The AMC AMX was a two-seat GT-style muscle car produced by American Motors Corporation from 1968 through 1970. It was based on the Javelin, but with a shorter wheelbase and deletion of the rear seat, and was in direct competition with the Chevrolet Corvette for substantially less money. The AMX was fitted with the standard high-compression 290 cu in (4.8 L) or optional 390 cu in (6.4 L) AMC V8 engine, offering top-notch performance at an affordable price. Although sales never thrived, AMC's larger objectives to refocus its image on performance and bring in younger customers were achieved. After three model years, the two-seat version was discontinued, and the AMX badging was transferred to a high-performance version of its four-seat sibling, the Javelin.
History
The AMX name comes 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. The two prototypes were a fiberglass two-seat "AMX" and a four-seat "AMX II," and they reflected American Motors Corporation's strategy to appeal to a more youthful, performance-oriented market. The AMX was introduced to the press in February 1968, just over four months after the Javelin went on sale. The AMX was a steel-bodied, two-seat American performance car and was the first steel-bodied, two-seat American performance car since the 1957 Ford Thunderbird. It was designed to appeal to both muscle car and sports car enthusiasts, and it confused the buying public because of its tire-melting acceleration and sports car-like handling.
