1968 AMC AMX

In 1968, a manufacturer not traditionally recognized for performance introduced a model that captivated both muscle car enthusiasts and sports-car aficionados. Drawing inspiration from the 1966 American Motors Experimental concept, the 1968 AMC AMX boasted a powerful V-8 engine for speed, a wheelbase shorter than the Corvette by an inch, and a two-seat design that made it perfect for winding roads.

Muscle Car Image Gallery

AMC designed the AMX by reducing the wheelbase of its Javelin pony car by 12 inches, resulting in a 97-inch wheelbase coupe. The car featured a more aggressive grille, a sleek fastback roofline, and a stylish power-dome hood. By replacing the rear bench with carpeted panels, the AMX joined the Corvette as one of the only two-seater vehicles produced in America.

Beyond the base 225-horsepower 290-cubic-inch V-8, options included a 280-horsepower 343 and the favored 315-horsepower 390. The 390 utilized the same heads as the 343 but featured a unique block, a forged crankshaft and connecting rods instead of cast ones, and larger bearings.

Every AMX engine came equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor. A Borg-Warner four-speed manual transmission was standard, while a three-speed automatic with a floor shifter was optional. Axle ratios varied from 2.87:1 to 4:1, with dealer options including 4.10:1 and 5.00:1 gears.

The car featured a heavy-duty suspension, E70X14 tires, a robust front sway bar, and trailing arms designed to minimize rear-axle power hop. Optional twin racing stripes added flair, while each AMX proudly displayed its production number on the dashboard. AMC emphasized the exclusivity of its two-seater by limiting production to no more than 8,000 units for 1968.

While the AMX couldn't match a Corvette in cornering, it stood out as one of the best-handling American cars of its era. The four-speed's awkward shift linkage made the automatic transmission the more popular choice. However, the AMX was unique in combining American muscle with European-inspired handling, all at a price point accessible to everyday buyers.

Return to Classic Muscle Cars Library.

These profiles feature detailed photos and specifications for each muscle car model: