1968 AMX 390/4-Speed: Ford Man's Dream Car.

[@hotwheel6663]

These were a beast with that 390 in a light weight body.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Yup.

[@frankcastle5294]

The original 2 seater AMX was not only a great piece of mechanical engineering but was one of the most beautiful cars of its generation. Small...svelte...clean lines...beautiful in person.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Yes indeed.

[@stevenrobert8567]

that AMX is still more beautiful that the vast majority of plastic junky cheap but very expensive cars made today.

[@damxgopak457]

I've wanted one since I was 12 I'm 59 now and finally got to buy a 68 390 4speed go pack in caravelle blue metallic coolest car ever.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

That’s great. You finally got it. Enjoy.

[@Bbbbad724]

The AMX was unreal. When I was in Vo-Tech we had a normal city street and there was a stock AMX 390 4 speed who could do spins in the middle of the road at will!

[@markwilliams5606]

We had the Car! Tore up the other cars

[@Mr1963corvette]

At 3200 lbs. and a 390 engine that produced a monstrous 425 lb feet of torque with a good driver the AMX was quite a formidable muscle car. I had a friend in high school with a built 390 and he scorched and beat 396 and 440 big block Chevelle's and Road Runners every time he raced them.

[@stevenrobert8567]

A 390 in a small light car like the AMX is going to haul ass

[@raymondspellman2979]

I'm a general motors man and I live this car

[@gordocarbo]

Same....grew up with them in the family, neighbors etc. Had a 71sst401 for awhile sold it like a fool Was young late 80s sold it for.400. Was my daily

[@christorrence1114]

That is a wicked AMX; been my dream since I was a kid. My first car was a hand-me-down from my parents, a 1976 Matador, And I've owned many AMCs since. I had a Modified Gremlin with a 401 (started as a 304 car), And kicked myself every day since I sold it!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

We do things like that sometimes.

[@richardkaltenbach3961]

401s RULE! 401S KICK ASS!

[@danielfoley9331]

Best MuscleCar Campy video! Great to see and hear John Colletti is doing well along with his Legondary AMX!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

We agree!

[@chuckselvage3157]

Mr Colletti the father of the Terminator Cobra a legend. Nice AMX.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

We have a second part of this video coming where he talks about Ford stuff.

[@phantomblott1]

I too was an original 1968 AMX owner untill 2012, when it was reluctantly sold. I bought it new in September 1968 from, Art Post Rambler in Kalamazoo Mi. It originally came in Caravelle blue a with white stripes. The interiour color was tan with dark brown center dash and floor console. 343 go pac, auto trans, power disc brakes, power steering. All chrome Magnum 500 wheels, center dash rally pac, tilt steering, tinted windows. Visibility Group, Light Group, rear bumper guards, and AM radio. In 1971 an engine oiling issue developed with 35,000 miles. An engine rebuild was decided to correct the oiling issue. While engine was apart, no new pistons were needed, only a hone and re ring. A new oil pump assemble with corrections to the rear main bearing were made. A cam change from the type 1 cam that came with the 343 to the new type 2 cam, or what was then refered to as, the 401 white stripe cam. It had more lift at .458 vs .426 stock, and greater duration of 296 / 302 than 266 stock. A 3 angle valve grind with new valves an lifters. An intake change to the Edelbrock R4B, and a larger Carter 9625 carb. A set of Cyclone headers through 2 1/2 in. exhaust . A distributor re - curve with staying at no more than 5,300 rpms shifts. The Borg Warner model 11 was rebuilt with the insides of the model 12 that came with the 390 auto. An improved clutch pac with metal impregnated discs for positive shifting. A rear gear change from the 3.15 factory to the dealer 3.73 rear gears. The 343 engine ran like the 390, only it wanted to wind higher than the agreed 5,300 rpm limit. A fellow 1/4 mile racer ran the little 343 AMX with traction issues, to a best 1/4 mile time of 12.89 sec. After much sole searching, It was finally sold to someone who does appreciate it and will take excellent care of while keeping it in his family. The AMX, somewhat like the Studebaker Avanti, is more appreciated today than when it was new. Like the Avanti, the AMX would not save the company of American Motors, thanks to miss management, along with poor decision making, a good company died.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Niche vehicles never save a company. High volume is where the money is.

[@gordocarbo]

Wow now thats a great story! That is the coolest color they ever had! 343 running high 12s back then was really saying something!

[@8avexp]

I dreamed of getting my hands on a '68 or '69 AMX, 390 4-speed. Five years ago, that dream came true. I'm a longtime AMC enthusiast; we had a few of them over the years: a '62 Rambler Classic station wagon that my mother learned to drive on, a '68 Ambassador that I learned to drive on and a '74 Hornet my sister learned to drive on. Plus a '78 Gremlin that was my first car.

