The AMX, Representing The Height Of AMC Performance!
The AMX (American Motors eXperimental) from American Motors Company debuted in 1968 and was based on the Javelin but with a about a foot chopped out of the wheelbase cutting the curb weight to about 3,100 pounds. It may not be considered a true Muscle Car, or even a Pony Car by some, but it was the only true all steel, two-seat American built sports car on the market and represented the height of AMC performance.
Before being introduced to the public however, Craig Breedlove took the AMX to Bonneville and broke 106 National and International speed records running an official 189 mph with an unofficial run of over 200 mph. This feat inspired the production of about 50 Red, White, and Blue "Craig Breedlove" Special Editions. Thinking of investing in a classic muscle car? Click here for some helpful information.
Standard equipment included reclining bucket seats, 70 series Goodyear polyglass tires, a Borg-Warner four speed tranny, and a heavy-duty suspension. Only V-8's were available, and were all equipped with Carter four barrel carbs and dual exhausts.The base 290 cid produced 225 horsepower, while the optional 343 produced 280 horsepower and the 390 was rated at 315 horse, good for 0-60 times of 6.9 seconds and a quarter mile in 15.2 seconds and was capable of speeds close to 130 mph on the top end. Group 19 dealer-installed factory performance parts were also available including aluminum intake manifolds, hi-lift cams, roller rockers, Detroit Locker rear-ends with gears as steep as 5.00:1, side pipes, and rear wheel disc brake kits. It could also be had with the popular "Go Package", which included a 343 or a more potent, bored and stroked 390 V-8, with a forged steel crank and rods. Power front discs were standard, as well as E70 redline tires on six-inch rims, a Twin-Grip posi third member, and signiture racing stripes. Also available was the limited Super Stock examples sent to Hurst for legalization as drag racing cars. The 390 engine was topped by a pair of 650 cfm Holley four-barrels on an Edelbrock aluminum cross-ram intake. Doug's headers and other modifications resulted in a conservative advertised output of 340 horsepower. New for the '69 model was The "Big Bad AMX" option that for an extra thirty four bucks included wild colors with body colored bumpers. A Hurst Competition Plus shifter was announced at the same time for the Borg-Warner four speed, a $205 option.
The 1968 and 1969 models were very similar, but the AMX received some styling changes for 1970, including a different grille and hood. The '70 models also received a double ball-joint front suspension instead of the trunnion-based system found on the earlier models. A new 360 cid V-8 became the new baseline engine rated at 290 horsepower, with "dogleg" exhaust ports, and a new Motorcraft 4-barrel carb. The front end and tail lamps were also completely restyled and there was a Ram-Air induction scoop at the top of the hood. This unfortunately would be the last year for true two-seater.
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