The 1969 AMC AMX 390 brough some significant refinements to this developing model. A 140-mph speedometer was added, and
you could order optional leather upholstery. More significantly, the shift
linkage was replaced by a vastly superior one from 
Not known for high-performance cars, American Motors scored a coup
with the original AMX. Pictured here is the 1969 AMC AMX 390.
AMC also made an all-out assault on quarter-mile performance with the
Super Stock AMX. At $5994, some $1900 over a fully loaded regular ’69 AMX, the
SS/AMX ran with the 390 treated to twin Holley carburetors, 12.3:1 compression
heads, a set of Doug’s headers and exhaust system, plus a host of other modifications
undertaken by
It could be ordered in all-white paint, or in the vertical red, white, and blue that banded the bodies of many AMC competition cars of the day.
Since a production run of 50 units was required in order to compete in NHRA events, AMC/Hurst built that number, plus two for good measure. So highly strung was the SS/AMX that it came without a factory warranty. Its best recorded quarter-mile was 10.73 seconds at 128 mph.
AMX production was up for ’69, but still came in at a disappointing 8293 units.
| Engine Type | V-8/AMC |
| Displacement (cid) | 390 |
| Horsepower @ rpm: | 315 @ 4600 |
| Torque (pounds/feet) @ rpm | 425 @ 3200 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Bore (inches) | 4.17 |
| Stroke (inches) | 3.57 |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic |
| Availability | 1968-70 |
Times*:
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 6.6 |
| 0-100 mph (sec) | 16.3 |
| 1/4-mile (sec) | 14.8 @ 95.0 mph |
| Top speed (mph) | 122 |
| Axle ratio | 3.15:1 |
| Engine type | 390/315 |
*Source: Car and Driver (1968)
Times*:
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 6.56 |
| 0-100 mph (sec) | N/A |
| 1/4-mile (sec) | 14.68 @ 92 mph |
| Top speed (mph) | N/A |
| Axle ratio | 3.54:1 |
| Engine type | 390/325 |
*Source: Motor Trend (1969)
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For more information on muscle cars, check out:
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- How Muscle Cars Work: Learn about the complete history of muscle cars, from the classic period in the 1960s to today.
- AMC Muscle Cars: Find out about more great AMC muscle cars, including the 1968 AMC AMX and the 1970 AMC AMX.
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