The American Motors Corporation (AMC) created many stunning cars over the course of its 34 years in business. Although the company went defunct in 1988, its classic vehicles are still much appreciated by motorheads. One of the company’s most impressive creations that’s still adored in the classic car community is the 1968 AMX. Here’s what you need to know about this remarkable vehicle and its history.
History of Project IV Tour
In the late 1960s, the American Motors Corporation determined that it needed to make a change to its overall image. The company wanted to show the public that they could produce cars that offered enviable speed performance.
The company started its publicity campaign with the Project IV Tour. During this campaign, the company showcased various new styling concepts, including the AMX, AMX II, Cavalier, and Vixen. AMC had recently brought in a new stylist who had designed these vehicles named Dick Teague, and each of Teague’s creations represented different sectors of the automotive market.
AMC revealed their remarkable AMX — an abbreviation for the American Motors Experimental — at the National SAE Convention in 1966, marking a notable departure from the company’s previous cars.
The company’s AMX prototype made it abundantly clear that the vehicle was not intended for families. It featured two rumble seats, and the car’s rear deck could open up to become a backrest for its small rear seat. The car also offered a wild-looking rear quarter panel treatment and gas filler necks on each side.
The public took to the car immediately, and the AMX became the only Project IV Tour car that would become available to the public. The Italian coachbuilder Vignale produced an operational steel-bodied version of the car six months after the Project IV Tour, making the AMX the first production steel two-seater since the Ford Thunderbird. The fabulous car went on sale in February of 1968.
The 1968 AMC AMX
Unlike many iconic classic cars, the 1968 AMX’s appearance remained very similar to its Project IV Tour prototype. Some of its features directly carried over from the prototype, such as its ventless side windows, cantilever-style roof, and flush door handles. Other notable features included its large-diameter front and rear sway bars, heavy-duty springs, rear traction bars, aircraft-style instrument panel, and 8,000 rpm tachometer.
The vehicle’s striking appearance and interior made it abundantly clear that it was a sporty car, including its two-seat cockpit, 97-inch wheelbase, and 3,000-pound curbside weight. Its overall dimensions were quite similar to the 1955 Ford Thunderbird.
Of course, this vehicle offered far more than a sporty appearance — it had the power to thrill motorists with its standard 290 cu in (4.8 L) 4-bbl V8 engine that produced 225 horsepower. Additionally, motorists could obtain a 1968 AMX 390 cu in V8 that could produce up to 315 hp or an AMX 343 cu in with 280 hp.
The car’s standard powertrain clocked an impressive quarter-mile performance, which was perhaps the most important performance test for muscle cars during the late 1960s. The 225 AMX achieved the quarter mile in just 16 to 18 seconds and clocked between 85 and 90 mph. Additionally, the car went from 0 to 60 mph in only eight to nine seconds.
The American Motor Corporation’s thrilling new vehicle continued wowing motor enthusiasts with additional tests conducted by third parties. Tom McCahill of Mechanix Illustrated completed the quarter-mile speed test with a 1968 AMX 390 with a four-speed transmission. He clocked the quarter mile at 15.4 seconds around 93 mph, and he went from 0 to 60 in only 7.1 seconds. Impressively, he reached a top speed of 120 mph.
1968 AMX Value and Sales
The AMC’s breathtaking new vehicle was a force to be reckoned with, but the company didn’t market it as competition against the Chevrolet Corvette. Instead, the company chose to market the vehicle as a mix between American muscle cars and expensive sports cars, and they wound up selling the standard AMX at around $3,245, $2,000 cheaper than the Corvette.
In its first year, the AMC sold 6,725 AMX units, and they achieved similar sales the following year. Unfortunately, the company’s sales began suffering in 1970 with only 4,116 units sold, leading to the company axing this unforgettable model.
Get Premium 1968 AMX Car Insurance
If you’re driving a stunning 1968 AMC AMX or another classic car, you need classic car insurance that offers robust protection. Fortunately, Classic Auto Insurance offers exceptional and customizable car insurance that’s perfect for your classic car.
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