with {{convert|343|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} and automatic transmission, power steering, power disk brakes, "twin-grip" rear axle, and other items that were optional on the U.S. models. All Australian AMX interiors were finished in black and featured unique seats, door panels, and a fiberglass RHD dashboard with a wood-grained instrument cluster in front of the driver. The Australian AMXs came with a significant level of equipment and were promoted as "personal [[super car]]s".<ref name="ami-amx"/>

{{clear}}

==Concept and show cars==
===1966 AMX===
[[File:1966 AMC AMX Prototype SAE conference “Ramble Seat” at 2015 AMO show 18of20.jpg|thumb|1966 AMX concept car]]

A [[concept car]] with a folding exposed rear seat was introduced by AMC at the 1966 [[SAE International|Society of Automotive Engineers]] convention in Detroit.<ref name="ThoseCarShows">{{cite magazine |last=Foster |first=Patrick |title=Those AMC Car Shows: concepts wowed crowds, influenced production |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |date=November 2010 |volume=7 |issue=2 |url= https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2010/11/Those-AMC-Car-Shows/3692651.html |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> This was the first "AMX" (American Motors Experimental) named car. The sports car design features a [[rumble seat]] for two additional passengers that was described as a "Ramble Seat" in homage to the automaker's predecessor [[Rambler (automobile)|Rambler]] models. This back seat folds into the trunk space, and the rear window flips down, but these are not fully weatherproof designs.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> The roof design also has no "A" pillars, providing greater visibility.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> The fiberglass-bodied "pushmobile" concept has no interior, engine, drivetrain, or suspension.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> The concept was widely covered by the automotive media and the car featured on several auto magazine covers.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> It was painted orange or metallic blue to be shown on the [[auto show]] circuit. It received positive reviews that convinced management to put the car into production.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/>

This 1966 AMX also gave rise to several other AMX show cars.<ref>{{cite web|last=Strohl |first=Daniel |title=From A to X – all the different cars that could have, and did, become the AMX |url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2015/06/23/from-a-to-x-all-the-different-cars-that-could-have-and-did-become-the-amx/ |publisher=Hemmings |date=23 June 2015 |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

===AMX I===
A [[fiberglass]]-bodied AMX I concept car was made in 1966 to be part of AMC's "Project IV" exhibit. Built by Smith Inland of Ionia, Michigan, one of the two fiberglass-bodied concept cars was reportedly destroyed in a crash test convincing AMC's engineers and designers to use a traditional steel body.<ref name="Shea">{{cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Terry |title=The Plastic Prototype – 1966 AMC AMX |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |date=August 2013 |url= https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2013/08/The-Plastic-Prototype---1966-AMC-AMX/3728071.html |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> The remaining domestic-built fiberglass prototype features round headlamps.<ref name="Shea"/>

American Motors' president [[Roy Abernethy]] sanctioned the [[Turin]] [[coachbuilder]] Vignale to construct an operational car in steel. It was a hand-built show car using a modified 1966 Rambler American chassis on a {{convert|98|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase powered by a {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine. Delivered in 78 days and known as the "AMX Vignale", it was first displayed at the 1966 [[New York International Auto Show]]. The Vignale car features a "split-vee" windshield. This cantilever-type roof incorporates a built-in concealed roll bar, rectangular European-type headlamps, and a custom interior with full bucket seats flanking an aircraft-type console.<ref name="Shea"/> The fully functional "Ramble-Seat" was operated by a push-button from inside the car.<ref name="AMX'sGenesis">{{cite magazine |last=Stroh |first=Daniel |title=AMX's genesis: AMC's Project IV |url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2011/04/11/amxs-genesis-amcs-project-iv/ |magazine=Hemmings |date=11 April 2011 |access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref>

