The 1968 AMC AMX was a bold, two-seat muscle car from American Motors Corporation, designed to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette and carve out a unique spot in the performance car market. Launched in February 1968, it was the first steel-bodied, two-seat American car since the 1957 Ford Thunderbird, offering a blend of sporty style, compact dimensions, and V8 power at a price point lower than its rivals.
Key Features
- Design: The AMX featured a sleek, short-wheelbase (97 inches) fastback design, derived from the Javelin but 12 inches shorter. Its aggressive stance, long hood, and compact cabin gave it a distinctive, muscular look. The fiberglass hardtop and chrome bumpers added to its sporty aesthetic.
- Engines: It came with three V8 options:
- Standard 290-cubic-inch (4.8L) V8 with 225 hp.
- Optional 343-cubic-inch (5.6L) V8 with 280 hp.
- Top-tier 390-cubic-inch (6.4L) V8 with 315 hp, making it a serious contender in the muscle car era.
- Performance: The 390-powered AMX could hit 0-60 mph in about 6.6 seconds, competitive with the Corvette and other muscle cars. It offered a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, with a “Go Package” that included power disc brakes, a heavy-duty suspension, and wide tires.
- Interior: The cabin was sporty yet functional, with bucket seats, a tachometer, and a 140-mph speedometer. Options like leather upholstery and a wood-grain steering wheel added a touch of luxury.
- Price: Starting at around $3,245, the AMX was significantly cheaper than the Corvette, making it an attractive option for performance enthusiasts on a budget.
Unique Aspects
- Versatility: The AMX was marketed as a “do-it-all” car, capable of street driving, drag racing, or road course competition. AMC even offered a racing-inspired “Super Stock” version for drag strips.
- Rarity: Only 6,725 AMXs were built in 1968, making it a rare classic today.
- Innovations: It featured a unitized body for better rigidity, a dual-plane intake manifold for improved engine breathing, and optional “Rally” wheels.
Cultural Impact
The AMX was AMC’s attempt to shake its image as a maker of economy cars. It appealed to younger buyers and garnered attention through racing efforts, including setting 106 speed and endurance records at Bonneville in 1968 with drivers like Craig Breedlove. Its bold “Big Bad” color options (like Big Bad Blue) and optional Hurst shifter added to its rebellious charm.
Legacy
The AMX ran from 1968 to 1970, with the 1968 model being the purest expression of its two-seat concept before AMC shifted focus to the Javelin. Today, it’s a collector’s gem, valued for its rarity, performance, and unique place in American automotive history. Restored 1968 AMXs, especially with the 390 engine, can fetch $30,000-$60,000 or more at auctions, depending on condition and options.
