Editing AMC AMX (section)

==Concept and show cars==
===1966 AMX===
[[File:1966 AMC AMX Prototype SAE conference “Ramble Seat” at 2015 AMO show 18of20.jpg|thumb|1966 AMX concept car]]

A [[concept car]] with a folding exposed rear seat was introduced by AMC at the 1966 [[SAE International|Society of Automotive Engineers]] convention in Detroit.<ref name="ThoseCarShows">{{cite magazine |last=Foster |first=Patrick |title=Those AMC Car Shows: concepts wowed crowds, influenced production |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |date=November 2010 |volume=7 |issue=2 |url= https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2010/11/Those-AMC-Car-Shows/3692651.html |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> This was the first "AMX" (American Motors Experimental) named car. The sports car design features a [[rumble seat]] for two additional passengers that was described as a "Ramble Seat" in homage to the automaker's predecessor [[Rambler (automobile)|Rambler]] models. This back seat folds into the trunk space, and the rear window flips down, but these are not fully weatherproof designs.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> The roof design also has no "A" pillars, providing greater visibility.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> The fiberglass-bodied "pushmobile" concept has no interior, engine, drivetrain, or suspension.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> The concept was widely covered by the automotive media and the car featured on several auto magazine covers.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> It was painted orange or metallic blue to be shown on the [[auto show]] circuit. It received positive reviews that convinced management to put the car into production.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/>

This 1966 AMX also gave rise to several other AMX show cars.<ref>{{cite web|last=Strohl |first=Daniel |title=From A to X – all the different cars that could have, and did, become the AMX |url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2015/06/23/from-a-to-x-all-the-different-cars-that-could-have-and-did-become-the-amx/ |publisher=Hemmings |date=23 June 2015 |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

===AMX I===
A [[fiberglass]]-bodied AMX I concept car was made in 1966 to be part of AMC's "Project IV" exhibit. Built by Smith Inland of Ionia, Michigan, one of the two fiberglass-bodied concept cars was reportedly destroyed in a crash test convincing AMC's engineers and designers to use a traditional steel body.<ref name="Shea">{{cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Terry |title=The Plastic Prototype – 1966 AMC AMX |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |date=August 2013 |url= https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2013/08/The-Plastic-Prototype---1966-AMC-AMX/3728071.html |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> The remaining domestic-built fiberglass prototype features round headlamps.<ref name="Shea"/>

American Motors' president [[Roy Abernethy]] sanctioned the [[Turin]] [[coachbuilder]] Vignale to construct an operational car in steel. It was a hand-built show car using a modified 1966 Rambler American chassis on a {{convert|98|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase powered by a {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine. Delivered in 78 days and known as the "AMX Vignale", it was first displayed at the 1966 [[New York International Auto Show]]. The Vignale car features a "split-vee" windshield. This cantilever-type roof incorporates a built-in concealed roll bar, rectangular European-type headlamps, and a custom interior with full bucket seats flanking an aircraft-type console.<ref name="Shea"/> The fully functional "Ramble-Seat" was operated by a push-button from inside the car.<ref name="AMX'sGenesis">{{cite magazine |last=Stroh |first=Daniel |title=AMX's genesis: AMC's Project IV |url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2011/04/11/amxs-genesis-amcs-project-iv/ |magazine=Hemmings |date=11 April 2011 |access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref>

===AMX II===
Vince Gardner, an outside consultant, designed the [[fiberglass]]-bodied AMX II, a less radical two-door for the "Project IV" exhibit.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1960s-amc-concept-cars2.htm |title=1960s AMC Concept Cars |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |date=6 November 2007 |access-date=22 January 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110612143016/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1960s-amc-concept-cars2.htm }}</ref> This four-passenger [[hardtop]] (no B-pillar) [[notchback]] coupe had little in common with the AMX I.<ref name="ThoseCarShows"/> This car featured a longer wheelbase and an overall length of {{convert|187|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}. The windshield wiper blades were concealed by a panel that raises when wipers are activated. The grille that was surrounded by a massive bumper had horizontal multi-bars with hidden headlamps.<ref name="AMX'sGenesis"/> Safety innovations included doors that locked automatically when the engine was started, reflectors on the sides of the rear fenders, rear tail lamps that signaled the driver's intentions: green when the car is in motion, amber when the driver removes foot from the accelerator, and red when braking.<ref name="AMX'sGenesis"/>

===AMX GT===
{{main|AMC AMX-GT}}
Developed for the 1968 auto show circuit, the AMX GT is a concept car based on a shortened and [[Chopped and channeled|"chopped"]] Javelin with a [[Kammback]] rear end. The AMX GT [[show car]] provided design clues to future production models and performance options.