[@user-pn3gl5jf5d]

Great video I still have the AMX I bought in 1980 in Lakewood colorado. 68 343 automatic Rally green go package air conditioning light group visibility group. I'm so glad I still have it. I did get rid of my Rambler Scrambler and my Trans Am javelin body

[@musclecarcampy9922]

I hope you saw this video: Cruising A Hurst SC/Rambler: AMC's Light Heavyweight kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5DPanWEqd57i6M

[@user-pn3gl5jf5d]

@@musclecarcampy9922 maybe I will watch it maybe it will just make me yearn for the past and spend tons of money I don't have in an economic crisis and the world the way it is right now on smart to hold onto money and not worry about possessions. I thank God is calling a lot of people to draw close to him

[@voodootrucker]

Very cool AMX and the owner seems like a great guy with a great story. Thanks again Campy!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

You bet! We have a second part where he talks Mustangs and SVT stuff coming shortly.

[@voodootrucker]

@@musclecarcampy9922 excellent 👍🏻

[@aaronmorath9222]

I also have a 1968 amx 390 4spd, posi, go pack, blazer blue, 40,000 original miles 00903. And have all of the original paperwork.!!!!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Great car! Enjoy it.

[@stephentardif1028]

I owned a green 68 290 ,4 speed . I still have the exact same front A M X plate. Good memories from my younger years.

[@T.Tuxedo]

Wow! Really nice. I've always loved Javelins.

[@8avexp]

@@T.Tuxedo Javelins are nice, but nothing beats an AMX.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

the styling is so on point,classic.looks fast sitting still

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Timeless, definitely a classic.

[@hot88s23]

I get heartsick every time I watch these. I miss my '68.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Better to have loved and lost … Thanks for watching. Hope you’ll subscribe.

[@josephf593]

The man responsible for my car 2003 svt terminator cobra, bought brand new still have it..only 9k miles!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Part 2 coming soon.

[@markwilliams5606]

Years Ago used to tare up Mustangs Camaros, Cudas. This was a Hot Car. Put Hooker Headers on it 4-10 Diana. 🇺🇸🏁

[@beyond_the_infinite2098]

68-69 Javelins and AMXs shared same front suspension and steering as my 63 Ambassador. Mark Donohue said the geometry was good but wasn't rugged enough for racing when he redesigned the front suspension for 1970. I had a 70 AMX 360 4-speed Go Package. Most fun car I ever owned including my Vette and Z28.

[@mpetersen6]

I used to be the owner of a 68. 390/automatic red on red. I miss that car.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

That is understandable. When we let them get away, we usually don't know how much it will impact us later in life.

[@MWILSON7]

Great to see John doing well and I can’t wait for part 2! VERY nice AMX!

[@johnwesleycollins878]

I have 68 set all original sat in garage for 38 years got from original owner 290 engine ac ps almost ready to start reassembly had to completely rebuild engine Trans completely do fuel system wow hard to get all the parts but doing it professionally yes I have buid card can't wait till complete buy the way the car you have is very nice thanks for saving the car I'm not alone lol lol

[@mikeemter488]

I recently acquired a 69 black 4speed car pulled it out of a dairy barn. Needs a lot of work but it’s really solid. Got a real nice 401 to put in it

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Good luck with your project.

[@jbernard911]

Gotcha. Thanks for taking the time to reply, and for putting out such a cool video.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

My pleasure. Thx for watching. Hope to have more AMCs soon.

[@NeuKrofta]

A Ford top engineer chooses the AMX... says all I need to know. What an awesome car!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Best power to weight ratio he could afford.

[@jeepman1467]

I can relate to this video. I bought a 1970 AMX in 1979 as a present to myself after I received my wings in the Marines. I also courted my wife in it although she admitted to me years later she didn't really like it at the time. Had I know that at the time things may have turned out differently. I have rebuilt it a couple of times over the years adding different upgrades. They'll probably bury me in it.

[@billa8603]

I had a 1970 Javelin I had for many years. I miss the car badly. I owned it from 1974 after paying 1495 for it at a dealership new it was around 2300. I had it till 1998. It was blue Emron and no rust anywhere. Had both rear behind doors replaced with whole panels before repainting. Looked brand new inside and out. Love the AMX a bit better and this one here looks great.

[@stevenrobert8567]

so sorry for your lost, it was a great car. To bad the big three pushed the gov't not to help American Motors and it went under.

[@gordocarbo]

118 is still fast today back then, wow

[@musclecarcampy9922]

That was gettin’ some.

