Legacy
The AMX was intended to be a “halo car” for American Motors. Another objective was "lowering the median age of visitors to AMC showrooms; in that role it was a major success" even though however the sales goals not achieved.[117] The two-seat AMC AMX has been described as being "a perfect car for many who lusted for the Corvette but could not afford it."[118] Developed under "austere budject" the AMX and the four-seat Javelin were designed to be radical departures from AMC's economy image.[119]
Automotive journalist Patric George noted that the AMC AMX is "great vintage American iron" with only "two seats, making it more of a sports car than a lot of other muscle cars."[120][121] Automotive historian and author Richard M. Langworth noted that the AMX has "all the right sports-car stuff" and that the "little machine that can only go up in value over the long haul."[122]
According to CNN, before 2004, the AMX had been under-appreciated from an investment standpoint.[123] In 2004, there was considerable variation between the values of two-seat AMXs and four-seat Javelin AMXs. Craig Fitzgerald mentioned "the satisfaction in owning a car that you don't see every single day, or on the cover of every single magazine." Fitzgerald favored the two-seater because of its rarity, but noted that some parts for either car were expensive.[124]
In 2006, the editors of Hemmings Muscle Machines magazine said that AMCs had "experienced notable value increases over the last few years – especially AMXs..."[125] The book Keith Martin's Guide to Car Collecting, in collaboration with the editors of the monthly Sports Car Market, lists the 1970 AMX as one of the picks under $40,000 among "Nine Muscle Car Sleepers".[126]
Unique versions, such as the California 500 Specials and the 52 Hurst-modified SS/AMX drag race cars are perhaps the most highly sought after by collectors. In 2006, a California 500 AMX sold for $54,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, while a regular AMX went for over $55,000 at the Mecum collector auction in Belvidere, Illinois.[127] In 2007, Hemmings wrote that only about 39 of the original SS/AMX turn-key race cars may have survived.[128]
By 2007, the AMX was "among the most highly sought AMC cars" and "really taking off in the muscle-car market".[129] Also in 2007, Hemmings said that the two-seater AMX had "a strong following among old car hobbyists and collectors of historic vehicles and nearly every one of the 19,134 built...remains in circulation and in demand, ensuring a good future for the first-generation AMX as a collectible muscle car."[130] The 2007 book Classic Cars states that AMC's small and powerful AMX "had tire-burning speed" and "all have become collector's items."[131]
Noting the increasing values of the 1968–1970 AMXs, Hemmings listed them among the "21 hottest cars" enthusiasts wanted in 2007 "and will want tomorrow."[132]
In 2008, Hemmings wrote buyers had "only recently 'discovered' the AMX; they're now snapping them up left and right. Prices ... are on the rise, though they still represent a relative bargain compared to many more common muscle machines."[133]
In 2010, Hemmings Classic Car included the two-seat AMXs in their list of 32 best cars to restore in terms of economic sense after factoring purchase price, parts availability, as well as restored value and desirability.[134]
Although low production, the AMX shared parts and components with other AMC models. There are many active AMC car clubs for these cars. Parts, including reproduction components, are available. However, "AMC did not build cars in the vast numbers the Big Three did back in the day; therefore, there are fewer to restore and not as many parts to go around."[135] As of 2010, Hemmings Classic Car wrote that the AMXs are "pretty basic" so they are not hard to restore, and that "reproduction parts are available" and continues to grow with many mechanical parts interchanging with other cars.[134]
More valuable according to automotive historian and author, James C. Mays, is the "wow factor".[136] His book, The Savvy Guide to Buying Collector Cars at Auction, explains this important and measurable pleasure to an owner, whether their car is driven or sits in a climate-controlled garage, such as a red 1969 AMX that attracts more attention than the more prestigious Ferraris and Lamborghinis.[136]
The 100th issue of Hemmings Classic Car listed the "Top 100 American collector cars ever made" as selected by the editors of Hemmings Motor News based on "the most popular models among both enthusiasts and collectors" and included the 1968–1969 AMXs for both rarity and high interest, as well as "they boast sporting lines, traditional long-hood/short-deck proportions, and a smattering of performance options to add spice."[137]
Old Cars Weekly describes the AMX as an "appealing little package for adrenaline junkies and guys ... who have an appetite for something a little offbeat and different ... a car that famed automotive scribe Tom McCahill once described as 'harrier than a Borneo gorilla.'"[138]
Scale models
A variety of scale models of the AMX are available, including promotional 1/25-scale model manufactured under license from AMC by Jo-Han in factory colors. Hot Wheels offered a 1969 AMX custom in 1:64 scale, and in 1971 issued the AMX/2 show car model.[139] Newer models in 1:18 scale diecast were issued, including the Playboy Pink version in the "Best of the Best" series, as well as the modified "Drag-On Lady" race car.[140][141] According to the editors of Die Cast X Magazine, "muscle cars are the largest, most popular category in die-cast" collectors. They included the AMC AMX among the 34 models representing "the best and most important from the genre ... performance and style that are the hallmarks of the high point of American automotive history."[142]