===AMX II===
Vince Gardner, an outside consultant, designed the [[fiberglass]]-bodied AMX II, a less radical two-door for the "Project IV" exhibit.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1960s-amc-concept-cars2.htm |title=1960s AMC Concept Cars |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |date=6 November 2007 |access-date=22 January 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110612143016/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1960s-amc-concept-cars2.htm }}</ref> This four-passenger [[hardtop]] (no B-pillar) [[notchback]] coupe had little in common with the AMX I.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> This car featured a longer wheelbase and an overall length of {{convert|187|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}. The windshield wiper blades were concealed by a panel that raises when wipers are activated. The grille that was surrounded by a massive bumper had horizontal multi-bars with hidden headlamps.<ref name="AMX'sGenesis"/> Safety innovations included doors that locked automatically when the engine was started, reflectors on the sides of the rear fenders, rear tail lamps that signaled the driver's intentions: green when the car is in motion, amber when the driver removes foot from the accelerator, and red when braking.<ref name="AMX'sGenesis"/>

===AMX GT===
{{main|AMC AMX-GT}}
Developed for the 1968 auto show circuit, the AMX GT is a concept car based on a shortened and [[Chopped and channeled|"chopped"]] Javelin with a [[Kammback]] rear end. The AMX GT [[show car]] provided design clues to future production models and performance options.

===AMX-400===<!-- This section is linked from [[Banacek]] -->
In the late 1960s, [[George Barris (auto customizer)|George Barris]] made bolt-on customizing kits for the AMX that were marketed through AMC dealers.<ref name="AMX-400">{{cite web |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |title=AMX-400: Profile of a Custom Car |date=23 September 2007 |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/amx-400-custom-car.htm |access-date=2 April 2022 |archive-date=25 August 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180825143229/https://auto.howstuffworks.com/amx-400-custom-car.htm }}</ref> Changing customer preferences meant that traditional car customization was being replaced by quick bolt-on accessory personalization.<ref name="Kustoms">{{cite book |last1=Fetherston |first1=David |first2=George |last2=Barris |title=Barris Kustoms of the 1960s |publisher=MotorBooks International |date=2002 |isbn=978-0-7603-0955-1 |pages=46, 48–51 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=eKQzCCGcyxoC&dq=1970+AMX-400&pg=PA49 |access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref> Barris joined this trend by offering a variety of spoiler, body additions, and wheel options.<ref name="Kustoms"/> American Motors requested Barris to provide enhancements for the Javelins and the AMX. Available through AMC dealers as complete kits or as separate items. The package included a performance hood, rear spoiler, grille, racing side mirrors, and unique wheels.<ref name="Kustoms"/>

Barris also performed a radical custom treatment on a 1969 AMX. The car was built for the second season of episodes of the ''[[Banacek]]'' detective television series. It was a true custom for that time, and working with [[Joe Bailon]], the car was lowered, and its body was heavily modified.<ref name="Kustoms"/> Its roof was cut down almost {{convert|5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} and the car was lengthened by {{convert|18|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}. Featuring a sculpted body with louvered accents, it became known as the AMX-400.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.barris.com/carsgallery/tvmovie/amx400.php |title="Banacek" AMX 400 |publisher=Barris Kustom Gallery |access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref> The car featured a taillight system that glowed green during acceleration, amber during deceleration, and red during braking.<ref name="AMX-400"/>

===AMX/3===
[[File:AMC AMX3 Front.jpg|thumb|right|AMC AMX/3 concept car]]
[[File:AMC AMX3 rear2 - Flick - Concorso Italiano 2004.jpg|thumb|right|Mid-engined AMC AMX/3]]

{{main|AMC AMX III}}
A third-generation AMX concept car, the [[AMC AMX III|AMX/3]], debuted at the February 1970 [[Chicago Auto Show]]. Engine-less and fashioned in fiberglass, the original AMX/3 prototype was a "push-mobile" show car only. Introduced in Rome in March 1970, the functional steel prototype was constructed by Giotto Bizzarrini, Salvatore Diomante, and Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign.