[@vagabond96h]

He's right about those crossroads. Many of us have made small decisions that changed the course of our lives. Gotta get my AMX back on the road.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Good luck with it.

[@fredwall2774]

It’s a Beautiful car nice to see you still have the car

[@stevenrobert8567]

Especially when you look at the junky plastic cars of today, the AMX is still way more beautiful than most of what I see.

[@peterbroberg3542]

I just finished a 1 year restoration of my ‘69 AMX 390 Hurst MT factory AC leather Go Pack that I bought new.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

That is a treasure.

[@audieconrad8995]

This bad-boy still brings it. Sweet.

[@jerrywagner4690]

Car guy since I first saw a muscle car... always love to see one of these, just do not see many of them these days.

[@rajcam80]

Great story! Wow Milan Dragway looks way different now! Made many passes down that strip over yrs. I am roughly 25 mins from there! Hope to get my 71 GT-37 there soon. Maybe be faster than my 2010 CTS-V!

[@markbattista6857]

Hey John , I love your AMX and it's color is over the top , I also love your story about your dad , my dad said the same thing .Thanks

[@bubpori5105]

No King pins Trunions !. They Handle Good With Bigger Sway Bar ,Springs,Shocks ,Prpolyne Strut Rod Bushings ,Looks Good in Mars Black !.

[@user-pn3gl5jf5d]

I worked at a dealer that lost its franchise in 77 and 78 and 79 one of the mechanics tell me how the trunnion front ends were good at holding their alignment

[@user-pn3gl5jf5d]

I still have the AMX I bought in 1980 and sway bar package

[@curthall9947]

Awesome to see another AMC on your site, and most importantly AMC powered!!! Why remove the AMX circle emblems from the rear quarters? That is one of the best looking features of the car?!!! Amber Javelin turn signal lens on it. Needs clear lens with yellow bulbs to look like an AMX from the front. He doesn't like the handling because it is set up for drag racing. These cars did pretty well in SCCA racing in 68-69 so there is nothing wrong with the suspension, but true 70-up is superior, but it isn't from the 60's! Next up 69 SC/Rambler, 70 Rebel Machine, then maybe Wally Booth's 70s Hornet drag car or a '67 Rogue 343 4-speed! Keep up the great work Campy!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

The owner just likes it better without the AMX on the side. As for the handling, he said it had a propensity for swapping ends under hard braking when stock.

[@curthall9947]

Most cars back then would do the same when stock. The AMX is an odd handling car until you get the feel of it and learn how to drive it. The SCCA classed the AMX in B Production for amateur competition, the same class as the Shelby GT350 and the AMX driven by Dwight Knupp scored second place in the 1969 SCCA national championship. The American Society of Automotive Engineers named the AMX as the "best engineered car of the year" in 1969. The old tech AMC trunnions now have a bad reputation, even with some die hard AMC fans, and undeservedly so, but they are really not that bad or the AMX would not have had the success it did or received the awards it earned.

[@donreinholz8121]

AMC had good engines and were a collaboration of different car companies. Javelin and Dusters were light too.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

They used a lot of parts from other brands to keep costs down.

[@user-pn3gl5jf5d]

And they were proven Parts reliable so AMC was smart though they could not afford to buy companies like BorgWarner gear or Delco

[@dynamicfirearmsinc432]

OUTSTANDING

[@kobra6660]

This will grab more attention than a comaro or mustang

[@victorxavier9977]

I had no idea Mr. Colletti was an AMC guy and has a AMX!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

I don't know if I'd call him an AMC guy, but he definitely loves this AMX.

[@berniecanute8568]

Correction.......there are NO KINGPINS on this car!!! It has upper trunnions and lower ball joints (in front). They could be made to handle quite well as they were used in the Trans-Am racing series. Still have my very first car: '68 Javelin (pre-AMX), bought in ready-for-the-scrap pile condition for $275(can), in 1979. Now stunning trophy-winning looks, it did 13.032 @109mph with 3.15 gears while I snoozed at the light for 0.25 seconds. That's before adding a roller cam and electric rad fans. Did I mention it has well over 300,000 miles? A TRUE street car.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Love this AMX, great vid!!!!!! 👍😍

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Thanks for watching.

[@SamsterOne]

Love the original rallye rims best!

[@abetango]

Great video!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Thanks.

[@DanEBoyd]

EXCELLENT video!!!!! What transmission did those AMXs come with? T10? Chrysler 833? They didn't use 3.03" Top Loaders did they?

[@musclecarcampy9922]

T10 for ‘68.

[@Mr1963corvette]

T 10 for the 68, 69, 70 AMX.

