1970 AMC AMX

Rumors persist that every 1968–1970 AMX started life as a full-size Javelin body shell.  Once assembled, a 12-inch chunk was sliced from behind the front seats on a specialized modification line.  This is not true.  Though AMC worked with a much smaller budget than its Detroit competitors, this level of hand fabrication would have been far too costly.  The fact is AMC body engineers designed a specific body shell for the two-seat AMX.  Thus, two-seat AMX's, (97-inch wheelbase), and five-seat Javelin's, (109-inch wheelbase), employed dedicated body shells that traveled down the same Kenosha, Wisconsin, assembly line on their way toward completion as finished automobiles.

For consignment, a documented AACA National 1st Senior and Grand National Senior award winning fully restored car in the form of a 1970 AMC AMX.  Sporting a rebuilt ram air equipped 390ci V8, a rebuilt Borg Warner automatic transmission, and slew of other maintenance and upgrades it is still holding its luster and makes this blue gem ripe for the picking.  A great design which in its day was the muscle car to have, and still is!  Come and get it…ding… ding…. ding…

Exterior
Sitting on the original 14" Magnum 500 style 5 spoke wheels, this racy car with its long front hood and beautiful long sloping back has its luster on the factory correct Commodore Blue Metallic paint that shines like a crazy diamond.  So let's start at the leading edge of the power bulged and vented ram air hood, a 1970 only option for the Go-Package.  Just below is the V-pointed black and chrome AMX badged grille with integral signal lights and outboard sunken headlights, all adding to the menacing muscle look of Kenosha's finest.  From here we move down to the mirror-like V shaped chrome front bumper with its sexy wrap around and up edges that meet the fenders perfectly.   Just a few cosmetic flaws in the paint are noted in the form of light scratches and a few minor chips and the gaps are decent.  Badging is kept to a minimum with a simple circular AMX on the wide B pillar and 390 call outs on the front quarters.  Chrome is minimal as well with just the bumpers, which are inset into the body on the front and rear and a ribbed stainless rocker trim is also seen grounding the blue along with the wheels.   Looking at this design it was really ahead of its time with the inset door handles, and the flush mounted bumpers.  Dual chrome tipped exhaust pipes peek out from underneath the rear bumper.  Lest we forget to give a shout out to the plaid lined trunk with the original space saver spare tire, inflator canister, jack and lug wrench.  Smoke 'em if ya got 'em, and this car does!

Interior
Grabbing onto the inset door handle and giving it a swing, we see a clean smooth black vinyl panel covering the door, a large rectangle of vertical tuck and roll vinyl makes up the insert and is framed by thin chrome and houses the window cranks and mirror joystick.  A big applique dressed armrest and door actuator for the inside is also hung on the middle of the interior doors.  Moving inside dual high back buckets with tuck and roll inserts, smooth bolsters and headrests are all in black vinyl and all looking fab.  In the center an applique and chrome dressed console rides the hump and holds the shifter and small storage bin.  In the center of the dash, rising out of the center console, is a lighter and “ash“ receiver, factory AM radio with 8 track player that has now been converted to AM/FM capabilities and another large wood appliqué panel with 2 round vents, AMX badging and a hidden speaker within the black padded dash topper.  In front of the AMX badged faux drilled 2 spoke wood rimmed rim blow steering wheel is the original dash with a trio of inserted circular gauges with black centers, white lettering and thin chrome bezels, again all in a field of applique.  Temp and fan controls are deeply inset to drivers left as are the headlight and wiper knobs.  Very nice black carpet covers the floors and with no rear seat, there is plenty of storage and black carpet covering the “hatchback” rear interior.  A seam free, textured black headliner hovers above all this 1970 design interior.

Drivetrain
Under the scooped and louvered hood lies the original 390ci V8 which still pumps out 325hp thanks to the Go-Package Ram Air, and is topped with a 4-barrel carburetor.  This is the correct 3195529 casting block with 1/2" head bolt holds and on the back is a 3-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission.  This throws power rearward to an AMC 20 Twin Grip 3.15 rear axle.  Our consignor notes that the engine and transmission have been rebuilt only accruing 500 miles since the redux.  This is all within a highly detailed engine bay, with no corrosion, supple hoses and the wonderful AMC turquoise painted block.

Undercarriage
Underneath is restored as well with undercoating, black paint and very minimal surface rust.  The unibody, rockers, floor pans and toe kicks remain solid and original.  The bottom end of the engine is drip free with only slight seepage noted on the transmission pan.  Fully rebuilt power disc brakes with an independent coil spring suspension are up front and in the back are rebuilt power drum brakes with a leaf spring suspension.  Our consignor notes that new lines and a new master cylinder were installed during the brake work and a new fuel tank and starter are seen in this very clean environment.  Dual exhaust works its way down from the engine and travels rearward, passing through stock style mufflers before ending in chrome tips under the rear of the car.

Drive-Ability
She fired right up and on the test track was a pleasure to drive.  This car offered up lots of interior room while maintaining its sportiness and somewhat compact size.  Smooth acceleration, good handling, slight grabby but solid stopping, and good shifting were experienced.  A few flaws crept up during our time behind the wheel of this 2 seater powerhouse.  Those being a horn that wouldn't blow, a heater blower that didn't move any air, and a clock that did not keep time.   

A great example of the AMC muscle car version direct from the time machine of 1970.  Beautiful pony car lines with the long front and over exaggerated sloping rear, this 2 door is cool.  It is also nicely preserved, has some great AACA winning history, and runs like a Swiss watch, and for this writer it's love American (Motors) Style!

A0C397X184013

A-AMC
0-1970
C-3 Speed Floor Automatic
3-AMX
9-2 Door Hardtop
7-AMX
X-390ci 4bbl V8
184013-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.