American Motors placed an order for 30 operational cars.<ref name="candp08">{{cite magazine |last=Stevens |first=Bob |magazine=Cars & Parts |volume=51 |issue=6 |date=June 2008 |page=76 |publisher=Amos Press |title=Motown Magic: Meadow Brook Concours}}</ref> The AMX/3 body mold was sent to Italian [[grand tourer]] maker [[Giotto Bizzarrini]], whose [[Turin]] facility hand made driveable mid-engined, steel-bodied cars. Built on a {{convert|105.3|in|0|abbr=on|adj=on}} wheelbase, the Bizzarrini prototypes used the AMC {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 and an Italian OTO Melara four-speed transaxle. The AMX/3 is considered one of Bizzarrini's car-masterpieces.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://picchio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Giotto-Bizzarrini-Laurea-reportage_.pdf |title=Professore Giotto Bizzarrini Laurea 'Honoris Causa' |date=23 October 2012 |work=picchio |first=Jack Koobs |last=de Hartog |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref>

The steel Italian cars differed from the original AMC design in having fewer but functional rear [[decklid]] louvers, louvered hoods, and, in some cases, hood scoops to direct fresh air into the heating-A/C system. Further engineering improvements and road testing was done by [[BMW]], which declared the AMX/3's [[chassis]] one of the stiffest having a 50% higher stiffness compared to a benchmark Mercedes-Benz model.<ref name="untold">{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2017/01/08/the-untold-story-amx3-giugiaro-and-bmw/ |title=The untold story: AMX/3, Giugiaro and BMW |first1=Jack Koobs |last1=de Hartog |first2=Jürgen M. |last2=Wilms |work=Hemmings |date=8 January 2017 |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref> The car's steel semi-monocoque chassis design with its welded on steel body provided a strong overall structure while the top speed was verified to {{convert|160|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, with reports indicating the AMX/3 could go faster if it was not for the tendency for the front end to lift at those speeds, but BMW found the car to be most neutral handling they had ever tested.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.streetmusclemag.com/news/muscle-cars-you-should-know-70-amc-amx3-supercar-concept/ |title=Muscle Cars You Should Know: '70 AMC AMX/3 Supercar Concept |date=9 March 2011 |first=Gordon |last=McDonald |work=Street Muscle Magazine |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref> The BMW engineers also refined numerous components of the AMX/3 into "a world-class contender among the mid-engined super car elite of its time."<ref name="untold"/> One of the cars became known as the "Monza" after it achieved a top speed of {{convert|170|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} in testing at the famed [[Autodromo Nazionale Monza|Italian race track]]."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Golfen |first=Bob |title=Pebble Beach-winning AMC supercar heading to Gooding auction |magazine=Classic Cars Journal |date=12 December 2016 |url= https://journal.classiccars.com/2016/12/12/pebble-beach-winning-amc-supercar-heading-gooding-auction/ |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

Five completed cars were produced before the [[United States dollar|US$]]2,000,000 development program was canceled. The original projection by AMC called for building 5,000 AMX/3s per year, but the estimated retail price kept increasing.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2013/08/30/one-of-six-amx3-comes-up-for-sale/ |title=An AMX/3 comes up for sale for the first time in 15 years |first=Daniel |last=Strohl |date=30 August 2013 |work=Hemmings |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref> The AMX/3 was "beautiful and sleek, the kind of car that would have made hearts race in the day" and was to be a "[[Flagship#Automobiles|flagship or halo car]]" to lure customers to AMC dealerships, "where they would often end up with other, more practical models."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2016/12/24/just-cool-cars-amx3-could-have-saved-american-motors/95824152/ |title=Just Cool Cars: AMX/3 could have saved American Motors |first=Chris |last=Woodyard |work=USA Today |date=24 December 2016 |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref> However, escalating costs and pending bumper regulations put a stop to the mid-engined AMX/3.<ref name="candp08"/>

Some remaining parts from the canceled, second group of five cars were used by erstwhile Bizzarrini collaborator [[Salvatore Diomante]] to assemble the sixth car, named and marketed as Sciabola.<ref name="candp08"/> Additionally, an open two-seat [[Roadster (automobile)|Spider]] featuring no weather protection was built in the 1990s using an unfinished AMX/3 modified chassis and the 7th AMX/3, on display at the [[Autoworld (museum)|Autoworld Museum]] in Belgium, were both finished by Giorgio Giordanengo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mycarquest.com/2012/07/the-amx-that-isnt-an-amx.html |title=The AMX That Isn't An AMX |date=18 July 2012 |first=Mike |last=Gulett |work=My Car Quest |access-date=18 June 2017 |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527113715/https://mycarquest.com/2012/07/the-amx-that-isnt-an-amx.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{clear}}

