Vehicle Description
American Motors was always the company that dared to be different.
Even at the height of the muscle car era when 4-seaters were
selling as quickly as Ford, GM, and Chrysler could make them, AMC
decided the time was right for a 2-seat pony car. The result was
the AMX.
There were notably few 290 V8/4-speed AMXs built, just 619 found
lucky new owners in 1969. This one, finished in its original
Matador Red, is flashy and will likely inspire more than a few
questions at gas stations and stop lights. Fortunately, it has been
nicely restored so there will be no excuses needed. The unique
sheetmetal is laser-straight, the Matador Red will make your
eyeballs vibrate, and the two parallel white racing stripes are
straight enough for engineering work. The AMX was all about form
following function with a shortened Javelin platform and bespoke
bodywork from the A-pillar back. The fastback looks like a coiled
spring, and the wide rear end is unmistakable for anything else on
the road (provided you know what an AMX is). Chrome bumpers are in
excellent condition, the AMX emblems on the sail panels are crisply
rendered, and if there is a car ready to win hearts for America's
last independent auto maker, this is it.
At first glance, the interior may seem black, but it's actually
correct code 931 charcoal gray. The 2-seat platform was probably an
answer to a question that nobody was asking in 1969, but it gave
the AMX a unique position in the market and there's no arguing that
sliding into any bright red 2-seater is a thrilling experience. The
instruments are housed in deep, round pods directly ahead of the
driver, including a 6000 RPM tach, with the two air vents in the
dash now filled with mechanical Auto Meter oil pressure and coolant
temperature gauges. There's also a modern JVC
AM/FM/CD/Aux/Bluetooth stereo fitted just below as well. Overall,
the interior is nicely finished, with a blend of old and new to
create a fun driving environment. And for cargo, there's no muscle
car as versatile as this with its large rear area and full-sized
trunk.
The 290 cubic inch V8 was roughly akin to Ford's A-code 289, making
225 horsepower with a predilection for revs. Linked to a 4-speed
manual, it's a rare combination, even for the unusual AMX, and
thanks to the lightweight body and trim proportions, performance is
explosive. The engine bay is nicely finished to stock
specifications, with AMC turquoise paint on the block and a few
chrome dress-up items to add interest. The snarky little V8 sounds
amazing through a set of headers and twin Flowmasters. Classic
Magnum 500 wheels wear 215/70R15 redline radials that totally nail
the 1969 look.
The AMX seems to be gaining some traction in the market, so if
you've been eyeing one, now's the time to buy. Call now!