In 1997, the 1968 AMC AMX FastBack slipped away, but fate had a different plan. In 2013, it reappeared on the owner’s radar, and this time, the deal was sealed. Thus began a remarkable journey of restoration, culminating in November 2018. Let’s dive into the captivating story of the 1968 AMC AMX FastBack, an iconic American muscle car that left its indelible mark in automotive history.
A Rare Breed of Speed: The AMX Unveiled
The 1968 AMC AMX was a rare breed, with only 6,725 units produced. It proudly wore the badge of being the sole American-built steel-bodied two-seater of its era. Designed by Richard ‘Dick’ Teague, it drew inspiration from the 1966 American Motors Experimental concept car. Its standout features included a bold grille, a sleek fastback roofline, and an aggressive hood treatment. By trimming about a foot from its Javelin body, the AMX transformed into a true two-seat sports car, outshining its competitors in the pony car arena.
Record-Breaking Prowess: Performance and Achievements
With a mere curb weight of 3,100 pounds and a short 97-inch wheelbase, the stock AMX proved to be a speed demon. It could go from zero to sixty mph in under seven seconds, with quarter-mile times clocking under 15 seconds. In February 1968, the AMX set a stunning 106 class-based world speed records, with Craig Breedlove, the then-world land-speed record holder, at the wheel. In celebration, AMC released approximately 50 limited-edition ‘Craig Breedlove’ AMXs in patriotic red, white, and blue.
Conquering the Track: Trans-Am Domination
AMC’s racing prowess was not to be underestimated. They enlisted Ron Kaplan and Jim Jeffords to prepare and compete with two Javelins in the SCCA’s Trans-Am series. Remarkably, AMC’s factory-entered team finished every race entered in the season, showcasing the AMX’s incredible durability and performance. The team included talented drivers like George Follmer, Peter Revson, and Lothar Motschenbacher. In 1970, the legendary Roger Penske and Mark Donohue joined AMC, leading the company to back-to-back championships in 1971 and 1972.
Power Under the Hood: The Mighty 390 V8 Engine
The 1968 AMC AMX FastBack was powered by a top-of-the-line 390 V8 engine, delivering a commanding 315 horsepower and a power-to-weight ratio of 9.8 lbs/bhp. Its 4-barrel carburetor engine, dual exhaust, and 415 lb-ft of torque made it a force to be reckoned with. Equipped with power steering, front disc brakes, tuned suspension, and Twin-Grip rear axle, the AMX provided an exhilarating and controlled driving experience.
Variants and Options: From Sporty to Powerful
The base AMX was remarkably affordable, starting at just $3,245. Standard features included reclining bucket seats, carpeting, wood grain interior trimmings, E70-14 Goodyear Polyglas tires, a four-speed manual transmission, and heavy-duty underpinnings. The standard 290 cubic-inch V8 engine packed a punch with 225 horsepower. For those seeking more power, options included the 343 CID (T-code) and 390 CID (X-Code) V8 engines, boasting 315 horsepower and an impressive 425 pound force-feet of torque.
In the Spotlight: Angela Dorian’s ‘Playmate Pink’ AMX
The allure of the 1968 AMC AMX FastBack extended beyond the automotive world. Angela Dorian, the ‘Playboy Playmate of the Year’ in 1968, was gifted a brand-new AMX with a powerful 390 engine and a distinctive ‘Playmate Pink’ finish, adding a touch of glamour to the already impressive lineup.
Conclusion: A Timeless Legend
The 1968 AMC AMX FastBack remains an everlasting symbol of American muscle car excellence. Its unique design, blazing performance, and numerous records in the racing arena solidify its place in automotive history. The AMX captured the hearts of enthusiasts then, and its legacy continues to inspire admiration today.
FAQs
What sets the 1968 AMC AMX FastBack apart from other muscle cars of its time? The AMX’s distinctive two-seater design, bold styling, and impressive performance made it stand out in the crowd of muscle cars.
How fast could the stock 1968 AMC AMX FastBack go from zero to sixty mph? The stock AMX could achieve zero to sixty mph in under seven seconds.
Were there any special editions of the 1968 AMC AMX FastBack? Yes, AMC produced a limited run of ‘Craig Breedlove’ edition AMXs to celebrate its world speed records.
What was the most powerful engine option available for the 1968 AMC AMX FastBack? The top-of-the-line 390 V8 engine, delivering 315 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, offered the ultimate power option.
Who were the key drivers of AMC’s Trans-Am series success with the 1968 AMC AMX FastBack? AMC’s Trans-Am team included talented drivers such as George Follmer, Peter Revson, Lothar Motschenbacher, Roger Penske, and Mark Donohue.
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