===1971 Teague AMX===
[[File:1971 AMC AMX concept at Kenosha 100-f.jpg|thumb|left|1971 AMX concept car]]
[[File:1971 AMC AMX concept at Kenosha 100-r.jpg|thumb|right|Teague's two-seat 1971 AMX]]

Sales of the two-seat AMX were lower than the numbers AMC executives wanted. Still, AMC's vice president for styling, [[Dick Teague]], wanted to continue the sports model.<ref name="teague71concept">{{cite book|last=Mitchell |first=Larry G. |title=AMC Muscle Cars |year=2000 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=978-0-7603-0761-8 |chapter=Javelin 1971–1974: the bold restyle |pages=59–50 |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=JHVaQFDrx_MC&q=at+19,134+sales+were+not+what+AMC+Teague&pg=RA1-PA1967 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> American Motors' Advanced Design Studio made design proposals for a 1971 AMX and Teague requested{{snd}}and received permission{{snd}}to produce a fully working [[concept car]].<ref name="candp03">{{cite magazine |magazine=Cars & Parts |volume=46 |year=2003 |page=48 |publisher=Amos Press |title=1971 AMX concept}}</ref>

Starting with a Frost White 1968 AMX coupe as the [[development mule]], Teague updated its front end to the grille and swooping front fenders of what was incorporated into the production 1971 Javelin.<ref name="teague71concept"/> The concept car also featured the interior to what was to become AMC's characteristic high-backed bucket seats and [[corduroy]] upholstery introduced in 1970.<ref name="teague71concept"/> The concept car was repainted light metallic blue with red striping to match the interior.<ref name="teague71concept"/> A short-wheelbase, two-seat 1971 AMX was not approved for production by the automaker, but Teague used this car as his daily driver.<ref name="candp03"/>

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==Legacy==
[[File:1969 AMX black with red stripes VA r.jpg|thumb|right|Stock 1969 AMX at AACA car show]]
[[File:1969 AMC AMX SS Hurst at Florida show.jpg|thumb|right|1969 SS Hurst (documented car#23)<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ssamx.com/23.htm |title=SS/AMX #23: Performance Automotive |work= SS AMX cars |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> "Performance Automotive" at Daytona Florida show]]
[[File:1970 AMX BBO-exteriorF.JPG|thumb|right|Stock 1970 AMX with BBO and "shadow mask" finish at a car show]]
[[File:1970 AMX Big Bad Orange with C-stripe MD-e1.jpg|thumb|right|Stock 1970 AMX 390 engine at classic car show]]
[[File:"Awesome Muscle Cars" AMC - 2015 AMO meet AMXs 2of2.jpg|thumb|right|Stock and customized AMXs at an American Motors Owners Association meet]]
[[File:1970 AMC AMX at Hershey 2012 b.jpg|thumb|right|Stock 1970 AMX at AACA car show]]

The AMX was intended to be a “halo car” for American Motors. Another objective was "lowering the median age of visitors to AMC showrooms; in that role it was a major success" even though however the sales goals not achieved.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=UX5dCQAAQBAJ&dq=AMC+AMX+halo+car&pg=PA8 |page=8 |title=AMC Javelin, AMX, and Muscle Car Restoration, 1968-1974 |first=Scott |last=Campbell |date=2015 |publisher=CarTech |isbn=9781613251799 |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref> The two-seat AMC AMX has been described as being "a perfect car for many who lusted for the Corvette but could not afford it."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hotcars.com/amc-amx-great-muscle-car-for-collectors-2023/ |title=Here's Why The AMC AMX Is A Great Muscle Car For Collectors In 2023 |first=Arun Singh |last=Pundir |date=9 February 2023 |website=.hotcars.com |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref> Developed under "austere budject" the AMX and the four-seat Javelin were designed to be radical departures from AMC's economy image.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Ia9QEAAAQBAJ&dq=AMC+AMX+halo+car&pg=PA182 |page=182 |title=Muscle Car Special Editions |first=Duncan Scott |last=Brown |date=2021 |publisher=CarTech |isbn=9781613255797 |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref>