===AMX-400===<!-- This section is linked from [[Banacek]] -->
In the late 1960s, [[George Barris (auto customizer)|George Barris]] made bolt-on customizing kits for the AMX that were marketed through AMC dealers.<ref name="AMX-400">{{cite web |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |title=AMX-400: Profile of a Custom Car |date=23 September 2007 |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/amx-400-custom-car.htm |access-date=2 April 2022 |archive-date=25 August 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180825143229/https://auto.howstuffworks.com/amx-400-custom-car.htm }}</ref> Changing customer preferences meant that traditional car customization was being replaced by quick bolt-on accessory personalization.<ref name="Kustoms">{{cite book |last1=Fetherston |first1=David |first2=George |last2=Barris |title=Barris Kustoms of the 1960s |publisher=MotorBooks International |date=2002 |isbn=978-0-7603-0955-1 |pages=46, 48–51 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=eKQzCCGcyxoC&dq=1970+AMX-400&pg=PA49 |access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref> Barris joined this trend by offering a variety of spoiler, body additions, and wheel options.<ref name="Kustoms"/> American Motors requested Barris to provide enhancements for the Javelins and the AMX. Available through AMC dealers as complete kits or as separate items. The package included a performance hood, rear spoiler, grille, racing side mirrors, and unique wheels.<ref name="Kustoms"/>

Barris also performed a radical custom treatment on a 1969 AMX. The car was built for the second season of episodes of the ''[[Banacek]]'' detective television series. It was a true custom for that time, and working with [[Joe Bailon]], the car was lowered, and its body was heavily modified.<ref name="Kustoms"/> Its roof was cut down almost {{convert|5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} and the car was lengthened by {{convert|18|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}. Featuring a sculpted body with louvered accents, it became known as the AMX-400.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.barris.com/carsgallery/tvmovie/amx400.php |title="Banacek" AMX 400 |publisher=Barris Kustom Gallery |access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref> The car featured a taillight system that glowed green during acceleration, amber during deceleration, and red during braking.<ref name="AMX-400"/>

===AMX/3===
[[File:AMC AMX3 Front.jpg|thumb|right|AMC AMX/3 concept car]]
[[File:AMC AMX3 rear2 - Flick - Concorso Italiano 2004.jpg|thumb|right|Mid-engined AMC AMX/3]]

{{main|AMC AMX III}}
A third-generation AMX concept car, the [[AMC AMX III|AMX/3]], debuted at the February 1970 [[Chicago Auto Show]]. Engine-less and fashioned in fiberglass, the original AMX/3 prototype was a "push-mobile" show car only. Introduced in Rome in March 1970, the functional steel prototype was constructed by Giotto Bizzarrini, Salvatore Diomante, and Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign.

American Motors placed an order for 30 operational cars.<ref name="candp08">{{cite magazine |last=Stevens |first=Bob |magazine=Cars & Parts |volume=51 |issue=6 |date=June 2008 |page=76 |publisher=Amos Press |title=Motown Magic: Meadow Brook Concours}}</ref> The AMX/3 body mold was sent to Italian [[grand tourer]] maker [[Giotto Bizzarrini]], whose [[Turin]] facility hand made driveable mid-engined, steel-bodied cars. Built on a {{convert|105.3|in|0|abbr=on|adj=on}} wheelbase, the Bizzarrini prototypes used the AMC {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 and an Italian OTO Melara four-speed transaxle. The AMX/3 is considered one of Bizzarrini's car-masterpieces.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://picchio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Giotto-Bizzarrini-Laurea-reportage_.pdf |title=Professore Giotto Bizzarrini Laurea 'Honoris Causa' |date=23 October 2012 |work=picchio |first=Jack Koobs |last=de Hartog |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref>

