1968 AMC AMX Muscle Car - Modified

2nd Owner Selling Restored/ Modified 1968 AMC AMX -A work of Art, ince 1976401 dog leg port head motormulti spark discharge Jacob's IgnitionHooker super comp jet hot coated headersHolley 750 4Brl double pumper CarbRetro fit 700R 4 speed Automatic GM TransmissionTCI adaptor place with 2400 stall converter & B&M ShifterDutchman super axle -rearFactory traction barRetro fit 12 volt positive Autometer TachPrestolite AlternatorFactory Bendix brakesSingle disc un-vented rotors>>>>Documents Receipts for this well-kept beauty since 1976: $28,002.81Modified Engine - when the 2nd owner(s) got this car, nfortunately the original 390 4Brl V8 was not with the car. It is now equipped with 401 40 Overbore - the original 4 speed was switched out for a 7004R when the owner was in his late 70's so he could keep on driving it. We do not have the original 4 speed - the car is now equipped with the 7004R automatic. Ported Heads. Roller Rockers. Jacobs Ignition. Holley Double pumper Carb.Twin-Grip Posi with Factory Traction Bars. Mosier Axels. Custom Built 4 Speed "Look-a-like" Shifter. Power Disc Brakes. All equipped with Carter Four Barrel and Dual Exhaust with a Tire-Smoking' 425 ft lbs of Torque! Aluminum Intake Manifolds and High Lift Cams. Roller RockersEXTERIOR:Tuxedo Black Paint (triple coat) with white racing stripes.Original Trim Package - Rechromed and sparkling!Custom Modern WheelsINTERIOR: Stock- 2 Seater - RED on BLACKOPTIONS:Air ConditioningAM-FM Radio8 Track StereoRemote Outside MirrorPower Disc BrakesReclining Bucket Seats, tandardFUN FACTS:Weighs in at 2,865 lbsCost when new: $3,245.00Only 6,725 were built (with these VIN specs)251,000 miles and still going strong!The AMX broke and set 106 National and International Records before it was introduced to the public in February 1968 at the Chicago Car ShowFrom Factory Ads c. 1968" The AMX - the Two-Seater, he NO-Back-seater. A Sports car, Muscle Car!"EXTRAS:American Motors CorporationIndustryAutomotiveFateAcquired byChrysler Corporation(March 9, 987[1]), enamedEagle(fully merged 1990)[2]Trademark currently held byFCA US LLCSuccessorEagleFoundedJanuary 14, 954[3]Defunct1988HeadquartersSouthfield, ichigan, nited StatesKey peopleGeorge W. MasonGeorge W. RomneyRoy AbernethyRoy D. Chapin Jr.Richard A. TeagueProductsAutomobilesMilitary vehiclesBuses and delivery vehiclesSport utility vehiclesMajor home appliancesCommercial refrigerationLawn care productsSubsidiaries

• Kelvinator1954 - sold in 1968
• AM General1971 - sold in 1985
• Wheel Horse1974 - sold in 1986
• Beijing Jeep1983 - present(continues in 2010 as Beijing Benz Automotive Co, td.)

FACTORY ORIGINAL SPECS:AMC AMX1968 AMX with "Go-Package"OverviewManufacturerAmerican Motors CorporationAlsocalledRambler AMX (Australia)[1]Production1968-1970AssemblyKenosha, isconsin,United StatesPort Melbourne,Australia(AMI)[1]DesignerRichard A. TeagueBody and chassisClassGrand tourer,Muscle car,Sports car[2][3]Bodystyle2-doorcoupeLayoutFR layoutPlatformAMC's "junior cars"PowertrainEngine290cuin (4.8L) 4-bblV8225hp (168kW; 228PS) 1968-69343cuin (5.6L) 4-bbl V8 280hp (209kW; 284PS) 1968-69360cuin (5.9L) 4-bbl V8 285hp (213kW; 289PS) 1970390cuin (6.4L) 4-bbl V8 315hp (235kW; 319PS) 1968-69390cuin (6.4L) twin 4-bbl V8 420hp (313kW; 426PS) 1969 SS390cuin (6.4L) 4-bbl V8 325hp (242kW; 330PS) 1970Transmission4-speedmanualfloor shift3-speed "Shift-Command"automaticon consoleDimensionsWheelbase97in (2,464mm)Length1968-69: 177in (4,496mm)1970: 179in (4,547mm)Width71in (1,803mm)Height51in (1,295mm)Curbweight3,000lb (1,361kg)Origin of AMX[edit]1968 and 1969C-pillarAMX emblem1969 AMC AMX in "Matador Red"The AMX name originates from the "AmericanMotors eXperimental" code used on a concept vehicle and then on two prototypes shown on the company's "Project IV" automobile show tour in 1966.[8]One was a fiberglass two-seat "AMX", nd the other was a four-seat "AMX II". Both of these radically styled offerings reflected the company's strategy to shed its "economy car" image and appeal to a more youthful, erformance-oriented market.[8]