Automotive journalist Patric George noted that the AMC AMX is "great vintage American iron" with only "two seats, making it more of a sports car than a lot of other muscle cars."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://jalopnik.com/why-doesnt-the-amc-amx-get-more-love-1702286511 |title=Why Doesn't The AMC AMX Get More Love? |first=Patrick |last=George |date=5 May 2015 |work=Jalopnik |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/ct-autos-jalopnik-camaro-crash-0520-20150519-story.html |title=Auto writer crashes new Camaro at launch event, pens mea culpa |date=19 May 2015 |first=Robert |last=Duffer | newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Automotive historian and author [[Richard M. Langworth]] noted that the AMX has "all the right sports-car stuff" and that the "little machine that can only go up in value over the long haul."<ref>{{cite book|last=Langworth |first=Richard M. |title=Collectible Cars |year=1991 |page=10 |publisher=Random House |isbn=978-0-517-03594-8}}</ref>

According to CNN, before 2004, the AMX had been under-appreciated from an investment standpoint.<ref>{{cite web|last=Valdes-Dapena |first=Peter|title=Collectible cars: $9,999 and under: That nerdy car your Mom drove in the 1970s could be a hot property someday |work=CNN Money |date=23 January 2004 |url= https://money.cnn.com/2004/01/16/pf/autos/sleepers/index.htm |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> In 2004, there was considerable variation between the values of two-seat AMXs and four-seat Javelin AMXs. Craig Fitzgerald mentioned "the satisfaction in owning a car that you don't see every single day, or on the cover of every single magazine."<ref name="Craig"/> Fitzgerald favored the two-seater because of its rarity, but noted that some parts for either car were expensive.<ref name="Craig">{{cite magazine |last=Fitzgerald |first=Craig |title=AMXtroverts – Eye-opening AMC power with the '69 AMX and '74 Javelin AMX |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |date=December 2004 |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/amxtroverts-1969-amc-amx-and-1974-amc-javelin-amx |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref>

In 2006, the editors of ''Hemmings Muscle Machines'' magazine said that AMCs had "experienced notable value increases over the last few years{{snd}}especially AMXs..."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Comerro |first1=Tom |last2=Mattar |first2=George |last3=Strohl |first3=Daniel |title=Independents Price Guide: AMC, Hudson, Studebaker Muscle Cars 1951–1974 |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |date=August 2006 |url= http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2006/08/01/hmn_feature15.html |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> The book ''Keith Martin's Guide to Car Collecting'', in collaboration with the editors of the monthly ''Sports Car Market'', lists the 1970 AMX as one of the picks under $40,000 among "Nine Muscle Car Sleepers".<ref name=keithmartin>{{cite book |last1=Martin |first1=Keith |title=Keith Martin's Guide to Car Collecting |publisher=MBI Publishing |year=2006 |page=18 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=-y0OVmWb5tgC&q=AMX+Nine+Muscle+Car+Sleepers&pg=PA148 |isbn=978-0-7603-2895-8 |access-date=21 March 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Unique versions, such as the California 500 Specials and the 52 [[Hurst Performance|Hurst]]-modified SS/AMX drag race cars are perhaps the most highly sought after by collectors.<ref name=strohlfeature/> In 2006, a California 500 AMX sold for $54,000 at the [[Barrett-Jackson]] auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, while a regular AMX went for over $55,000 at the Mecum collector auction in Belvidere, Illinois.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-y0OVmWb5tgC&dq=1969+AMX+california+500&pg=PA66 Martin, Chapter: High 5 – top 5 sales of 2006 by marque, p. 66].</ref> In 2007, ''Hemmings'' wrote that only about 39 of the original SS/AMX turn-key race cars may have survived.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mattar|first=George| title=1969 AMC AMX – The Little Car That Could |magazine=Hemmings Motor News |date=March 2007 |url= http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2007/03/01/hmn_feature9.html |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

