4. The American Motors Corporation or AMC was one of the car
manufacturers to join the battle of producing muscle cars. One of
its models was the AMX, introduced to compete with the only
other two-seater in the market, the Chevrolet Corvette.
5. The AMC AMX (American Motors Experimental) was first
released in 1968, the first steel-bodied, two-seat model since the
Ford Thunderbird. AMC sliced a foot of its Javelin body to
eliminate the rear seats to make it a two-seater sports car.
Accompanied with its release is the setting of 106 world speed
records in a Texas track. Craig Beedlove, the World Land Speed
Record holder modified the handling, power and speed of the car
in his shop. Special red, white and blue "Craig Beedlove" editions
were built in honor of his accomplishments.
7. The AMC AMX Curb weight was about 3,100lbs. The AMX had a
power-to-weight ratio of 9.8lbs/bhp when equipped with the 390
cid engine. This enabled the car to blaze thru ¼ of a mile in 15.2
seconds. The interior boasted reclining bucket seats, woodgrain
interior trim, carpeting, 4-speed manual transmission, E70-14
Goodyear polyglas tires and a heavy duty suspension. Its engine
options ranged from 225bhp to 315bhp. And for a price of $3,245
it was pretty reasonable at that time.
9. Few changes were made in the AMC AMX, in 1969. Though the
base price increased by $50, new features were added in the car.
Changes to the dashboard were included plus a 140mph
speedometer. The "Big Bad AMX" option was also made available
that year, which allowed the buyer to include wild colors and body
colored bumpers. Another optional package made available was
the "Go Package", which included E70 redline tires on six-inch
rims, power-disc brakes, handling package and twin -grip
differential.
10. In 1970, the AMX base price increased to $3,395. This included a
standard 360 cid V8 engine at 290bhp. The front end tail lamps
were also restyled. The AMX was called the best version of a blend
of muscle car and sports car that year. 1970 would also be the last
year of the two-seater AMX production. The new version of the
AMX, which was released in 1971, then the top of the line Javelin,
was assembled with four seats.