1969 AMC AMX 390 BIG BAD GREEN LIMITED PRODUCTION RARE CAR

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 Vehicle DetailsYear: 1969Make: AMCModel: All ModelsVIN: A9M397X250113Stock Number: E-0155Mileage: 43140Transmission: ManualEngine: 8 Cylinder. 6. 4 LExterior Color: GreenInterior Color: BlackTitle: Clear 

1969 AMC AMX 390

BIG BAD GREEN

ONE OF ONLY 284

HIGHLY DESIRABLE AND COLLECTIBLE

 

THIS IS ONE NICE AND FAST CAR!!!

390ci 315HP

HURST SHIFTER 4SPD

GO-PACK

FULL INSTRUMENTATION WITH FACTORY TACHOMETER

TRIM TAG ON DOOR

MAGNUM 500

STYLED AMC WHEELS

TRUE MUSCLE CAR

WITH THE COJONES TO BACK IT!

 

INSIDE. OUTSIDE. AND UNDERNEATH THIS AMX IS EXTREMELY CLEAN.

HOW COLLECTIBLE

IS AN AMX?

EXTREMELY!!!

ONE OF 284 BUILT --- DEFINITELY!!!

 

HERE'S A COPY OF WHAT WIKIPEDIA HAS ON FILE ON THESE AWESOME CARS OF YESTERYEAR. ENJOY.

The AMC AMX is a two-seat GT in style and approach sports car that was produced by American Motors Corporation for the 1968 through 1970 model years. [2] The AMX was also classified as a muscle car. but "unique among other American cars at the time due its short wheelbase". [4] The AMX was also the only American-built steel-bodied two-seater of its time. the first since the 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird . [5] To a degree. the AMX was a competitor with America's only other two-seater of the era. the Chevrolet Corvette[6] for substantially less money. [5] With a one-inch (2. 5 cm) shorter wheelbase than the Chevrolet's 2-seater. "the AMX was often seen by the press as a Corvette competitor. "[7]

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 4-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 compactHornet in 1977. Concord in 1978. and subcompact Spiritin 1979 and 1980.

 

Origin of AMX[edit] 1968 and 1969 C-pillar AMX emblem 1969 AMC AMX in "Matador Red"

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. [8] 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. [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 a rumble seat that opened out from the rear decklid for extra passengers called a "Ramble" seat. AMC executives saw the opportunity to change the consumers' perception of the automaker from Romney's economy car image. to the realities of the new marketplace interested in sporty. performance oriented vehicles. Robert B. Evans requested a car like the AMX to be put into production quickly. [8]

Two simultaneous development programs emerged for a production 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 and unibody manufacturing 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. so 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. nor decks any shorter". [10]

Vic Raviolo. previously responsible for the Lincolns that raced in the Carrera Panamericana during the 1950s was involved with engineering AMC's new sports-car-type coupe. [11] The AMX was the first steel-bodied. two-seat American performance car since the 1957 Thunderbird. Ford's original two-seater having long since evolved into a four-seat personal luxury car. The AMX was also the only mass-produced. domestic two-seater to share the market with Chevrolet’s Corvette since the 1957 Thunderbird. [12][13] With a short 97 in (2. 64 mm) wheelbase. the AMX's direct competition was the one-inch longer (98 inches (2. 89 mm) Chevrolet Corvette. The AMX's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was US$3. 45 (US$21. 83 in 2013 dollars [14]). nearly 25% below and over $1. 00 less than the Corvette's price tag. [15]

The AMX was introduced to the press at the Daytona International Speedway on 15 February 1968; just over four months after the Javelin went on sale. In the demonstrations on the race track. the new AMXs ran at speeds up to 130 mph (209 km/h). American Motors' Group Vice President. Vic Raviolo. described the AMX as "the Walter Mitty Ferrari. "[16] The AMX was designed to "appeal to both muscle car and sports car enthusiasts. two 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. confusing the buying public. "[3] Automotive journalist Tom McCahill summed 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 for Champion spark plugs

