AMC AMX introduction 1968 - AMC based muscle car publicity photo

Description: A superb and rare photo, made from what we believe is the original negative, of the fully new super musclecar from the 1960s, the 1968 AMX , photographed during a publicity shoot for the new 1968 model year. The AMX was based on the magnificent AMC Javelin. The AMX was a touring-sports car produced by American Motors Corporation - or AMC - between 1968 and 1970. More GT in style and approach than a true sports car, the musclecar AMX was introduced to compete head-to-head with America's only other two-seater of the era, the Chevrolet Corvette. Fitted with the optional high-compression medium block 390 cu in (6.4 L) AMC V8, 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 and after three model years it was discontinued, AMC transferring the AMX's signature badging to a high-performance version of its 4-seat sibling, the Javelin, through 1974. Attempting to further trade on the original's once respected reputation, the AMX designation was revived again for performance option equipped versions of the Hornet in 1977, Concord in 1978, and Spirit in 1979 and 1980. The AMX name originates from the "American Motors eXperimental" code used on two early AMC prototypes shown on the company's "Project IV" tour in 1966. These radically styled offerings reflected the company's strategy to shed its "economy car" image and appeal to a more youthful, performance-oriented market. The original AMX full-scale models were developed in 1965 by AMC's advanced styling studios under the direction of Charles Mashigan. Two simultaneous development programs emerged for a production car: (1) a modified Javelin and (2) a completely new car bodied in fiberglass. With funding an issue, 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 first fully operational unit debuted as part of AMC's AMX project in 1966. The AMX was touted as 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. With a short (at 97 inches (2,464 mm)) wheelbase, the AMX's direct competition was the one inch longer (98 inches (2,489 mm) Chevrolet Corvette. Base price was US$3,245, nearly 25% below and over $1,000 less than the Corvette. The AMX was introduced to the press at the Daytona International Speedway in February 1968, just over four months after the Javelin went on sale. In January 1968 two specially-prepared AMXs set 106 world speed records at a track in Texas. Described as “stock” in AMC’s promotional material about the run, the cars were modified for power, handling, and strength by World Land Speed Record holder Craig Breedlove’s speed shop. The V8 engines, such as the 290 cu in (4.8 L) engine in one car was bored out to 304 cu in (5 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-gallon (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. 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 car interiors had structure-stiffening roll cages for driver protection, a stock bucket seat modified for additional support, and supplementary engine-monitoring instruments. The cars were aerodynamically modified: the front ends were lowered, the hoods were slanted down and spoilers were installed below the front bumpers. The cars were driven on the record runs by Breedlove, his wife Lee, and Ron Dykes. The AMX was “not only sporty and attractive”, but it introduced “many industry firsts." The AMX was named "Best Engineered Car of the Year" in 1969 and 1970 by the American Society of Automotive Engineers. Among the reasons cited was the car’s dashboard, which was injection-molded in one piece "for safety purposes, an industry first." All 1968 to 1969 AMXs came with a 4-barrel carbureted small block AMC V8 engines in 290 cu in (4.8 L) (235 hp (175 kW), N-code), 343 cu in (5.6 L) (280 hp (209 kW), T-code), 390 cu in (6.4 L) (315 hp (235 kW), X-code) versions, all derived from the same external sized block. However, the three engines differed vastly internally, with the smallest engine having small intake and exhaust valves, thin block webbing, and a cast crankshaft; the 343 used larger valves with a thicker block webbing; and the 390 moved up to a forged steel crankshaft. A BorgWarner T-10 four-speed manual transmission was standard, as were special traction bars, dual exhaust, and fatter tires for better traction. Playboy Magazine's 1968 Playmate of the Year, Angela Dorian, was awarded a specially painted "Playmate Pink" 1968 AMX. It was powered by the base 290 V8 with automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt wheel, AM/8-track radio and optional rear bumper guards. Aside from the unique color, it differed from other AMX's with its dashboard number plate containing Dorian's measurements, making her car AMX 36-24-35. Only one other AMX is known to have been painted Playmate Pink at the factory. In late 1968 a Playmate Pink AMX was special ordered by a dealership in rural Missouri. This car, a 1969 model, was powered by a 390 V8 with automatic transmission and included the performance "GO" Package, air conditioning and genuine leather seats. It survives and has been restored by AMC collector Scott Campbell of Ohio. Starting January 1969, all manual transmission AMXs came with a Hurst shifter. A "Shift-Command" three-speed automatic transmission (BorgWarner model M-11B or M-12) was optional with a floor console mounted shifter. AMC also introduced the Super Stock AMX. To maximize quarter-mile performance the 390 engine was equipped with twin Holley carburetors and 12.3:1 compression-ratio cylinder heads, plus aftermarket Doug’s headers and exhaust system. Hurst Performance carried out several additional modifications. AMC rated the car at 340 horsepower (250 kW), but the National Hot Rod Association ultimately rated it at 420 horsepower (310 kW) and shuffled it among various competition classes: SS/G, SS/D, and SS/C. Its best recorded quarter-mile was 10.73 seconds at 128 mph (206 km/h). The car could be ordered all white, or in the vertical bands of red, white, and blue that distinguished numerous AMC competition cars of the day. Base price was $5,994, some $1,900 more than a fully loaded regular 1969 AMX. There was no factory warranty. AMC changed the engine lineup for 1970 with the introduction of a new 360 cu in (5.9 L) four-barrel (290 hp (216 kW), P-code) to replace the 343. The smallest 290 was dropped. The 390 continued, but upgraded to new heads with 51 cc combustion chambers that increased power to (325 hp (242 kW). The code remained "X" for the engine on the vehicle identification number (VIN). The 1970 models also featured a new front end design with a longer hood that had a “power blister” with two large openings that were a functional cold ram-air induction system with the popular custom "Go Package". Also new, the double-wishbone front suspension had ball joints, upper and lower control arms, coil springs and shock absorbers above the upper control arms; also trailing struts on the lower control arms. Described as “the best version yet of this blend of muscle car and sports car”, the 1970 model was also the last “true AMX”. In 2005 the Speed Channel show American Muscle Car conducted comparative tests with cars that included an AMX 390, Pontiac GTO Judge, Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, and Dodge Hemi Challenger. The objective was to identify "the greatest muscle car ever built." Lighter although less powerful, the AMX placed above a number of the other cars.In 1969 the TV show "Car and Track" posted the following times 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 seconds and dragstrip quarter-mile acceleration: 14.1 seconds. The AMX was built for three model years following its debut as a mid-year model on February 15, 1968. Production totals in the U.S. were as follows: 6,725 (1968), 8,293 (1969), and 4,116 (1970). A limited number of AMXs were also assembled under license in Australia. Complete knock down (CKD) kits were shipped from Kenosha, Wisconsin to the Australian Motor Industries (AMI) Port Melbourne, Victoria facilities. These AMXs featured right hand drive. 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. This is a very nice and very rare photo that reflects a wonderful era of automotive history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 10" (ca. 20 x 26 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing. Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free! All our photos are modern photos that are traditionally made from what we believe are the original negatives and are copyright protected. (Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club! First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.

Price: 9.95 USD

Location: Utr.

End Time: 2025-01-20T08:58:03.000Z

Shipping Cost: 7 USD