The AMC AMX debuted in February 1968 at the Chicago Automobile Show as the first steel-bodied, two seat American production vehicle since the 1957 Ford Thunderbird. Prior to the debut, Craig Breedlove and his team of drivers blew away 106 automobile records. The AMX claimed 90 new Class C records using the 290 V8 with the standard 4 speed transmission, and 16 new records in Class B using the 390 V8 with the optional 3-speed automatic. Needless to say, the AMX had already made waves before it's official debut.
The “Go Package”
The most popular package was the “Go Package”, and could only be installed on the 343 or 390 engines. This package included power front disc brakes, E70x14 redline tires, Twin Grip rear axle in specific ratios, and Twin racing stripes that went over the hood, roof, and trunk in white or black. The Airless Spare was included – a spare tire that took up minimal space, and inflated when you needed it. The AMX “Go Package” vehicles are the most sought after collectibles.
Group 19 Options
Group 19 options were dealer installed performance parts, including aluminum intake manifolds, hi lift cams, side pipes, roller rockers, rear ends with gears up to 5.00:1, and rear wheel disc brakes. Not only were these expensive options, they voided the 5 year 50,000 mile warranty on the vehicle, so they were rarely installed.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the AMX made it a nice ride, including a Borg-Warner T10 four speed manual transmission, heavy duty suspension, E70-14 Goodyear tires, reclining bucket seats, carpeting, and wood grain interior trim.
Handling
Not only was the AMX fast (equipped with the 390 V8, the AMX had a power to weight ratio of 9.8 lbs/bhp), but it handled very well because of it’s short 97 inch wheelbase. After Craig Breedlove broke 106 speed records with the AMX, he was quoted as saying, “Driving the AMX was really like a dream. In fact, I’d never driven a car quite like it. The steering and roll-resistance were excellent, and it ran and felt just about perfect.”Image
Special Edition ?
In 1967, Craig Breedlove ran the AMX in Bonneville, and placed an official speed of 189 mph, and an unofficial speed of over 200 mph. There are many reports that 50 special red, white, and blue ‘Craig Breedlove” editions were built to honor the records that were made, but there is no documentation such as factory forms, advertisements, order sheets, or pictures. Where the AMX was assembled, there does not seem to be a place where the sheet metal could have been pulled and a design like that painted on.
Plaque numbers
AMX models had a unique marketing gimmick with plaque numbers on the dash. Read more about the AMX number plaques here.
Collectibility
The “Go Package” cars are the most sought after AMX models of 1968.
