AMC Muscle Cars

AMX

The AMX was the AMC muscle cars contribution to the performance car era of the 1960s and early 70s. The AMX was rolled out at the height of the muscle car car craze in 1968 and continued production until 1970.
 
The AMX was produced in Kenosha, Wisconsin in the United States. It was also produced in the Port Melbourne plant in Australia. The car, in keeping with the powerful muscle car tradition, incorporated a V8 engine.

During the initial 1968-69 period of production it was fitted with a 4-8 l engine or the more highly powered 5.8l variety. In 1970, the final year of production, a 5.9l engine was introduced.

However, throughout the entire period of AMX production, there was a 6.4l version available to entice the speed loving hardcore AMC muscle cars fanatic.

Some connoisseurs of the period place doubt whether the AMX could be considered a true muscle car. However,it does fit into the concept in that it was an American constructed two-seater vehicle, equipped with a powerful V8 engine.

The AMX was launched on February 28th, 1968. It was the first steel bodied two seater built in the United Sate since the Ford Thunderbird 11 years earlier.

The fact that is was classed as a sports car may have led to some denying the AMX its muscle credentials.

 
But muscle cars were deemed as mid sized cars, which this model certainly was, being based on the Javelin design, albeit with 12 inches shaved off the length.

The power of AMX was exemplified by the fact it could go from 0 to 60mph in just 6.9 seconds. It could also cover a quarter of a mile, the distance of a drag racing track – much loved by many muscle car aficionados – in 15.2 seconds.

The AMX also enjoyed success on the race track. Craig Breedlove set 106 speed records in the month the model was launched.

Fifty “Craig Breedlove” editions of the AMX were produced to commemorate his success.

The following year the dashboard was restyled, complete with a new 140 mph speedometer.

For an extra $205 the proud owner could also have a Borg-Warner four speed manual transmission gear box fitted.

A special limited engine AMX – of which just over 50 were ever built were constructed. The price was a distinctly off putting $5,994.

In 1970 the price of the AMX was increased from its original from its original $3,245 to $3,395. The engine was uprated and the head and tail lights were restyled. Fitted on top of the bonnet was a Ram air-induction scoop.

Despite initial enthusiasm for the AMX, it was never a success in the market place. Its sales figures never began to compete with its rivals.

By 1971 it shook off any vestiges it ever had of being a muscle car and became the the top of the line for American Motors' Javelin range.

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