Editing AMC AMX (section)

==1968==
[[File:1968 AMC AMX go-package white NJ.jpg|thumb|right|1968 AMC AMX with Go-Pac]]
[[File:1968 AMC AMX 390 GO PAC white s.jpg|thumb|right|1968 AMC AMX with chrome wheels and red stripe tires standard with Go-Package]]
[[File:1968 AMC AMX yellow 390 auto md-er.jpg|thumb|right|The "AMX 390" engine]]

American Motors promoted the mid-model year launch of the AMX to automotive journalists at Daytona to emphasize its sports car performance, as well as with a marketing agreement with [[Playboy Enterprises]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Hadsall Jr. |first=Guy |title=Mister Javelin: Guy Hadsall Jr. at American Motors |year=2007 |publisher=The Olde Milford Press |isbn=978-0-9662019-2-5 |pages=33–34 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bZrIXzKUHvUC&pg=PA33 |editor-first=Patrick R. |editor-last=Foster |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> To introduce the AMX to its [[Car dealership|dealers]], AMC held meetings at nine [[Playboy Club]]s.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Truesdell |first=Richard |title=The "36–24–35" 1968 AMC AMX |magazine=Automobile Magazine |date=27 July 2015 |url= http://www.automobilemag.com/news/the-36-24-35-1968-amc-amx/ |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

The AMX was introduced to the public on 24 February 1968, five months after the Javelin and other 1968 AMC cars. The AMX was promoted as "the only American sports car that costs less than $3500".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.arcticboy.com/Pages/arcticboysamx4.html |last=Wilson |first=Bob |title=Arcticboy's AMX page 4: 1968 magazine ad |website=arcticboy.com |access-date=5 February 2011}}</ref> American Motors advertisements also showed "a helmeted race driver revving up at the starting line in one of AMC's sporty AMX models, which it describes as ''ready to do 125 miles an hour''."<ref>{{cite book|title=Automotive Repair Industry: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopoly of the Committee on the Judiciary; United States Senate, Ninetieth Congress, Second Session pursuant to S. Res. 233; Part 1 |year=1969 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=UGo1QdAhmJgC&q=American+Motors+Corp.,+in+its+ads+shows+a+helmeted+race+driver+revving+up+at+the+starting+line+in+one+of+AMC's+sporty+AMX+models,+which+it+describes+as+%22ready+to+do+125+miles+an+hour|page=776}}</ref>

The two-seat AMX was "meant for a small, well-defined market niche, and it pulled young people into AMC dealer showrooms in never before seen numbers".<ref name="candp02">{{cite magazine |magazine=Cars & Parts|volume=45 |year=2002 |pages=16–21 |publisher=Amos Press |title=1968–1970 AMX}}</ref> Numerous road tests described the new AMX as a "handsome two-seater with American-style acceleration and European-style handling".<ref name="candp02"/> Journalists gave it a real run workout on all kinds of terrain and wrote "that the AMX is one of the best-looking cars – if not the best-looking car – made in the U.S.A."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=A to Z on the AMX from AMC |magazine=Auto Topics Autodriver |year=1968 |volume=68 |pages=74 |publisher=Counterpoint}}</ref>

All AMXs came with four-barrel [[Carburetor|carbureted]] small block<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.amxfiles.com/resource/tech/v8faq.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20080411085752/http://www.amxfiles.com/resource/tech/v8faq.html |archive-date=11 April 2008 |title=AMC 'Small Block' V8 Engines |website=AMXfiles.com |access-date=5 February 2011}}</ref> [[AMC V8 engine]]s in several versions: {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|225|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, N-code), {{convert|343|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|290|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, T-code), as well as the {{convert|390|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} "AMX" featuring {{convert|315|hp|kW|abbr=on}} with {{convert|425|lb·ft|N·m}} of torque (X-code). All are derived from the same external size block. However, the three engines differed vastly internally, with the smallest engine having small intake and exhaust valves, thin block webbing, and a cast nodular iron crankshaft; the 343 used larger valves with a thicker block webbing; and the 390 moved up to a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, as well as larger rod bearings, {{convert|2.250|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} compared to {{convert|2.090|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} in the smaller two versions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sessler |first=Peter C. |title=Ultimate American V-8 Engine Data Book |edition=Second | year=2010 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=978-0-7603-3681-6 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=eT7LT69STO0C&pg=PA228 |page=228 |access-date=21 March 2012}}</ref>

A [[BorgWarner]] T-10 four-speed [[manual transmission]] was standard, as were unique traction bars, dual exhaust system, and fatter tires for better traction. A "Shift-Command" three-speed [[automatic transmission]] with the capability of manual shifting (BorgWarner model M-11B or M-12) was optional together with a [[Center console (automobile)|floor console]] mounted shifter.