[@charlie6629]

An acquaintance bought a special 68 or 69. It was a limited edition with a gold plate on the dash and his number was very low, under ten as I remember. It was a missile and very expensive brand new. He had it 6 months then burned it for insurance. Such a loss to a great car.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Harsh reality.

[@89Civic95GT]

Would you know what size his wheels and tires are? They aren't stock! I'm looking for the right size for my '69 BBG 390 Go Pak! I hope you have the answer! Great channel and vids!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Thx! The tires are 255/50ZR16 245/50ZR16.

[@89Civic95GT]

@@musclecarcampy9922 Perfect! Thanks much! They look awesome.

[@rod1499]

@@musclecarcampy9922 What were the factory size rims/ tires? My buddy just bought a 68 AMX 390 4SPD yesterday. Its a rust free survivor thats been in storage since the late 80s. Its blue with a black interior. It even has a set of vintage side pipes in beautiful condition.

[@ranieriwm]

I’d love to own a 68, 69 or 70 AMX with a 390.

[@rickd2953]

I had a 69 390 4sp, hurst shifter. loved it but had to sell it .....

[@musclecarcampy9922]

They are such cool cars.

[@5Antvin]

rust was a common theme many sold in the rust belt . Also, the widows were noisy wouldn't seal well . Parts and aftermarket parts are either unavailable or difficult to find and expensive .,It's looks and uniqueness out weighs its shortcomings that's for sure .

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Rust was common on every car not sold in the Southwest then. The car companies expected you to buy a new car every three years. Longevity was not a concern.

[@larryn1875]

Love this car

[@greggbaker7120]

I had a friend who had a 390 javelin. The coil springs broke...he survived

[@musclecarcampy9922]

That’s a plus.

[@greggbaker7120]

@@musclecarcampy9922 Hi. the year ....was like 1973....

[@JubileeValence]

4:25 Think about it 'buster!!! Cheers!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Thx for watching!

[@jeffreybrianring6392]

800 bucks a month then was huge money, minimum wage was 1.40 hr.

[@Greg-ji5zh]

Peterson motors , Kearney Nebraska . The home of Pete’s patriot.

[@jbernard911]

What intake manifold is he running on that car?

[@musclecarcampy9922]

We tell you in the video.

[@jbernard911]

Actually, you say in the video that it was a torker, but he later says that he added an R4B manifold. The reason I am asking is because the R4B is taller, and I am adding a similar manifold, and want to make sure that I get the proper air cleaner for hood clearance on my '68 AMX.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

​​⁠It is an Edelbrock Torquer now. When he raced in the old days it was the other intake.

[@kingboagart899]

Yep

[@Gutntagged]

nice car! i had a 1972 sst that i rolled on pcp, back in '85

[@jackperry9369]

Badd ass Ole school 🏫 🤪

[@raymondspellman2979]

My dad had a 1959 rambler embassador station wagon it had a 327 2 barbell carb and a 3 on the tree with overdrive those motors had a special quality about it ...I know what it is ..do you .?

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Supercharged?

[@Ms.GreenJeans]

OMG! Momma like!!!!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Momma should get one.

[@RayRay-ex9gc]

Had a green one

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Dark or light green ?

[@RayRay-ex9gc]

@@musclecarcampy9922 dark green had think a second been little longer than 20 years p

[@Eric-z4n5j]

Oh yeah the AMX my mom had three of the javiln. When I was 20years old .I am 42 now I could have gotten a 72 JAVILN with a 360 drag pack I could kill myself for loosing a kick ass knoshwa product.i kick for it would be mine for only having to pay 500.00 bucks it was a very faded purple and had silver stripes but I was green of the AMX and theJavlin it is so sad the missed options I could have. I had 77 mercury monarch 4dr it had a history Why would a older person order a console shift or was it some dealer promo the had along with 4speeds

[@Eric-z4n5j]

I want REBEL Machine or a Hurst rogue

[@kingdz6712]

Not a Ford engine it's a amc 390

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Never said it was a Ford engine.

[@gordocarbo]

@@musclecarcampy9922 Only the starter...sounds the same as my old 65 Stang.

[@NoPrivateProperty]

this guy had to go to college to learn about power to weight ratio

[@gordocarbo]

He went to get an engineering degree. Think he knows how to make a car fast

[@JohnLiotta]

Great Story 👍 I would love to Buy the Amx.

[@musclecarcampy9922]

You and me both!

[@gordocarbo]

@@musclecarcampy9922 Does he wanna adopt a 55 yr old with lots of problems? Im in!

[@vincewilliams5219]

Great video!

[@musclecarcampy9922]

Thank you. Hope you’ll subscribe.