The 1968 AMC AMX Coupe represented American Motors Corporation’s serious, two-seat entry into the muscle and sports car market. Launched mid-year, the AMX, standing for American Motors eXperimental, was essentially a shortened Javelin, giving it a unique 97-inch wheelbase. This dimension was only slightly shorter than the Chevrolet Corvette. The X-Code designation in the VIN signifies that this particular car was factory-equipped with the top-tier 390 cubic inch V-8 engine. It is a rare example of AMC’s performance ambition, combining big-block power with genuine sports car handling aspirations.
The X-Code: Top-Tier Factory Performance
The X-Code identifies the 390 CI V-8, the most potent engine available for the AMX. AMC equipped these engines with heavy-duty components right from the factory. This included a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, reinforcing the unit’s durability under extreme power. The engine in this Green coupe features key recent mechanical updates. These include a new carburetor and a new intake manifold, which ensure the big-block breathes efficiently. Fresh components keep the performance crisp and the V-8 running at its peak potential.
The Thrill of the 4-Speed Manual
A central element of this car’s performance identity is its 4-speed manual transmission. The manual gearbox was the standard transmission and essential for true muscle car credibility. It gives the driver total control over the 390 V-8’s powerband. The transmission itself has received maintenance, benefiting from a new clutch assembly. This ensures precise engagement and smooth shifting when working through the gears. A 4-speed AMX delivers a highly engaging and authentic muscle car experience, which enthusiasts truly value today.
A Time Capsule in Green
This 1968 AMC AMX Coupe wears an attractive coat of green paint over a black interior. The color combination is classic for the era, perfectly suiting its aggressive, short-deck styling. The car’s history contributes significantly to its collectible nature. It was owned by the same family from the 1970s until its recent reappearance. Perhaps most notably, this AMX was placed into long-term storage starting in the 1980s. This extended hiatus preserved the car for future generations to appreciate. Emerging from storage, it required a thorough mechanical refreshing to return it to the road.
Recent Mechanical Renewal
Beyond the rebuilt carburetor, intake, and new clutch, other systems have been addressed. The car now features a new vacuum fuel pump to ensure reliable fuel delivery to the potent engine. A full, new exhaust system has also been installed, which allows the 390 CI V-8 to announce its presence properly. This mechanical care ensures the next owner receives a sorted car. These updates maintain the car’s originality while providing modern driving reliability. The blend of preserved history and refreshed mechanics creates an appealing package.
Engine Performance and Specifications
The 390 CI V-8 engine in the 1968 AMC AMX Coupe was a high-compression, four-barrel design. AMC rated this powerful engine at 315 horsepower at 4,600 revolutions per minute. Crucially for a muscle car, it produced a strong 425 lb-ft of torque at a low 3,200 revolutions per minute. That substantial torque provided excellent off-the-line acceleration, allowing the AMX to compete effectively with larger muscle cars. When paired with the 4-speed manual gearbox, this V-8 was capable of launching the lightweight two-seater to 60 mph in the mid-to-high six-second range. The performance metrics proved AMC could indeed build a serious contender.
The Rarity of the Two-Seat Coupe
The AMX’s two-seat configuration made it highly distinctive in the American market, directly challenging the iconic Corvette. It was the only American-built, steel-bodied two-seater produced during that period. Despite receiving positive press, production numbers were relatively low, with only 6,725 units built in 1968. This low volume, coupled with the desirability of the top-tier X-Code 390 V-8 and the 4-speed manual transmission, makes this a rare find. The car represents a unique chapter in American automotive history, standing as an unlikely but capable challenger from the smallest of the Big Four automakers.
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Source: mecum.com
