AMC : Why The AMX Was Forgotten

While AMC was no slouch in its ability to offer high-performance V-8-powered cars, most car buyers in the 1960s saw the AMC company as being focused on economy and thriftiness, not on flashy displays of power.
But on the heels of the Mustang's stunning success, AMC (American Motor Corporation) , like every other American manufacturer at the time, was forced to recognize that small, sporty cars had a place on dealer lots, not just on the showroom turntables. Sure, doctors and lawyers could buy Corvettes and Thunderbirds all day long, but now college students and secretaries could look forward to driving something with a little more guts than the average family AMC sedan.
So, for a brief span of about five years, AMC totally devoted itself to capturing the youth market. AMC first responded in September 1967 with the Javelin. Given the pony car-mad public, they knew it would sell, but with Dick Teague's urging, the company decided to go one step further with the AMX in February 1968, the only mass-produced American two-seat sports coupe aside from the Corvette, and at $3,245, more than $1,000 less expensive than its honored competitor.
A lot of people saw the AMX as a 12-inch shorter derivative of the Javelin, given the shared body panels and chassis. Yet AMC engineers and stylists designed both the AMX and the Javelin on separate tracks at the same time. By February 1968, with concept versions of both vehicles running the show circuit, AMC decided on the single platform for the production versions of both cars.
1968
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.
This is the history of the AMC AMX

[@tommythomason6187]

The American company with the least money made the best of what they had and manufactured some of the most striking looking and reliable vehicles.

[@beyond_the_infinite2098]

AMC had just won the 71 Trans-Am championship and I bought a 70 AMX 360 4-speed with Go Package with 3.73 posi. It was burn-out machine and quick. I remember buying many sets of tires and installing a few clutches. Car drew lots of attention and respect from owners of Mustang, Camaro, and even Corvette. Most fun car I ever owned.

[@christopherkraft1327]

I always thought that the AMX was an exciting car that was very underrated!!! They were actually good cars!!! 👍👍🙂

[@jimowens381]

That AMX with the 390 was an absolute beast!!

[@gregvarner9562]

I had forgotten how bad ass the AMX really was. The 1970 was probably the best looking but they all were great.

[@stevenlucas3736]

Had a few friends back in high school that had these. They were a lot of fun. Now many decades later, I decided to get one. I recently purchased a cherry, low mileage (118,000)1969 with the go package, Matador Red with white stripes. The car drives like a dream and is very quick. I've never owned a car that gets compliments like this one. Everywhere I go, it attracts people. Many have questions because they have never seen or heard of the AMX. I get several people a week that even take pictures. It's nice to see they are finally getting some recognition. A good time to purchase one as the value has been going up steadily the last few years.

[@garygray5658]

I have a "68" black on black - 401ci STR-11 dual quad 4 spd. It gets alot of thumbs up and ohs and ahs at the shows. Highly photographed. Good report on the AMX

[@valengreymoon5623]

In 1990 I had a 69 model. Bronze / black, 390, 4-speed and go-pack. I only paid $600 for it, but it was fairly rough, even though it was all there and ran flawlessly. Sold it about a year later for a huge profit, but looking back, I should have kept it.

[@stevehaas9621]

I've owned my 69 AMX, 390 go pack since 1975. Told the wife it would be a good investment, and that we'd sell it later to help with the kids college tuition (yeah, right). It's been a nice hobby restoring it and keeping it running. Kids ask me , what is it, who made it, but they've never even heard of AMC.

[@skullhelmet1944]

I owned a few AMCs in Chicago, What I noticed most about them was the body never seemed to rust nearly as often as other American cars It was a very durable car in every way

[@p.oinonen6706]

I rode to a Jefferson Airplane concert in a modified one in 1972. Picked up a delighted hitchhiker with a "J.A." sign at the freeway entrance, got to the show in a hurry. Later tear gassed by the police as a mass disturbance occurred. Several JAs arrested. Start off your night in a car like that, who knows what will happen ???

[@richspinaci8293]

😆😆👍

[@johndavis9454]

In 1972 I worked for an AMC/Jeep Dealership that sponsored a drag racing car completely built by the service department and body shop. The donor car was a 1969 AMX. The body shop finished it in purple metal flake with white metal flake racing stripes and prepared the car's interior for competition. The service dept mechanics built a 402CI V8 for the car and went to the track as a crew. The car was raced locally at Lions Drag Strip in Long Beach, CA. It did well in its class but most of all it was fun to watch! Everyone remembered that paint job!