In January 1968. two specially-prepared AMXs set 106 world speed and endurance records at Goodyear's track in Texas driven by World Land Speed Record holder Craig Breedlove. his wife Lee. and Ron Dykes. [17][18] As a way to promote the new car. AMC's Performance activities manager. Carl Chakmakian. asked 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 the Chicago Auto Show in February. [19]

The AMC V8 engines. such as the 290 cu in (4. 8 L) engine in one car was bored out to 304 cu in (5. 0 L) and the 390 cu in (6. 4 L) in the other to 397 cu in (6. 5 L). The shop installed exhaust headers. eight-quart oil pans. oil coolers. hi-rise intake manifolds. racing camshafts with solid lifters and stronger springs. and larger carburetors. The cars had engine and rear-end oil coolers. and 37 US gal (140 L; 31 imp gal) cell-type safety fuel tanks. Engine components were X-rayed and Magnafluxed to check for cracks. as were chassis components. [19]

Chassis preparation included heavy-duty front and rear springs (part of the factory's optional handling package). rear spring traction control arms. heavy-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. the hoods were slanted down and spoilers were installed below the front bumpers. The car interiors had structure-stiffening roll cages for driver protection. a stock bucket seat modified for additional support. and supplementary engine-monitoring instruments. [19]

Breedlove also took the AMX to Bonneville reaching 189 mph (304 km/h) in a United States Auto Club (USAC) sanctioned run. a rel="nofollow" href="http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/AMC_AMX#cite_note-stuffworksAMX-7">[7] as well as an unofficial run of over 200 mph (322 km/h). [5]

Industry firsts[edit]

The AMX was not only sporty and attractive. but it introduced many industry firsts. [20]

The American Society of Automotive Engineers named the AMX as the "Best Engineered Car of the Year" in 1969 and 1970. [21]

For its first year recognition. the reasons cited included the car’s dashboard. which was injection-molded in one piece "for safety purposes. an industry first. "[20] The AMX's new 390 engine was developed to have a large displacement within its minimal external dimensions and moderate weight. while 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. a "plastic" on the inside of the windshield posts that was first used on the AMC Javelins.

For the following year's award. the citation included the 1970 AMXs (and Javelins) being the first production cars to use windshields that were safer. thinner. and lighter than ordinary laminated glass. [23] Developed by Corning. the 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. and developed a systems solutions process that began in the styling studio to insure maximum efficiency.

 

1969[edit] 1969 AMC AMX in "Big Bad Green" 1969 AMX interior with center panel "Gauge package"

The AMX's full second model year saw only slight changes. except for a $52 increase in its base price. [7] The five-spoke Magnum 500 steel road wheels were no longer chrome plated. but now came with a stainless steel trim ring. The racing stripes were now available in five colors. The interior featured a revised instrumentation with the 0–8000 rpm tachometer moved to match the speedometer that was now calibrated to 140 mph (230 km/h). Interior door panels were revised. carpeting was upgraded. new leather upholstery was optional. and the gas pedal became suspended. [39] Later production cars received a hood over the instruments in front of the driver. Trunk capacity was 9. 7 cubic feet (275 l). [40]

Starting January 1969. all manual transmission AMXs came with a Hurst floor shifter. The center console-mounted three-speed "Shift-Command" automatic remained optional with "1". "2". and "D" forward settings. The "D" mode was fully automatic. but the driver could shift manually through all three gears by starting out in the "1" setting for first-gear with no upshift. and the "2" setting for second-gear with no upshift. [41]

A “Big Bad” paint option for $34 became available starting in mid-1969. The neon brilliant blue (BBB). orange (BBO). and green (BBG) exteriors included color-matched front and rear bumpers. as well as a special slim bright lower grille moulding for the front bumper and two vertical rubber-faced painted bumper guards for the rear. The factory-painted 1969 AMXs were 195 in BBB. 285 in BBO. and 283 in BBG. [42]

Popular Mechanicswrote that the 1969 "AMX preserves the status quo this year. being virtually unchanged. remains an absolute delight to drive. "

 

