The original AMC AMX was a V8 powered 2-seat pony car sold on AMC's junior cars platform as a competitor to the Mustang/Camaro/Challenger, but the name was revived for the 1979-1980 model years as a performance version of the Spirit. Find this 1979 AMC Spirit AMX offered for $4,500 located on Lincoln, NE craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck. 
The AMX was more than just a tarted up Spirit....okay, that might not be entirely true. The AMX wears wider fenders (front/rear), a big air dam, a graphics package, Turbocast II wheels (so sweet!!), thick anti sway bars, adjustable shocks, and a simulated aluminum dash overlay.
Under the hood is AMC's 304 cubic inch V8, which by this point in the emissions era was smog choked down to 125 horsepower. It was discontinued for the 1980 model year -- and the V8 never returned to AMC's passenger car lineup. This one comes with a 4-speed manual gearbox and the promise of more power if you uncork the engine.
See a stranger relic from a defunct automaker? tips@dailyturismo.com
I would just put in the 4.0 straight six from a Cherokee and call it a day
ReplyDeleteYou forgot the two T25 turbochargers...
DeleteIt was EXACTLY a tarted-up Spirit, but since all the AMC products were basically different lengths of the same sausage, you can make it go as fast as you want it to.
ReplyDeleteSomewhat more expensively and less originally, if you live out here where smog checks involve a trouser-drop and a broomstick.
Personally, when it comes to the AMC universe I'll take a '71-73 Javelin or a Hornet Sportabout of similar pre-bumper, pre-smog vintage, the latter being about as rare as rocking horse excrement at this point.
Jimmy knew his day was going to take a turn for the worse when the officer pulled out the broomstick and said "quit squirmin' boah! How bad do you want your Spirit with the carbureted LS1 to pass emissions?"
DeleteJimmy knew his day was going to take a turn for the worse when the officer pulled out the broomstick and said "quit squirmin' boah! How bad do you want your Spirit with the carbureted LS1 to pass emissions?"
DeleteI have seen this very car on two occasions back around 2008-9. I used to work in Beatrice, NE (don't tell anyone). The first time, it was for sale at a pawn shop. The second time, a few weeks later, it pulled out of a trailer court under full throttle in front of me on HWY 77 as I was driving to work one morning. I can vouch for this car's redneck pedigree.
ReplyDelete^This. This is why I spend my nights and weekends writing/editing this website. Because of random connections -- a regular reader/contributor knowing a car found around the web. The world is huge...but so small.
DeleteThanks Andy!
No, no. Thank you for doing the hard work of creating this site and keeping it awesome.
DeleteFull throttle out of a trailer court... lol
DeleteFull throttle out of a trailer court... lol
DeleteIs there any other way?
Delete