[@beyond_the_infinite2098]

those were the days

[@audieconrad8995]

Boca Bros. good job with this vid!! Well done - informative and accurately factual. What AMC did in the performance arena - [muscle, strip, street and track] in the short time they did it is remarkable. Long live AMC muscle! 💪

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Just imagine if AMC had survived. What would they have built through today? I bet they would've been great

[@whoami7721]

Too bad it didn't survive the downsizing era of the American automotive industry in the 1980s. My first car was a burnt orange 1975 Gremlin that my dad gave me, so I developed an interest in AMC. The AMX and Javelin were distinctive, just like AMCs lineup and future models like the Pacer. I think if they had somehow survived until 2022, they might be making something akin to Subaru's small SUVs. They were already doing that with the Eagle and Spirit.

[@KenanTurkiye]

If AMC was, I think TESLA would not! AMC was ingenious (spelling?).

[@matthewgaines10]

They struggled for decades. They wouldn’t have done much if they had survived. They had good ideas but couldn’t capture the consumer base they needed to survive.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Neighbor had a 1977 Ambassador wagon. As a teen, I thought that was a strange looking wagon considering we had a 1968 Bel Air wagon but boy would I like one now! Thanks for watching and the comments everyone! Boca Brothers!

[@stevewenners]

It was and it was known as the Neon

[@jclark347]

Great video! The AMX has never gotten the respect it deserves, it was nothing strange for SuperStock AMX’s to shut down Superstock Hemi Barracudas, COPO cars, and Cobra Jets, but there was only 53 1969 Superstock amx’s produced. When I saw an amx at a car show years ago, I had to have one. I now own a hunter green 69 amx 343 go pac car with the stripe delete option that was offered in 1969.

[@AMCmachine]

Believe me, they haven't been forgotten! 🙂 Good comprehensive summary of the two-seater's proud, exciting and accomplished history. 👍 A story that continues to this day.

[@Trenton-om9qs]

My dad has a restored 1969 AMC AMX. Its a shame it is so forgotten because Its such a cool car

[@Rusty6450]

I owned a '69 AMX 343 manual transmission (blue with white stripes) and it was an awesome car. When I told my much younger 'gearhead' little brother it had a 343, he balked and said it was the 390, since they didn't have a 343. Thanks for the vindication.

[@phantomblott1]

I too bought a 1968 AMX new. 343 auto with go pac. caravelle blue with tan interiour. The 343 engine was one of AMC's most underated engines. then. In 1970 the 343 developed oiling issues, a rebuild was suggested and the 343 was updated. New oil pump assembly, keeping original pistons with just a hone. Went to the 401's type 2 cam or what was called, the white stripe cam. New valves an springs with a 3 angle valve grind. Edlebrock R4B intake with larger Carter 9625 carb, Cyclone exhaust headers with full 2 1/2 in. exhaust. Changed stock 3.15 rear gears to dealer 3.73 gears. Bog Warner model 11 rebuilt with model 12 insides that came with the 390 engine. Won many street races against Dusters and Demon 340 engines, raced a 1970 AMX with 390 Go Pac and 4- speed. Neither one of us could beat the other, that 343 was the most awesome AMC engine in the day. Kept the AMX untill 2004 and finally sold it for many times what I originally paid for it.

[@josephpiskac2781]

I had a 1983 AMC Eagle SX4 Fastback decked out with every option. Truly a great 4WD vehicle. I was buying cars as far back as the 1960s and really regret not checking the AMX and its related editions out. My younger sister bought an AMC Pacer. She never stopped being in love with it. I could see the design made no sense except as a sci-fi fantasy car.

[@josieann5031]

I know how your sister felt. My 1972 Pacer was one of my favorite cars.

[@rickintexas1584]

I always thought the AMX and Javelin were great looking cars. But you didn’t see many on the road back in the day. They were definitely fewer than other muscle and pony cars.

[@carlpage4248]

I saw one in someone's yard a couple of blocks away from where I live a while back. It's gone now but I hope it ended up in good hands!