Original road test of a 390 AMX by Car and Driver(1968)

0 to 60 mph = 6. 6 seconds0-100 mph = 16. 3 secondsDragstrip quarter-mile acceleration = 14. 8 seconds @ 95 mph (153 km/h)Top speed = 122 mph (196 km/h)

Original road test of a 390 AMX by Motor Trend (December 1969)[60]

0 to 60 mph = 6. 56 secondsDragstrip quarter-mile acceleration = 14. 68 seconds @ 92 mph (148 km/h) AMX dragracing burnout Two AMX dragsters taking off

In 1969. the TV show Car and Track posted the following times[citation needed]with an AMX 390 cu in (6. 4 L) running a standard 4-barrel carburetor and 10. 2:1 compression ratio:

0 to 60 mph acceleration = 6. 5 secondsDragstrip quarter-mile acceleration = 14. 1 secondsRacing[edit]

The AMC AMX. while not a Corvette. was a high-performance car with few equals. [62] The cars were regular performers on dragstrips around the country. Drivers included Shirley Shahan. better known as the "Drag-On Lady". and Lou Downy. National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) champion Wally Booth raced AMXs in the both the Super Stock and the Pro Stock classes. [2] Herman Lewis. often described "as 'the Godfather of AMC Racing' . won 200 events in his hellacious red. white. and blue AMX. "[2]

The 1968 and 1969 AMXs with AMC's 390 cu in (6. 4 L) engines compete in contemporary Nostalgia Super Stock drag racing. [63] Owners have also modified AMXs to compete in modern Pro Touring car racing. [64]

The AMX was campaigned in amateur Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) competition. An AMX was in second place in the 1969 SCCA national championship. [7] Dwight Knupp drove his AMX just 1 minute and 14 seconds behind a Corvette's winning average of 102. 385 mph (165 km/h) on 30 November 1969. at the Daytona International Speedway with 16 cars in the B production class. and placed sixth overall out of the total of 28 A and B class cars competing in the race. [65][66]

A 1969 AMX was entered in the 1971 and 1972 Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. an unofficial automobile race from New York City and Darien. CT. on the US Atlantic (east) coast. to Redondo Beach. a Los Angeles suburb on the Pacific (west) coast. This was during the time of the newly imposed 55 mph (89 km/h) speed limit set by the National Maximum Speed Law. A team of enthusiastic brothers. Tom and Ed Bruerton. finished the 1971 competition in fifth place. [67] They drove 2. 97 miles (4. 62 km) in 37 hours and 48 minutes at an average of 77. 3 mph (124 km/h). with no speeding tickets. [68] Their AMX already had 90. 00 miles (144. 41 km) on the odometer and the brothers had previously taken it on numerous endurance rides. including "a rocky ride the entire length of the Baja California peninsula. "[69] They again entered "their battlescarred AMX one more time" in the 1972 run. [70] The brothers finished in eighth place. making the coast-to-coast outlaw race in 39 hours and 42 minutes at an average of 72. 3 mph (116 km/h). [71]

Production[edit] 1969 AMX in "Big Bad Orange" with 390 Go-Pacgage at the AACA Museum 1969 AMC AMX after a drag strip run

The two-seat AMX was built for three model years following its debut as a mid-year model on February 15. 1968. [72] The first 1968 model year cars were scheduled to appear in dealer showrooms on March 19. 1968. [73]

AMC AMX model year production totals in the U. S. . by engine and transmission:

 196819691970Total290 manual525619n. a. 1. 44290 automatic484299n. a. 783343 manual415843n. a. 1. 58343 automatic902729n. a. 1. 31360 manualn. a. n. a. 836836360 automaticn. a. n. a. 747747390 manual2. 123. 901. 327. 64390 automatic2. 872. 839015. 71Model year and grand totals6. 258. 934. 1619. 34