A popular "Go-Package" option was available with the four-barrel 343 or 390 engine. It included power-assisted front disk brakes, "Twin-Grip" [[Differential (mechanical device)|differential]], E70x14 red-stripe performance tires on 6-inch wide steel road wheels, heavy-duty suspension with thicker sway-bars, heavy-duty cooling, as well as other performance enhancements.<ref name=mueller99/> A wide range of specialized performance parts were also available through AMC dealers for installation on customer's cars. These were known as "Group 19" parts because of how AMC organized its parts books.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillick |first=Barbara |title=Group 19 – AMC high-performance parts were second to none |url= http://www.matadorcoupe.com/enginespecs.htm |work=Muscle Car Review |via=matadorcoupe.com |date=July 1990 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref>

===Breedlove AMX===
According to several sources, "Breedlove Replica" cars to commemorate the speed and endurance records were offered by AMC.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nicholls |first=Richard |title=Supercars |year=2002 |publisher=Tangerine Press |isbn=978-0-439-42465-3 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=RTy6wRNb1ZAC&q=AMC+even+made+50+Breedlove+specials+with+red,+white+and+blue+paint+jobs+to+celebrate |page=25 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> The ''Standard Catalog of American Muscle Cars 1960–1972'' describes an estimated 50 "Breedlove" AMXs were sold featuring the red, white, and blue paint scheme along with the standard 4-barrel {{convert|290|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 with four-speed manual transmission.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TwcOO2OxujYC&pg=PA15 |last=Gunnell |first=John |title=Standard Catalog of American Muscle Cars 1960–1972 |page=15 |year=2006 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-0-89689-433-4 |access-date=16 November 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

However, AMC historians argue there was no "factory literature, order sheets, advertising, photographs, or anything else to properly document any factory 1968 or 1969 'Breedlove Replica' AMXs."<ref name="mitchellreplica">{{cite book|last=Mitchell |first=Larry G. |title=AMC Muscle Cars |year=2000 |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=0-7603-0761-X |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=JHVaQFDrx_MC&q=Breedlove+AMX+replicas&pg=RA1-PT23 |page=79 |access-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> According to historians a new car that a dealer in Canada ordered could not have been painted at the factory, but rather outsourced to local Kenosha [[Automobile repair shop|body shops]] to perform the final painting.<ref name="mitchellreplica"/>

===Playmate AMX===
[[File:1968 AMC AMX Playmate of the Year Pink at 2015 AMO meet-09.jpg|thumb|right|The actual PMOY award car]]

''[[Playboy]]'' magazine's 1968 [[Playmate of the Year]], [[Victoria Vetri|Angela Dorian]], was awarded a specially painted "Playmate Pink" 1968 AMX.<ref>{{cite book|last= Strodder|first=Chris|title=Swingin' Chicks of the '60s: a Tribute to 101 of the Decade's Defining Women |publisher=Cedco Publishing |year=2000 |pages=58–59 |isbn=978-0-7683-2232-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.playmateamx.com/ |title=The Playmate AMX |website=playmateamx.com |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> It was powered by the base 290 V8 with automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt wheel, AM/8-track radio and optional rear bumper guards. Aside from the unique color, it differed from other AMXs with its dashboard number plate containing Dorian's measurements, making her car AMX 36–24–35.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.timelessrides.com/wiki/amc/amx |title=AMC AMX Information and History |publisher= Timeless Rides |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121120053652/http://www.timelessrides.com/wiki/amc/amx |archive-date=20 November 2012 |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> The car, currently owned by Mark Melvin who purchased it from Dorian in 2010, was featured in an episode of [[Jay Leno|Jay Leno's Garage]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsQvxZbiiac |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/YsQvxZbiiac |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=1968 AMC Playmate of the Year AMX |publisher=Jay Leno's Garage |date=19 April 2015 |via=YouTube |access-date=28 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/04/20/playmate-of-the-year-amx-returns-to-its-original-pink/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150424014703/http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/04/20/playmate-of-the-year-amx-returns-to-its-original-pink/ |url-status= usurped |archive-date= 24 April 2015 |title=Playmate of the Year AMX returns to its original pink |first=Daniel |last=Strohl |date=20 April 2015 |publisher=Hemmings |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>