The original AMX full-scale models were developed in 1965 by AMC's advanced styling studios under the direction of Charles Mashigan.[8]The two-seat AMX was "big hit on the auto show circuit in 1966" and featured arumble seatthat opened out from the reardecklidfor extra passengers called a "Ramble" seat. AMC executives saw the opportunity to change the consumers' perception of the automaker fromRomney'seconomy car image, o the realities of the new marketplace interested in sporty, erformance oriented vehicles.Robert B. Evansrequested a car like the AMX to be put into production quickly.[8]

Two simultaneous development programs emerged for aproduction car: (1) a modified Javelin and (2) a completely new car bodied in fiberglass. The first approach was selected allowing AMC to use its existing technology andunibodymanufacturing expertise to make fairly inexpensive modifications to the Javelin approximating the prototype's styling and proportions. The automaker could turn out steel bodies in large numbers, o it rejected developing plastic (or fiberglass) bodies because those are intended only for low-production models.[9]The first fully operational unit debuted as part of AMC's AMX project in 1966. The "once-frumpy" automaker jumped on the "pony car bandwagon" with its "attractive Javelin" and soon introduced the "unique" AMX featuring a design where "hoods didn't come any longer, or decks any shorter".[10]

Vic Raviolo, reviously responsible for the Lincolns that raced in theCarrera Panamericanaduring the 1950s was involved with engineering AMC's new sports-car-type coupe.[11]The AMX was the first steel-bodied, wo-seat American performance car since the 1957Thunderbird, ord's original two-seater having long since evolved into a four-seatpersonal luxury car. The AMX was also the only mass-produced, omestic two-seater to share the market with Chevrolet's Corvette since the 1957 Thunderbird.[12][13]With a short 97in (2,464mm) wheelbase, he AMX's direct competition was the one-inch longer (98 inches (2,489mm)Chevrolet Corvette. The AMX's manufacturer'ssuggested retail price(MSRP) wasUS$3,245 (US$22,007 in 2015 dollars[14]), early 25% below and over $1,000 less than the Corvette's price tag.[15]

The AMX was introduced to the press at theDaytona International Speedwayon 15 February 1968; just over four months after the Javelin went on sale. In the demonstrations on the race track, he new AMXs ran at speeds up to 130mph (209km/h). American Motors' Group Vice President, ic Raviolo, escribed the AMX as "theWalter MittyFerrari."[16]The AMX was designed to "appeal to both muscle car and sports car enthusiasts, wo camps that rarely acknowledged each other's existences."[3]The problem was the "tire-melting" acceleration of the 2-seater made it "a quick car that handled like a sports car, onfusing the buying public."[3]Automotive journalistTom McCahillsummed up, the AMX is the hottest thing to ever come out of Wisconsin and ... you can whip through corners and real hard bends better than with many out-and-out sports cars."[11]

Record-breaking[edit]AMX "shatters" speed records in an advertisement forChampion spark plugsIn January 1968, wo specially-prepared AMXs set 106 world speed and endurance records atGoodyear's track in Texas driven by World Land Speed Record holderCraig Breedlove, is wife Lee, nd Ron Dykes.[17][18]As a way to promote the new car, MC's Performance activities manager, arl Chakmakian, sked Breedlove to put the AMX through its paces before it was even available for sale.[19]Breedlove's "Spirit of America" crew and Traco Engineering had six weeks to prepare the cars before they were to be displayed at theChicago Auto Showin February.[19]

TheAMC V8 engines, uch as the 290cuin (4.8L) engine in one car was bored out to 304cuin (5.0L) and the 390cuin (6.4L) in the other to 397cuin (6.5L). The shop installed exhaust headers, ight-quart oil pans, il coolers, i-rise intake manifolds, acing camshafts with solid lifters and stronger springs, nd larger carburetors. The cars had engine and rear-end oil coolers, nd 37USgal (140L; 31impgal) cell-type safety fuel tanks. Engine components wereX-rayedandMagnafluxedto check for cracks, s were chassis components.[19]

Chassis preparation included heavy-duty front and rear springs (part of the factory's optional handling package), ear spring traction control arms, eavy-duty shock absorbers and a "panhard" type track bar in the rear to eliminate side sway. Stock wheels and tires were replaced by wide magnesium racing wheels and Goodyear racing tires. The cars were aerodynamically modified: the front ends were lowered, he hoods were slanted down and spoilers were installed below the front bumpers. The car interiors had structure-stiffening roll cages for driver protection, stock bucket seat modified for additional support, nd supplementary engine-monitoring instruments.[19]

Breedlove also took the AMX to Bonneville reaching 189mph (304km/h) in aUnited States Auto Club(USAC) sanctioned run,[7]as well as an unofficial run of over 200mph (322km/h).[5]

Industry firsts[edit]The AMX was not only sporty and attractive, ut it introduced many industry firsts.[20]

The AmericanSociety of Automotive Engineersnamed the AMX as the "Best Engineered Car of the Year" in 1969 and 1970.[21]

For its first year recognition, he reasons cited included the car's dashboard, hich was injection-molded in one piece "for safety purposes, n industry first."[20]The AMX's new 390 engine was developed to have a large displacement within its minimal external dimensions and moderate weight, hile the use of common components and machining with AMC's 290 and 343 engines assured manufacturing economy.[22]The 1968 models also included an innovative fiberglass safety padding, "plastic" on the inside of the windshield posts that was first used on the AMC Javelins.