[@pereida12345]

In 1987, I bought a running black 1968 AMX in fair condition for $900 from an alcoholic outside a bar.. Fixed it up some and sold it because i needed money. Today i wish i never sold it. That was a bad ass car.

[@GoodForYou4504]

I remember everyone saying 140 mph speedometer was cool. Great marketing move by AMC. Like it made the car faster of something. 😀👍

[@Gk2003m]

The AMX was my fave Matchbox car in my collection.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@jetsons101]

I had a 68 390 four speed and a 69 390 four speed both with GoPac. Boy I sure wish I had them back..................

[@airforceveteran71]

Had a '69 AMX 290/4-speed for awhile and sold that when I acquired a '70 AMX back in '81. Painted Bittersweet Orange Metallic w/ white "C" stripes, still has the original 360-4v and Hurst 4-speed, with those 14" rally wheels...with only 4,116 built, makes for a rare sight these days...if I bought another AMX, it would be the '71 model with the 401/4-speed.

[@mikedrake5373]

I thought I liked the 68 AMX best, but after seeing this video the 70 AMX would be my favorite.

[@larryhall7998]

My first car was a 1970 AMX (who needs a back seat)>

[@hot88s23]

The AMX is not forgotten. I still miss my '68. Badly.

[@ulfatterstrom5198]

I got a -70 360 four speed. Love it!

[@mwyatt222]

lve had a 68 and 69. Had a 390 amx in the 70s and bought a fully restored 68 w/ low miles l have now . lts a lesser known 290v8 model but l love it and its plenty fast still.

[@dennistaylor983]

Buddy had 1. 390. 4 spd. 68. Luved it.

[@zone47]

I had a chance to buy a nice example for $10K but that was before the run up on the prices. I always liked them.... probably the 70 is what I'd go for.

[@tommunyon2874]

If memory serves me, I subscribed to Car and Driver during these model years. What I don't remember was the details iterated in this video. Thank you for the detailed rundown.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

appreciate ya!

[@musclecarczarig4003]

Great video! The green 68 is my old car!

[@barryrussell4106]

Years ago my friend had a 68 Amx it had a hot 390 it in with 4 speed. We left his house and started down a steep hill and he bang shifted it into 2 Nd gear and the key would fly out of the ignition between the seats. It was a single key with no ring and would fly out every time you speed shifted the car. Those things were screamers. One of the quickest cars I was ever in and just felt violent getting there. I had a 350 1969 nova and I would not run it.

[@mrray6983]

Beautiful car. I used to own the Hot Wheels version back in the day.

[@glenkepic3208]

I loved these as a kid then. Found it funny they'd spin out along with Corvettes in time trail runs family then won trophys for in a Sprite.

[@42lookc]

The hood scoop on the '70 AMX was among the best looking ever. Too bad they didn't make it a shaker.

[@HawklordLI]

Love the Javelin and AMX but the Rebel Machine is my favorite AMC product.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for sharing the info and watching!

[@marinegunny826]

Miss my 69 500 special. Most fun car I ever had.

[@grantsherman2292]

Always liked them better than the Javelin.

[@markleightonson1770]

I had a ‘69 390. It was fun. I got a ‘70 as well. It was a bit beefier. The balance had most weight in front, obviously. So breaking required common sense. Eventually put headers on the ‘69. The eight track tape player was fun.

[@SprocketsandOrePockets]

Nice, I’ve got a 68 amx 4 speed manual

[@peter455sd]

I will have a car like that as my daily driver nowadays So cool

[@spokanefut]

Owned #12921 Powder Blue (bad repaint) and no stripes or chrome. It had the 290 and the B-W POS automatic and the worst fitment of interior parts and openings like windows not ever rolling up straight, endless leaks, VACUUM WIPERS ffs. Probably one of the most despised of the nearly hundred cars I've owned. But it was an absolute f*()^%ng beast in corners: the local fast boys would lead me easy until the twisties, but from then on the pony cars were out of the contest. Pity. That car had real potential in that the both the nose and tail were easily adapted to impact standards coming at the time. I'd like to see a special on all the AMC performance cars like the Rebel Machine or the Gremlin 401XR. Ramblers rock.

