Big Bad AMX
07-31-2005, 01:29 PM
So you've been bit by the AMX bug and are looking to become a 'new' AMX owner. This thread will discuss some of the things you may want to consider as well as what to look for, and look out for, in the 1968, 69, 70 AMX. Items will be added as time allows and as others add to it so please check back from time to time.
To Consider:
Originality: While the original low mile, highly documented AMX is a highly sought after prize it's the higher mile cars that are greatest in number and generally have a higher fun factor as you're not so worried about putting on extra miles while out blasting around. If it's fun you're looking for go for the restored, or in need of restoration, cars. You'll save a bunch of money too.
Documentation: It's always nice to have documentation especially with an original condition car but I wouldn't let it be a big factor. It shouldn't kill a deal if it's not available. The cars are 35+ years old and if they've changed hands a few times the paperwork can easily be lost. Not to mention it's only a small percentage of owners who kept it in the first place. Consider it a bonus if your car has it.
Year: 1968, 1969 or 1970 AMX? Each has a favorite year but there's a few things to consider. The 1968 and 1969 are nearly identical externally and mechanically. They also share many interior parts. This makes parts generally easier to come by.
The 1970 AMX was the lowest production of the three years the two seater AMX was made. Many changes were made in 1970. The interior and exterior saw a lot of changes made to them from the previous years. Some of these changes are unique to this one year and one model. With only 4,116 AMXs built in 1970 it makes some items extremely difficult to come by, especially when compared to the '68, '69.
On the other hand, some drivetrain and suspension changes that were made in 1970 make those pieces easier to come by as they were used for many years and on many different models.
Also for 1970: By percentage the AMX in 1970 was sold with more options than its earlier counterparts.
More on each year can be found at:
1968 (http://www.amx-perience.com/68amx.htm)
1969 (http://www.amx-perience.com/1969amx.htm)
1970 (http://www.amx-perience.com/1970amx.htm)
.
To Consider:
Originality: While the original low mile, highly documented AMX is a highly sought after prize it's the higher mile cars that are greatest in number and generally have a higher fun factor as you're not so worried about putting on extra miles while out blasting around. If it's fun you're looking for go for the restored, or in need of restoration, cars. You'll save a bunch of money too.
Documentation: It's always nice to have documentation especially with an original condition car but I wouldn't let it be a big factor. It shouldn't kill a deal if it's not available. The cars are 35+ years old and if they've changed hands a few times the paperwork can easily be lost. Not to mention it's only a small percentage of owners who kept it in the first place. Consider it a bonus if your car has it.
Year: 1968, 1969 or 1970 AMX? Each has a favorite year but there's a few things to consider. The 1968 and 1969 are nearly identical externally and mechanically. They also share many interior parts. This makes parts generally easier to come by.
The 1970 AMX was the lowest production of the three years the two seater AMX was made. Many changes were made in 1970. The interior and exterior saw a lot of changes made to them from the previous years. Some of these changes are unique to this one year and one model. With only 4,116 AMXs built in 1970 it makes some items extremely difficult to come by, especially when compared to the '68, '69.
On the other hand, some drivetrain and suspension changes that were made in 1970 make those pieces easier to come by as they were used for many years and on many different models.
Also for 1970: By percentage the AMX in 1970 was sold with more options than its earlier counterparts.
More on each year can be found at:
1968 (http://www.amx-perience.com/68amx.htm)
1969 (http://www.amx-perience.com/1969amx.htm)
1970 (http://www.amx-perience.com/1970amx.htm)
.