In 1969. American Motors showed the next generation AMX/2 concept car in the automobile show circuit. [74] As the two-seater AMX production ceased in 1970. AMC was developing a sophisticated European-engineered alternative. the AMX/3 for 1971 introduction. [75][76] However. overall economic conditions changed with spiraling inflation pushing sales of smaller cars along with the insurance companies' decision to penalize high-powered automobiles resulting in decreasing the sports-type car market segment. and the AMX was made into a high-performance model of the 4-seat Javelin starting in 1971. [77]

Assembly in Australia[edit] 1969 Rambler AMX assembled by AMI

A total of twenty-four right hand drive 1969 model year AMXs were hand assembled under license in Australia by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) between August. 1969. and July. 1970. [78] They used the name Rambler AMX as AMI produced the Rambler range of cars since October 1960. [79]Complete knock down (CKD) kits were shipped from Kenosha. Wisconsin to AMI's facilities at Port Melbourne in Victoria. [1]

Differences to the RHD Australian AMXs (compared to the U. S. models) included different outside rear-view mirrors. and black vinyl trim inside the "AMX" circle logo on the C-pillars. reversed positing of the windshield wipers. as well as swapping on the firewall of the power brake booster with the heating system. Although the power steering pump remained in its usual left location. the remainder of the steering components were on the right side of the car. The cars came with 343 cu in (5. 6 L) and automatic transmission. power steering. power disk brakes. "twin-grip" rear axle. and other items that were optional on the U. S. models. All of the Australian AMX interiors were finished in black and featured unique seats. door panels. and a fiberglass RHD dashboard with a wood-grained instrument cluster in front of the driver. The Australian AMXs came with a large high level of equipment and were promoted as "super" personal luxury cars.

 

Collectibility[edit] Stock 1969 AMX at AACA car show 1969 SS Hurst (documented car #23)[86] "Performance Automotive" at Daytona Florida show Stock 1970 AMX with BBO and "shadow mask" finish at a car show Stock 1970 AMX 390 engine at classic car show

Automotive historian and author. Richard M. Langworth noted that the AMX has "all the right sports-car stuff" and that the "little machine that can only go up in value over the long haul. "[87]

Prior to 2004 the AMX had been under-appreciated from an investment standpoint. according to CNN. [88]

In 2004. there was considerable variation between the values of two-seat AMXs and four-seat Javelin AMXs. Craig Fitzgerald mentioned "the satisfaction in owning a car that you don't see every single day. or on the cover of every single magazine. and favored the two-seater. on the grounds of its rarity; but he noted that parts for either car were extremely expensive. [89]

In 2006. the editors of Hemmings Muscle Machines magazine said that AMCs had "experienced notable value increases over the last few years--especially AMXs. "[90] The book Keith Martin's Guide to Car Collecting. in collaboration with the editors of the monthly Sports Car Market. lists the 1970 AMX as one of the picks under $40. 00 among "Nine Muscle Car Sleepers". [91]

Unique versions. such as the California 500 Specials and the 52 Hurst-modified SS/AMX drag race cars are perhaps the most highly sought after by collectors. [15] In 2006. a California 500 AMX sold for $54. 00 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. Arizona. while a regular AMX went for over $55. 00 at the Mecum collector auction in Belvidere. Illinois. [92] In 2007. Hemmings wrote that only about 39 of the original SS/AMX turn-key race cars may have survived. [93]

By 2007. the AMX was "among the most highly sought AMC cars" and "really taking off in the muscle-car market". [94] Also in 2007. Hemmings said that the two-seater AMX had "a strong following among old car hobbyists and collectors of historic vehicles and nearly every one of the 19. 34 built. remains in circulation and in demand. ensuring a good future for the first-generation AMX as a collectible muscle car. "[15] The 2007 book Classic Cars states that AMC's small and powerful AMX "had tire-burning speed" and "all have become collector's items. "[95]

Noting the increasing values of the 1968-1970 AMXs. Hemmings listed them among the "21 hottest cars" that enthusiasts wanted in 2007 "and will want tomorrow. "[96]

In 2008. Hemmings said that buyers had "only recently 'discovered' the AMX; they're now snapping them up left and right. Prices . are on the rise. though they still represent a relative bargain compared to many more common muscle machines. "[97]

In 2010. Hemmings Classic Car included the two-seat AMXs in their list of 32 best cars to restore in terns of economic sense after factoring purchase price. parts availability. as well as restored value and desirability. [98]

Although low in production. the AMX shared parts and components with other AMC models. There are many active AMC car clubs for these cars. Parts. including reproduction components. are available. However. "AMC did not build cars in the vast numbers the Big Three did back in the day; therefore. there are fewer to restore and not as many parts to go around. "[99] As of 2010. Hemmings Classic Car wrote that the AMXs are "pretty basic" so they are not hard to restore. and that "reproduction parts are available" and continues to grow with many mechanical parts interchanging with other cars. [98]

More valuable according to automotive historian and author. James C. Mays. is the "wow factor". [100] His book. The Savvy Guide to Buying Collector Cars at Auction. explains this important and measurable pleasure to an owner. whether their car is driven or sits in a climate-controlled garage. such as a red 1969 AMX that attracts more attention than the more prestigious Ferraris and Lamborghinis. [100]

Number matching[edit]

American Motors did not provide identification on the engine block. known as VIN stamping. as some other car manufacturers had been doing at that time. Other than the actual displacement. there was no way to associate a vehicle with the original "born with" engine. Since this was common practice at the GM and Chrysler plants it is much easier to verify that the exact engine in the car is actually the factory original unit. Each AMC vehicle was inspected to confirm that the engine displacement (identified by numbers cast on the block under the engine mounts) corresponded to its corresponding engine code in the vehicle identification number (VIN). A tag screwed to the valve cover provides an engine's build date. and that date code always preceded a specific car's production sequence. However. there is no engine "numbers matching" test for AMXs or any other AMC automobiles. [101]

As a marketing move for the AMX. AMC affixed a small plate with a number to the center of the dash (1968-1969)or to the glovebox door (1970) . These are random numbers. [91] They do not coincide with any other identifying number such as the car's VIN code. dealer or zone order. production sequence. nor build date. [15] For example. the numbers on the 1970 models ranged from 014469 to 18584. [102]

Scale models[edit]

A variety of scale models of the AMX are available including promotional 1/25-scale model manufactured under license from AMC by Jo-Han in factory colors. Hot Wheels offered a 1969 AMX custom in 1:64 scale. and in 1971 issued the AMX/2 show car model. [103] Newer models in 1:18 scale diecast were issued. including the Playboy Pink version in the "Best of the Best" series. as well as the modified "Drag-On Lady" race car. [104][105] According to the editors of Die Cast X Magazine. "muscle cars are the largest. most popular category in die-cast" collectors. and they included the AMC AMX among the 34 models that represent "the best and most important from the genre . performance and style that are the hallmarks of the high point of American automotive history. "[

 

If you have any questions about this or any of my other auctions please feel free to contact us via e-mail sales@glclassiccars. com or you can call us at (800) 510-3797.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you.

 Features & Options

Accent Stripes

Air Dam

BBG

Clock

Compass/Temp. Gauge

Coolant Temp. Gauge

Courtesy Lights

Dual Exhaust

Front Bucket Seats

Leather Upholstery

Power Brakes

Power Steering

Radial tires

Rear Spoiler

Rear-Wheel Drive

Sport Steering Wheel

Tachometer

Wood Trim

 Additional Photos Warranty InformationAS IS - NO WARRANTY

This vehicle is being sold as is. where is with no warranty. expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description. authenticity. genuineness. or defects herein. and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness. imperfection. defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle. and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.  Terms & Conditions Winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours of auction end. and make arrangements for payment at that time. A $500. 00 deposit is due within 24 hours of end of auction. The remainder is due within 3 business days of Auction end. If no contact is made within 24 hours we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle. sell it to the next high bidder. or sell it otherwise. Most banks and credit unions do not finance vehicles older than 1995 or with more than 100K miles. Make sure if financing. your financial institution accepts the year and miles of this vehicle before bidding. Please arrange financing prior to bidding.

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