The steel Italian cars differed from the original AMC design in having fewer but functional rear [[decklid]] louvers, louvered hoods, and, in some cases, hood scoops to direct fresh air into the heating-A/C system. Further engineering improvements and road testing was done by [[BMW]], which declared the AMX/3's [[chassis]] one of the stiffest having a 50% higher stiffness compared to a benchmark Mercedes-Benz model.<ref name="untold">{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2017/01/08/the-untold-story-amx3-giugiaro-and-bmw/ |title=The untold story: AMX/3, Giugiaro and BMW |first1=Jack Koobs |last1=de Hartog |first2=Jürgen M. |last2=Wilms |work=Hemmings |date=8 January 2017 |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref> The car's steel semi-monocoque chassis design with its welded on steel body provided a strong overall structure while the top speed was verified to {{convert|160|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, with reports indicating the AMX/3 could go faster if it was not for the tendency for the front end to lift at those speeds, but BMW found the car to be most neutral handling they had ever tested.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.streetmusclemag.com/news/muscle-cars-you-should-know-70-amc-amx3-supercar-concept/ |title=Muscle Cars You Should Know: '70 AMC AMX/3 Supercar Concept |date=9 March 2011 |first=Gordon |last=McDonald |work=Street Muscle Magazine |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref> The BMW engineers also refined numerous components of the AMX/3 into "a world-class contender among the mid-engined super car elite of its time."<ref name="untold"/> One of the cars became known as the "Monza" after it achieved a top speed of {{convert|170|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} in testing at the famed [[Autodromo Nazionale Monza|Italian race track]]."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Golfen |first=Bob |title=Pebble Beach-winning AMC supercar heading to Gooding auction |magazine=Classic Cars Journal |date=12 December 2016 |url= https://journal.classiccars.com/2016/12/12/pebble-beach-winning-amc-supercar-heading-gooding-auction/ |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

Five completed cars were produced before the [[United States dollar|US$]]2,000,000 development program was canceled. The original projection by AMC called for building 5,000 AMX/3s per year, but the estimated retail price kept increasing.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2013/08/30/one-of-six-amx3-comes-up-for-sale/ |title=An AMX/3 comes up for sale for the first time in 15 years |first=Daniel |last=Strohl |date=30 August 2013 |work=Hemmings |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref> The AMX/3 was "beautiful and sleek, the kind of car that would have made hearts race in the day" and was to be a "[[Flagship#Automobiles|flagship or halo car]]" to lure customers to AMC dealerships, "where they would often end up with other, more practical models."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2016/12/24/just-cool-cars-amx3-could-have-saved-american-motors/95824152/ |title=Just Cool Cars: AMX/3 could have saved American Motors |first=Chris |last=Woodyard |work=USA Today |date=24 December 2016 |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref> However, escalating costs and pending bumper regulations put a stop to the mid-engined AMX/3.<ref name="candp08"/>

Some remaining parts from the canceled, second group of five cars were used by erstwhile Bizzarrini collaborator [[Salvatore Diomante]] to assemble the sixth car, named and marketed as Sciabola.<ref name="candp08"/> Additionally, an open two-seat [[Roadster (automobile)|Spider]] featuring no weather protection was built in the 1990s using an unfinished AMX/3 modified chassis and the 7th AMX/3, on display at the [[Autoworld (museum)|Autoworld Museum]] in Belgium, were both finished by Giorgio Giordanengo.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://mycarquest.com/2012/07/the-amx-that-isnt-an-amx.html |title=The AMX That Isn't An AMX |date=18 July 2012 |first=Mike |last=Gulett |work=My Car Quest |access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref>

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===1971 Teague AMX===
[[File:1971 AMC AMX concept at Kenosha 100-f.jpg|thumb|left|1971 AMX concept car]]
[[File:1971 AMC AMX concept at Kenosha 100-r.jpg|thumb|right|Teague's two-seat 1971 AMX]]

Sales of the two-seat AMX were lower than the numbers AMC executives wanted. Still, AMC's vice president for styling, [[Dick Teague]], wanted to continue the sports model.<ref name="teague71concept">{{cite book|last=Mitchell |first=Larry G. |title=AMC Muscle Cars |year=2000 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=978-0-7603-0761-8 |chapter=Javelin 1971–1974: the bold restyle |pages=59–50 |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=JHVaQFDrx_MC&q=at+19,134+sales+were+not+what+AMC+Teague&pg=RA1-PA1967 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> American Motors' Advanced Design Studio made design proposals for a 1971 AMX and Teague requested{{snd}}and received permission{{snd}}to produce a fully working [[concept car]].<ref name="candp03">{{cite magazine |magazine=Cars & Parts |volume=46 |year=2003 |page=48 |publisher=Amos Press |title=1971 AMX concept}}</ref>

Starting with a Frost White 1968 AMX coupe as the [[development mule]], Teague updated its front end to the grille and swooping front fenders of what was incorporated into the production 1971 Javelin.<ref name="teague71concept"/> The concept car also featured the interior to what was to become AMC's characteristic high-backed bucket seats and [[corduroy]] upholstery introduced in 1970.<ref name="teague71concept"/> The concept car was repainted light metallic blue with red striping to match the interior.<ref name="teague71concept"/> A short-wheelbase, two-seat 1971 AMX was not approved for production by the automaker, but Teague used this car as his daily driver.<ref name="candp03"/>

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