By 2007, the AMX was "among the most highly sought AMC cars" and "really taking off in the muscle-car market".<ref>{{cite news|last=Gorzelany |first=Jim |title=Blasts from the Past: A booming collectible car market is helping baby boomers find their automotive fountains of youth |newspaper=The San Francisco Chronicle |date=29 September 2007 |url= http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/29/MTPOSEIQU.DTL |access-date=20 January 2013}}</ref> Also in 2007, ''Hemmings'' said that the two-seater AMX had "a strong following among old car hobbyists and collectors of historic vehicles and nearly every one of the 19,134 built...remains in circulation and in demand, ensuring a good future for the first-generation AMX as a collectible muscle car."<ref name=strohlfeature>{{cite magazine |last=Strohl |first=Daniel |title=1968–'70 AMC AMX |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |date=January 2007 |url= http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2007/01/01/hmn_feature15.html |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> The 2007 book ''Classic Cars'' states that AMC's small and powerful AMX "had tire-burning speed" and "all have become collector's items."<ref>{{cite book|last=Zuehlke |first=Jeffrey |title=Classic Cars |publisher=Lerner Publications |year=2007 |page=18 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=XI5-lBJ4bFAC&q=AMX+All+have+become+collector's++items&pg=PA18 |isbn=978-0-8225-5926-9 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref>

Noting the increasing values of the 1968–1970 AMXs, ''Hemmings'' listed them among the "21 hottest cars" enthusiasts wanted in 2007 "and will want tomorrow."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Litwin |first=Matthew |title=The Top 21 Hottest Collector Cars |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |date=January 2007 |url= http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2007/01/01/hmn_feature5.html |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

In 2008, ''Hemmings'' wrote buyers had "only recently 'discovered' the AMX; they're now snapping them up left and right. Prices ... are on the rise, though they still represent a relative bargain compared to many more common muscle machines."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Foster |first=Patrick |title=AMX: An American Exotic |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |date=April 2008 |url= http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2008/04/01/hmn_feature10.html |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

In 2010, ''Hemmings Classic Car'' included the two-seat AMXs in their list of 32 best cars to restore in terms of economic sense after factoring purchase price, parts availability, as well as restored value and desirability.<ref name="32best">{{cite magazine |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |title=32 Best Cars to Restore |first=Richard |last=Lentinello |date=June 2010 |pages=16–17 |url= http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2010/06/01/hmn_feature2.html |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

Although low production, the AMX shared parts and components with other AMC models. There are many active AMC car clubs for these cars. Parts, including reproduction components, are available. However, "AMC did not build cars in the vast numbers the Big Three did back in the day; therefore, there are fewer to restore and not as many parts to go around."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mattar |first=George |title=1970 AMC AMX |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |date=August 2008 |url= http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2007/08/01/hmn_feature17.html |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> As of 2010, ''Hemmings Classic Car'' wrote that the AMXs are "pretty basic" so they are not hard to restore, and that "reproduction parts are available" and continues to grow with many mechanical parts interchanging with other cars.<ref name="32best"/>

More valuable according to automotive historian and author, [[James C. Mays]], is the "wow factor".<ref name="maysbook">{{cite book|last=Mays |first=James C. |title=The Savvy Guide to Buying Collector Cars at Auction |publisher=Indy-Tech Publishing |year=2006 |page=[https://archive.org/details/savvyguidetobuyi0000mays/page/77 77] |isbn=978-0-7906-1322-2 |url= https://archive.org/details/savvyguidetobuyi0000mays |url-access=registration |quote=AMC wow factor. |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> His book, ''The Savvy Guide to Buying Collector Cars at Auction'', explains this important and measurable pleasure to an owner, whether their car is driven or sits in a climate-controlled garage, such as a red 1969 AMX that attracts more attention than the more prestigious [[Ferrari]]s and [[Lamborghini]]s.<ref name="maysbook"/>