Some sources describe other AMXs as having been painted Playmate Pink at the factory. AMC's marketing vice-president, Bill {{Not a typo|McNealy}}, who handed over the keys to Angela Dorian's car, mentioned that "a number of them" were finished in pink.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.planethoustonamx.com/stuff/mission-amx-playboy-pinks.htm |title=Mission AMX: The Beautiful Angela Dorian/Victoria Vetri..... & Pink AMXs! |website=planethoustonamx.com |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref>

In late 1968, a Playmate Pink AMX was special-ordered by a dealership in rural [[Potosi, Missouri]]. This 1969 model year car's door tag indicates a "00" paint code (meaning a special-order color). It has a 390 V8 with automatic transmission, as well as the performance "GO" Package, air conditioning, and leather seats.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/school-teacher-or-playmate-1969-amc-amx |title=School Teacher or Playmate: Guess which one special-ordered a pink AMX? |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |date=April 2010 |first=Daniel |last=Strohl |access-date=22 June 2024}}</ref>

===Hertz rent-a-racer===
[[File:1968 AMC AMX 390 Go Pac Hertz AMO 2015 meet 2of5.jpg|thumb|Restored 1968 AMX, originally a Hertz rental car]]

In the late-1960s, [[The Hertz Corporation]] offered "rent-a-racer" program in selected locations that included cars such as [[Chevrolet Corvette|Corvettes]], [[Jaguar E-Type|Jaguar XK-Es]], [[Shelby Mustang]]s, and AMXs.<ref>{{cite web|title=1968 AMC AMX Hertz Rent A Racer |url= http://www.1968hertzamx.com/ |first=Bruce |last=Nolan |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130524163408/http://1968hertzamx.com/ |archive-date=24 May 2013 |access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref> There is no record of how many AMXs were ordered by Hertz for their fleet. Still, the factory "Build Sheet" for a car may indicate that AMC sold the car to Hertz.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Clarke |first1=Adam |title=Rent-A-Racer: 1968 AMC AMX Hertz |url= https://barnfinds.com/rent-a-racer-1968-amc-amx-hertz/ |work=Barn Finds |date=26 October 2021 |access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref>

===Von Piranha Edition===
Thoroughbred Motors in [[Denver]], Colorado, modified an estimated 22 new AMXs for select AMC dealerships to have ready-made racers for both the dragstrips and road courses nearby.<ref>{{cite web|title=Von Piranha Edition: 1968 AMC AMX 390/Go-Pack |url= https://bringatrailer.com/2017/12/12/von-piranha-edition-1968-amx-amx-390go-pack/ |work=Bring a Trailer |date=12 December 2017 |access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="30-yearMystery">{{cite magazine |first=Scotty |last=Lachenauer |title=The 30-Year Mystery of the Von Piranha 1968 AMC AMX |magazine=Hot Rod |date=30 March 2016 |url= http://www.hotrod.com/articles/the-30-year-mystery-of-von-piranha-1968-amc-amx/ |access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Palmer |first=Jamie |title=Update: 1968 AMX Piranha For Sale Again |url= https://barnfinds.com/update-1968-amx-piranha-for-sale-again/ |work=Barn Finds |date=22 December 2015 |access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref> They were named "Von Piranha" and the changes included the addition of two sets of air scoops on each C-pillar with ducts to cool the rear brakes and on the roof above the windshield that was reportedly functional to cool the cockpit on race-bred versions. The AMX's twin hood bulges were cut open to increase airflow in the engine bay. The original Piranha buildup was believed to have AMC's Group 19 R4B intake stamped with the Von Piranha logo and a 950 CFM Holley three-barrel carburetor.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Mystery Of The Von Piranha 1968 AMC AMX |url= http://fastmusclecar.com/best-muscle-cars/mystery-von-piranha-1968-amc-amx/ |work=Muscle Car |date=31 March 2016 |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> The sales manager at Thoroughbred at the time and local racing legend, Ronald Hunter, raced a Piranha at the [[Continental Divide Raceways]] and other events.<ref name="30-yearMystery"/>