The 1968–1970 two-passenger AMX sports car was the first AMC model to enjoy mainstream collector interest. Every one built featured a high-compression 4-barrel V-8, bucket seats, and dual exhaust. AMX production for all three years totaled just 19,134 units. This 1968 model features the optional Trendsetter side exhaust system as well as the Go Package, which was a popular performance option group for the AMX.
1969
The 1969 model year saw the continuation of both the Javelin and AMX models with only detail refinements. Additional wood-grain trim was added to the center dash panel and door armrests, and the Javelin received a slightly different grille and smaller “Javelin” scripts for the hood and upper quarter panels. New paint colors were offered along with additional colors for the AMX Go Package stripes.
The big news for 1969 was the introduction of the Hurst SC/Rambler collaboration between American Motors and Hurst Performance of Warminster Township, Pennsylvania. It was a compact Rogue hardtop (in its final season), equipped with the AMX 390 V-8 engine, 4-speed transmission, a functional forced-air induction hood scoop (the first for American Motors), subframe connectors, torque link traction bars, and other performance modifications.
Often regarded as the swan song for the Rambler name, the 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler featured two distinctly different paint schemes, although both were patriotic red, white, and blue. Because only 1,512 units were produced, an SC/Rambler was a rare sight when new, unless you happened to be at the dragstrip!
Also new and exciting was the mid-year introduction of the Big Bad Colors option for both the AMX and Javelin. Available in Big Bad Orange, Big Bad Green, and Big Bad Blue, this option featured high-impact colors, even applied to the front and rear bumpers. The front bumper required an additional molding along the leading edge to complete the bright grille opening. Big Bad bumper moldings are rarely found for sale today. Optional rear bumper guards were also painted to match, if ordered, and Go Package–equipped AMXs painted in the Big Bad Colors were limited to black or white only for the over-the-top stripe colors.
The 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler combined AMC’s compact Rogue hardtop body with an AMX 390-ci V-8, backed by a BorgWarner 4-speed transmission. Available in two distinctly different paint schemes, the only other option was an AM radio. Combined production was just 1,512 units making it very collectible today. But beware of clones because many SC/Ramblers had been driven to their deaths, or allowed to rust beyond repair. This is an example of the flashier “A” paint scheme.
Other AMC models also received the Big Bad paint colors in 1969, but without the body-color bumpers. This included the Rebel Raider, a special edition sold in the New York region.
1970
Both the Javelin and AMX received a significant makeover for the 1970 model year, the final season for the AMX as a two-seater. The car’s interior was completely new, including the dash, door panels, and seats, which were now high-back buckets that no longer reclined. A functional ram-air hood was at last optional for both models, as well as a distinctive Shadow Mask paint scheme for the AMX only; the hood, fender tops, and perimeter of the side glass were painted in a low-gloss black, separated by a silver pinstripe.
With the Rogue body discontinued, American Motors turned to the newly restyled intermediate Rebel for another special edition, “The Machine.” Larger but more powerful than the Hurst SC/Rambler, and with its 340-hp 390 V-8 The Machine didn’t disappoint. It could be ordered with an optional, console-shifted automatic transmission. The first 1,000 units were finished in a red, white, and blue motif with reflective racing stripes; after that, any production Rebel color could be ordered sans racing stripes. Unique to the Machine was a lighted tachometer incorporated into the back of the functional forced-air induction hood scoop.
Model year 1970 was a pinnacle year for special edition Javelins, including one named for SCCA Trans-Am series driver Mark Donohue. Built to commemorate Donohue’s (as well as AMC’s) success in the series, the Mark Donohue–edition Javelin SST was a 360 or 390 V-8–powered model featuring an AMX ram air hood as well as new fiberglass ducktail spoiler that was developed in cooperation with Donohue. The spoiler included a sticker placed on the passenger side bearing Donohue’s signature. No code found in the car’s VIN or door data plate indicates this option; a factory-built Mark Donohue Javelin can only be verified as authentic by having original paperwork.
“The Machine” represented AMC’s intermediate-size muscle car for 1970, using the newly restyled Rebel hardtop body. Unique features included a hood scoop–mounted tachometer, and reflective stripes on 25A-coded cars that were painted white with blue hood and lower bodysides. Any standard Rebel color was available for the Machine, but without the distinctive stripes.
The 1970 Rebel Machine was the only AMC to feature a hood-mounted 8,000-rpm tachometer, complete with the brand-new AMC logo. Mounted into the back of the hood scoop, the tach was lighted for easier nighttime viewing. Heat and vibration have taken their toll on many of these tachs, but repairs to the mechanism or wiring are often possible.
Reflective red, white, and blue racing stripes add interest to the rear view of a 25A-coded Rebel called the Machine. Red, white, and blue accent stripes were also applied to the lower part of the grille. Reflective “The Machine” stickers were found on the front fenders, trunk lid, and dash of every Rebel Machine.
Not to be confused with Pontiac’s Firebird variant, the 1970 Javelin Trans Am was a limited edition AMC vehicle that featured a unique paint scheme of Frost White, Matador Red, and Commodore Blue, along with a pedestal-mounted rear spoiler. Built as a marketing tool to promote AMC’s involvement in Trans-Am racing, these were equipped exactly the same, including the SST package and 390 V-8 backed by a 4-speed transmission. Production was limited to just 100 cars and many of the Trans Am Javelins remain unaccounted for today.
All three Big Bad Colors were continued for 1970, but became a regular color option without the unique painted bumpers. Big Bad–painted 1970 Rebels (including The Machine), Hornets, and Gremlins can be found as well as AMXs and Javelins. The AMX Shadow Mask option was available in conjunction with the Big Bad Colors, and made for a striking combination.
Model year 1970 was a good one for the AMC Javelin, which had freshened exterior styling, a completely new interior, available ram air induction, and limited production special edition models that included the Trans Am and Mark Donohue editions. The Big Bad Colors option was continued for 1970, but without the body-color bumpers seen in 1969.
A base model 1970 Javelin with a 390 V-8 and 4-speed transmission makes for an extremely unusual combination because most highly optioned Javelins were SST models. This is a classic “before” shot as the car still wears its