[@Jav390]

Had a 70 Javelin 390 as a 16 yr old. Too much car for a kid. Raced 15 times, 15 WINS. Mustangs, Chevelles, Nova's. Beat one guy by a car, Chevelle guy, he was so Mad, embarrassed he got beat by an AMC, screamed he was selling his P.O.S. !! CLAIMED he just put 2500 into rebuild of motor. Good Times. I've owned a 69 AMX 343, REBEL MACHINE, daily driver for 7 years, loved that car. Currently own a 70 DONOHUE JAVELIN 390. LONG LIVE AMC 👍😎

[@donaldsink8115]

I too had the 70 Rebal Machine bought new. Mine was an off green with a black vinyl top and automatic. Couldn't stand the color so I had it painted black on black. Gave around 3500 dollars for it. It's the only car I wish I had back.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid!!! 👍👍

[@jamesrobert4106]

Love the bloopers😂

[@jerrybailey5797]

Fantastic , gotta love the AMX !

[@brianwarner308]

Great video bloopers were good too lol

[@moisesgaribay4893]

We love bloopers 😂

[@aaronmorath9222]

I have a 1968 amx 4-spd posi 390 cid blazer blue and only 40,000 original miles 00903 true survivor.!!!!

[@kylebrown6951]

🤣Like the bloopers at the end. As usual a great posting ❤ and here are a few more 👍👍's up for ya, also sorry to hear you guys are ill get well soon need to watch your postings. 👍😎✌🖐

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks brother Kyle!!

[@brieannateylar5810]

@@ThisOldCarChannel which came first the Javelin / AMX or the Mustang ? They look similar from the side profile . Is it possible that one company copied / was inspired by the other's design ?

[@jayroberts9103]

I had a 1969 390, British Green, 4 speed, in 1973. From 40mph to 110mph, nothing could beat it, except a Honda 750 or a Kawa Z1..maybe,lol.

[@tommytomtom5531]

Hunter Green.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

Bloopers section- the rearview mirror one sounded almost like a car trying to start with a low battery. LOL

[@aldente2676]

Unlike its competitors, the first generation Javelins shared a timeless design of which out did anything in its class. All AMC V-8s were small blocks. My favorite year AMX was the first year. That wooden-looking dash and the broader grille of the later models ruined that car

[@williamutsman579]

I owned three of these awesome cars. I just wish i still owned them

[@analogman9697]

I can't remember seeing even one of those in the last thirty years.

[@gerarduspoppel2831]

I like this car better than the mustang And Camaro

[@dencocreations1701]

Ill always have love for these cars, but I prefer the 71 AMX, the grille and the headlights were perfected that year.

[@bradpittiful7288]

i liked every year!

[@timiderframe1097]

I can’t forget about amc, I’m working on a 68 sst javelin

[@ramblerdave1339]

Same here, but highly modified, base model. Good luck with yours!

[@justsumguy2u]

Dick Teague was probably the quirkiest designer of the American car industry. How could the man who designed the beautiful flowing lines of the second-gen Javelin also be responsible for the Pacer?

[@davidnewland2461]

The size of the amc kenosha factory was stumning , now the site is agreat example of brown field redevelopment it looks amazing, you would never believe the site was the site of a large factory, michigan could learn from kenosha wisconsin

[@richardmedeiros4337]

Can you do one on the scambler I almost bought one in 71 or 72 I really like the big hood scoop,390 and 4 speed transmission

[@plymouth491]

Oddly enough, I once bought a '50 Dodge that had--no kidding--AMC Magnum 500 wheels.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

RIP Nacho Salamanca ... we miss you already

[@viper2148]

I'm trying to think of a single 2024 model of any manufacturer that costs less than $60,000 that looks anywhere nearly as nice as the AMX and I just can't.

[@mykec.selene8302]

You forgot about the 401 cu in engine that was offered to a rare few of these gorgeous cars!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Ah man!!! Thanks for watching!

[@CommonMapTurtle]

The 401 came out in '71, after the 2-seater AMX was dropped.

[@mykec.selene8302]

Nope 😃! That's not true. There was an AMX SS in 1969 thru 70. Look into it for yourself! Or not, whatever! Although, it's extremely rare! ​@@CommonMapTurtle

[@CommonMapTurtle]

@@mykec.selene8302 Not looking for an argument. Just reporting the facts. the SS AMXs used Hurst modified 390's. Never was there a 401 from the factory in a 2-seater AMX.

