AMC AMX 390 Big Bad
The AMC AMX occupies a unique place in muscle car history as the only American two-seat sports car besides the Corvette produced in the classic muscle car era. Introduced in 1968 as a shortened Javelin (12 inches removed from the wheelbase), the first-generation AMX was a genuine two-seater with fastback styling and serious performance credentials.
For 1970, AMC redesigned the Javelin platform and the AMX moved with it, though the 1970-74 AMX reverted to a Javelin variant rather than a separate two-seat model. While purists prefer the 1968-69 two-seaters, the 1970 AMX offered dramatic styling and exceptional performance, especially with the 390 cubic inch V8.
The 1970 AMX featured aggressive styling with a unique grille, hood bulge, and rear spoiler that distinguished it from the standard Javelin. The Big Bad package, offered in outrageous colors (Big Bad Blue, Big Bad Orange, Big Bad Green), extended the color from the body panels to the front and rear bumpers, creating a monochromatic look that was radical for 1970.
The 390 V8, AMC's largest engine, produced 325 horsepower and a massive 425 lb-ft of torque. This engine gave the AMX performance comparable to the big-block Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers, with quarter-mile times in the low 14-second range. The Go Package added a Twin-Grip differential, heavy-duty cooling, upgraded suspension, and performance axle ratios.
The AMX's handling was a revelation for American muscle cars. AMC's smaller size forced them to focus on dynamics rather than sheer displacement, and the result was a car that could genuinely carve corners rather than just blast down straightaways. The 1970 AMX weighed less than a big-block Mustang or Camaro, giving it a better power-to-weight ratio and more nimble handling.
Production was limited, with only 4,116 AMX models built in 1970. This rarity, combined with AMC's underdog status and the car's genuine performance credentials, has made the AMX increasingly collectible. Values for 390-powered Big Bad examples have climbed steadily as collectors seek alternatives to the ubiquitous Mustangs and Camaros.
The AMX proved that AMC could build a legitimate muscle car that competed with — and in some ways exceeded — the offerings from the Big Three. It remains one of the most distinctive and charismatic muscle cars of the era.
Verify the 390 engine with casting numbers and VIN documentation. Big Bad paint cars should have documentation — many have been repainted. Check for typical AMC rust: rocker panels, floor pans, cowl, and rear quarters. The 390 engine is robust but parts are scarcer than Ford or Chevy equivalents. The Hurst shifter should operate smoothly. Front disc brakes are standard and reliable. Values are rising for documented 390/4-speed Big Bad examples. The 1968-69 two-seat AMX models are worth significantly more.
1970: 4,116 AMX models produced. 1971: 2,054. The 390 V8 was optional and relatively rare. The Big Bad paint option was offered 1969-70 only. After 1971, the AMX became an appearance package on the Javelin rather than a separate model. The original two-seat AMX (1968-69) had lower production: 6,725 (1968) and 8,293 (1969).