Go Package Project: 1970 AMC AMX
The AMX was a GT-style 2-seat muscle car built by American Motors from 1968 to 1970. It was derived by taking the new Javelin pony car and cutting 12 inches out of the wheelbase, thus eliminating the rear seat. It wasn’t hugely popular, selling just 19,000 copies in three years. The seller has a 1970 edition which is rare because of the engine and optional Go Package option. Located in Yelm, Washington, this vintage hot rod is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $9,999, though the sale is pendinh. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
AMC’s AMX was something like a hardtop Corvette as that was the closest other car in production at the time. After 1970, AMC elected to make the AMX a performance extra on the Javelin, so it got its wheelbase and back seat back. Only 901 copies were built in 1970 with a 390 cubic inch V8 and an automatic transmission. But how many of those that came with the Go Package option isn’t known. Besides the 390 engine (or 360 if you preferred), you got front disc brakes (power, of course), wider wheels and tires, a heavy-duty suspension, a Ram Air hood, and a few other goodies.
According to the seller, this is a two-owner car with an unlisted mileage count on the odometer. The V8 is original to the car, but the engine has been partially dismantled to discover the cause of low compression (the engine will need to be rebuilt and reassembled). The vehicle is 100% complete and is said to have had factory A/C when new. The brakes are inoperative because the brake lines were removed, so be careful moving it around.
One of the doors was treated to a dent when the seller discovered the brakes didn’t work, and a replacement will run about $500 (the car will need repainting anyway). We don’t see any rust, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any. There are no photos of the interior, so we can’t determine how much work is needed there, too. The seller will entertain a trade as part of the deal, but some cash will need to be exchanged. If you’ve been looking for an original AMX to restore, this one should be hard to replicate from the remaining population.
Comments
I’ve always had a soft spot for these shorts, but alas, there’s this money thing…
Not inexpensive, but doesn’t need to be. Good deals sell quickly, this took less than 1 day. These were great looking cars, this one appears fundamentally sound.
Steve R
I had a 69 390 back in the day, and scared quite a few Mustangs/Cameros etc who didn’t know what it was. They were pretty quick. Look’s to be a good project. GLWTA
Sweet car, but I’ve heard sourcing parts is difficult…
“It’s a great car, dad, I just made it better”,,, that commercial surfaced after many years in hiding. Thanks to the internet, SOMEONE out there had a copy of it. Even Eddie Stakes, of Planethoustonamx couldn’t find it. Aw, what the heck, recognize the father?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1RJLwJOnotI
The AMX was first. The Javelin was derived from the AMX. The Javelin was sold first.
A buddy of mine had an AMX I he asked me to reinstall his rebuilt 390 back in, no problem and all went well. The car had all the body work done and it was coming along well. The engine had a pretty Stout cam worked heads and an aftermarket intake and carb, setup well for aggressive street use it also had a manual transmission. After engine startup and cam break-in I drove the car on and off for a week and that was not only very enjoyable because that car was quick! Traction was a problem and that short wheel base needed caution but it sure put that car on my bucket list!
The ask may be a little optimistic for a car that needs a total rebuild but if you’re willing to take on project you’ll be rewarded with a truly rare and special classic. These cars tend to rust badly so check out thoroughly.
It sold in 1 day. I wouldn’t have paid that much, but it shows there are people that will.
Steve R
The ask may be a little optimistic for a car that needs a total rebuild but if you’re willing to take on this project you’ll be rewarded with a truly rare and special classic. These cars tend to rust badly so check out thoroughly.
This car sold cheap if it was as rust free as it appeared.
i almost bought this for parts, didn’t have time to drive up there, wasn’t that far from me.