[@donalddday7741]

one of the cars i never to to race against in my 66 GTO

[@Fvck-diversity]

blooper, yes!!!!!

[@tylerjouett1723]

I own a 68 AMX 290 auto.

[@johnvanlindingham9490]

The original t bird was a 2 crater and so was the studibaker silver and golden hawk as well as the Pantera and Shelby 427 Cobra

[@ramblerdave1339]

The Studes you mention, have a 120" wheelbase, and a full size back seat.

[@davidnewland2461]

Ibought a brand new matadorXin 1974, i decided on better mileage the matador came with a 304CIengine it was plenty peppy, i liked the car if i had kept it nodoubt it would be arusted out hulk.

[@brianloerzel1936]

I have a 1969 model!

[@plymouth491]

Who said that the AMX was forgotten?!?

[@neatstuff1988]

Why in the heck wouldn't they want a four speed in here.

[@Skindiver986]

Kind of looks like a Vega

[@vassa1972]

Too bad AMC didn't survive on their own

[@markhope4993]

68 390

[@bikingD]

I don't know I if I would say that 1970 was the last of true AMX. Yes the last of the 2 seat AMX but 71 through 74 AMX had a 401 V8 and Go package and was a screamer. Also the 77 AMX brought the name back and was a very nice car for the era with the 5.0 V8 304 that looked even better in 78 with the update. Then the 79/80 AMX was a stunner of a car looking every bit as good as a Fox body Mustang or F body of that era.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

It was the "Javelin AMX"

[@bikingD]

@@ThisOldCarChannel Yes but was still an AMX. Just like the Trans am was a Firebird or a GTO was a Tempest. Didn't make it the others any less of an AMX to true AMC fans.

[@stevenlucas3736]

After 1970, AMX was used a an option group. Like GM used the RS, SS or Dodge used the RT, etc. That's why the put the model name in front of the "package". You don't call a Javelin AMX an "AMX". The car AMX was a two seater. Everything else is a performance package added to an existing model. The true AMX was a model by itself.

[@bikingD]

@@stevenlucas3736 That is exactly what I said it was a trim like Trans am to Firebird. But still are AMX's to AMC people.

[@stevenlucas3736]

@@bikingD The Trans AM and Firebird are variations of the same car. Same wheel base, same chassis, etc. The AMX was a separate model all to itself. Only 2 seats and a foot shorter that the Javelin. I am included in the "AMC people" and they are not the same. Pick up the TSM and look at the differences. Even the TSM lists them as different models and AMC should know better than anyone.

[@MrStratbat]

Could've bought one in 1985,purple,white stripes,white interior..great condition for $200.00...I'm an idiot..lmao..it's what we don't know

[@williamMikmaq222]

“Pony” cars….. The AMX was a cool car.

[@joeyrodriguez1290]

You should do a episode on the original Acura NSX (1991-2000) if you do classic imports

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

🇦🇺👍🏻

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

You got to love AMC or AMX love the blue one and those wheels Heaps of these sat in the docks here they put Toyotas together on there list frist dumm Australians

[@billgee02]

All American Motors had to do is offer this car with a Targa roof - hell, looks like the roof lines were already designed for it ... oh well

[@johnwyman6126]

And get new management, but that never happened.

[@FoxFaderWorld]

You sound like Harlan Saperstein

[@davidtimmerman3121]

so........why WAS the amx forgotten? you never got around to that...

[@tommytomtom5531]

He forgot to mention it.

[@ghw7192]

Too bad that AMC couldn't find a better buyer than Chrysler.

[@invisableobserver]

I'd like to have one to do a LS swap on.

[@whm2536]

And just like that, everyone in commercials is black.

[@gianni300rpm]

damn that was an ugly car

[@rodgunn2621]

All AMCs were fugly.

[@michaelconner9904]

Went to Led Zeppelin concert in 70s in one of these. Pretty cool

[@terrycrivea9950]

AMX 3 was the ultimate AMX

[@SteffanoDucati]

I thought they did these with the 401 ??

[@CommonMapTurtle]

The 401 came out in '71 Javelins after the 2-seater AMX was dropped.

[@waynederby4684]

Why was 70 the last year?

[@kotjmf1968]

Sales figures. AMX was not selling well enough to keep producing it.

[@grandfresh9196]

Bitchin cars...