The 100th issue of ''Hemmings Classic Car'' listed the "Top 100 American collector cars ever made" as selected by the editors of ''[[Hemmings Motor News]]'' based on "the most popular models among both enthusiasts and collectors" and included the 1968–1969 AMXs for both rarity and high interest, as well as "they boast sporting lines, traditional long-hood/short-deck proportions, and a smattering of performance options to add spice."<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2013/01/Top-100-American-Collector-Cars-of-All-Time/3720671.html |title=Top 100 American Collector Cars of All Time |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |date=January 2013 |first1=Jeff |last1=Koch |first2=Mark J. |last2=McCourt |first3=Richard |last3=Lentinello |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

''Old Cars Weekly'' describes the AMX as an "appealing little package for adrenaline junkies and guys ... who have an appetite for something a little offbeat and different ... a car that famed automotive scribe [[Tom McCahill]] once described as 'harrier than a Borneo gorilla.'"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarsweekly.com/car-of-the-week/car-of-the-week-1968-amc-amx |title=Car of the Week: 1968 AMC AMX |date=15 August 2013 |first=Brian |last=Earnest |work=Old Cars Weekly |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

===Scale models===
A variety of scale models of the AMX are available, including promotional 1/25-[[scale model]] manufactured under license from AMC by [[Jo-Han]] in factory colors. [[Hot Wheels]] offered a 1969 AMX custom in [[1:64 scale]], and in 1971 issued the AMX/2 show car model.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=6HEakLwAd0oC&pg=PA36 |page=36 |title=Hot Wheels Forty Years |first=Angelo |last=Vanbogart |publisher=Krause |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-89689-568-3 |access-date=3 March 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Newer models in [[1:18 scale diecast]] were issued, including the Playboy Pink version in the "Best of the Best" series, as well as the modified "Drag-On Lady" race car.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=pM3VlKdwV7gC&pg=PA64 |page=64 |title=Standard Guide To 1:18 Die-Cast Cars |first=Merry |last=Dudley |publisher=Krause Publications |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-4402-2804-9 |access-date=3 March 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=pM3VlKdwV7gC&dq=ERTL+series+AMC+AMX+drag-on-lady&pg=PA216 Dudley, p. 216]</ref> According to the editors of ''Die Cast X Magazine'', "muscle cars are the largest, most popular category in die-cast" collectors.<ref name="Die-Cast-Guide"/> They included the AMC AMX among the 34 models representing "the best and most important from the genre ... performance and style that are the hallmarks of the high point of American automotive history."<ref name="Die-Cast-Guide">{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DvoDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA38 |title=Editor's Choice – guide to the best muscle |page=38 |magazine=Die Cast X |date=Winter 2006 |volume=2 |issue=1 |via=Google Books |access-date=2 June 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[AMC Javelin]] AMX: 1971–1974
* [[AMC Hornet]] AMX: 1977
* [[AMC Concord]] AMX: 1978
* [[AMC Spirit]] AMX: 1979–1980
* [[De Tomaso Pantera]] – first shown a month later, and sometimes confused with.

{{clear}}

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{imcdb vehicle|make=AMC|model=AMX|AMC AMX}}
* [http://www.amx390.com/ AMX390.com] AMC History, Videos and Replicas
* [https://www.javelinamx.com/javhome/javhome2.htm JavelinAMX.com]
* {{cite web |title=International AMC Rambler Car Club (for 1954 – 1988 AMC car enthusiasts) |url= http://amcrc.com/ |website=amcrc.com |access-date=21 June 2024}}
* {{cite web |title=American Motors Owners Association (Club for 1958 – 1987 AMC car enthusiasts) |url= https://amo.club/ |website=amo.club |access-date=21 June 2024}}

{{American Motors}}
{{Amc Timeline}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Amc Amx}}
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:AMC vehicles|AMX]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Grand tourers]]
[[Category:Mid-engined vehicles]]
[[Category:Muscle cars]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1968]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1970]]