For the following year's award, he citation included the 1970 AMXs (and Javelins) being the first production cars to use windshields that were safer, hinner, nd lighter than ordinarylaminatedglass.[23]Developed byCorning, he glass featured a chemically hardened layer designed to give under impact and crumble into small granules to reduce injuries.[24]The inner layer has "stress raisers that will cause it to break before excessively high concussion forces can be developed in the occupant's skull."[25]

American Motors also incorporated new designs for windshield sealing for the 1970 models, nd developed a systems solutions process that began in the styling studio to insure maximum efficiency.[26]

1968[edit]1968 AMC AMX with Go-Pac1968 AMC AMX with chrome wheels and red stripe tires standard with Go-PackageThe "AMX 390" engineAmerican Motors promoted the mid-model year launch of the AMX to automotive journalists at Daytona to emphasize its sports car performance, s well as with a marketing agreement withPlayboy Enterprises.[27]The AMX was introduced to the public on 24 February 1968, ive months after the Javelin and other 1968 AMC cars. It was promoted as "the only American sports car that costs less than $3500".[28]American Motors advertisements also showed "a helmeted race driver revving up at the starting line in one of AMC's sporty AMX models, hich it describes asready to do 125 miles an hour."[29]

The two-seat AMX was "meant for a small, ell-defined market niche, nd it pulled in young people into AMC dealer showrooms in never before seen numbers".[30]Numerous road tests described the new AMX as a "handsome two-seater with American-style acceleration and European-style handling".[30]Journalists gave it a real run workout on all kinds of terrain and wrote "that the AMX is one of the best-looking cars — if not the best-looking car — made in the U.S.A."[31]

All AMXs came with a 4-barrel carbureted small block[32]AMC V8 enginesin several versions: 290cuin (4.8L) (225hp (168kW), -code), 43cuin (5.6L) (290hp (220kW), -code), s well as the 390cuin (6.4L) "AMX" featuring 315hp (235kW) with 425 pound force-feet (576N·m) of torque (X-code). All derived from the same external sized block. However, he three engines differed vastly internally, ith the smallest engine having small intake and exhaust valves, hin block webbing, nd a cast nodular iron crankshaft; the 343 used larger valves with a thicker block webbing; and the 390 moved up to a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, s well as larger rod bearings, .250in (57.15mm) compared to 2.090in (53.09mm) in the smaller two versions.[33]

ABorgWarnerT-10 four-speedmanual transmissionwas standard, s were special traction bars, ual exhaust system, nd fatter tires for better traction. A "Shift-Command" three-speedautomatic transmissionwith the capability of manual shifting (BorgWarner model M-11B or M-12) was optional together with afloor consolemounted shifter.

A popular "Go-Package" option came with either the four-barrel 343 or 390 engine, nd included power assisted front disk brakes, Twin-Grip"differential, 70x14 red-stripe performance tires on "Magnum 500" styled-steel wheels, eavy-duty suspension with thicker sway-bars, eavy-duty cooling, nd other performance enhancements.[8]A wide range of specialized performance parts were also available through AMC dealers for installation on customer's cars. These were known as "Group 19" parts because of the way AMC organized its parts books.[34]

Breedlove AMX[edit]According to several sources, Breedlove Replica" cars to commemorate the speed and endurance records were offered by AMC.[35]TheStandard Catalog of American Muscle Cars 1960-1972describes an estimated 50 "Breedlove" AMXs were sold featuring the red, hite, nd blue paint scheme along with the standard 4-barrel 290cuin (4.8L) V8 with four-speed manual transmission.[36]

However, MC historian, arry Mitchell, rgues there was no "factory literature, rder sheets, dvertising, hotographs, r anything else to properly document any factory 1968 or 1969 'Breedlove Replica' AMXs."[37]According to Mitchell, new car that was ordered by a dealer in Canada could not have been painted at the factory, ut rather outsourced to local Kenoshabody shopsto perform the final painting.[37]

Hertz rent-a-racer[edit]In the late-1960s,The Hertz Corporationoffered "rent-a-racer" program in selected locations that included cars such asCorvettes,Jaguar XK-Es,Shelby Mustangs, nd AMXs.[38]