AMC AMX

AMC AMX
1968 AMX with "Go-Package"
Overview
Manufacturer	American Motors Corporation
Also called	Rambler AMX (Australia)
Production	1968–1970
Assembly	Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States Port Melbourne, Australia (AMI)
Designer	Richard A. Teague
Body and chassis
Class	Grand tourer, Muscle car, Sports car
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FR layout
Platform	AMC’s “junior cars”
Powertrain
Engine	290 cu in (4.8 L) 4-bbl V8 225 hp (168 kW; 228 PS) 1968-69 343 cu in (5.6 L) 4-bbl V8 280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS) 1968-69 360 cu in (5.9 L) 4-bbl V8 285 hp (213 kW; 289 PS) 1970 390 cu in (6.4 L) 4-bbl V8 315 hp (235 kW; 319 PS) 1968-69 390 cu in (6.4 L) twin 4-bbl V8 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS) 1969 SS (only) 390 cu in (6.4 L) 4-bbl V8 325 hp (242 kW; 330 PS) 1970
Transmission	4-speed manual floor shift (standard) 3-speed "Shift-Command" automatic on console
Dimensions
Wheelbase	97 in (2,464 mm)
Length	1968-69: 177 in (4,496 mm) 1970: 179 in (4,547 mm)
Width	71 in (1,803 mm)
Height	51 in (1,295 mm)
Curb weight	Approximate: 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)

The AMC AMX is a two-seat GT-style sports car that was produced by American Motors Corporation for the 1968 through 1970 model years. The AMX was also classified as a muscle car, but "unique among other American cars at the time due its short wheelbase". The AMX was also the only American-built steel-bodied two-seater of its time, the first since the 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird. To a degree, the AMX was a competitor with America's only other two-seater of the era, the Chevrolet Corvette for substantially less money. With a one-inch (2.5 cm) shorter wheelbase than Chevrolet's two-seater, the AMX was often seen by the press as a "Corvette competitor"

Fitted with the optional high-compression medium block 390 cu in (6.4 L) AMC V8 engine, the AMX offered top-notch performance at an affordable price. In spite of this value and enthusiastic initial reception by automotive media and enthusiasts, sales never thrived. However, the automaker's larger objectives to refocus AMC's image on performance and to bring younger customers into its dealer showrooms was achieved. After three model years, the two-seat version was discontinued, and the AMX's now signature badging was transferred to a high-performance version of its four-seat sibling, the Javelin, from 1971-1974.

American Motors capitalized the respected reputation of the original AMXs by reviving the model designation for performance-equipped coupe versions of the compact Hornet in 1977, Concord in 1978, and the subcompact Spirit in 1979 and 1980.

The AMX name originates from the "American Motors eXperimental" code used on a concept vehicle and then on two prototypes shown on the company's "Project IV" automobile show tour in 1966. One was a fiberglass two-seat "AMX", and 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, performance-oriented market.