Super Rare AMX/3 Surfaces In Craigslist Ad

This was designed in Kenosha, Wisconsin? AMX/3 #5 looks stunning in yellow.

If there was ever an AMC “unicorn car,” the mid-engined, 2-seat AMX show car series from the late sixties/early seventies would definitely fit the bill. Who would have thought an ultra-modern sports car could have come out of Kenosha, Wisconsin, when only a decade or so earlier, the forefathers of AMC were producing tubby Nashes and Ramblers?

Preceding the AMX/3 was the killer AMX/2 from 1966. Although a non-functioning “pushmobile,” it still exists.

With some help from former Ferrari alumni Giotto Bizzarrini and working on a shoestring budget, head stylist Dick Teague (and staff designers Bob Nixon, Vince Geraci, and Chuck Mashigan) fathered arguably one of the most beautiful and rare mid-engine show cars of all time. And now via Bangshift, one has surfaced in a Indianapolis Craigslist ad and either it sold quietly or vanished back into the murky mist of auto folklore.

A little AMC history/ backstory is appropriate at this point to bring this story up to date.

These cars are ultra rare. Only seven AMX/3s were produced. One was a non-running “push mobile,” five fully operational cars were built and seventh car was produced from spare/extra parts. The non-running AMX/3 show car premiered  in 1970 and created such a sensation, that AMC originally placed an order for 30 cars from Italian GT maker Giotto Bizzarrini.

Design wise, the 1974 Matador Coupe was technically a gigantic AMX/3. Upswept style line and shape of side rear quarter window lifted almost intact.

Sadly, the looming arrival of mandatory 5 mph bumper standards and an estimated price higher than the soon to arrive Pantera doomed the AMX/3 and the project was shelved. Today, all seven cars still exist and are well documented here.

AMX/3 had Speed Racer “Mach 5” front end and styleline sweeping over rear wheelwell. Still looks fresh 44 years later.

Weighing in at 3100 lbs., the car sat on a 105.3 inch wheel base and had a longitudinally mounted 340 HP, 390 CID V-8 mounted midship to an Italian OTO Melara 4-speed transaxle. The car was allegedly a strong performer with a stiff chassis, neutral handing and top speed of 160 mph.  It was crude aerodynamically and was floaty and tricky at high speed due to excessive front end lift.

Fast forward to present day Indianapolis and the car that popped up on the Craigslist. Although represented as car #4, there is a well documented red car that sold in 2014 and is the true #4 car.

According to website AMX390.com, this is car #2 and was indeed displayed in Turin, Italy like the Craigslist ad stated. It’s been coined the “Chicken coop” car as it was parked for years on dirt in a barn  and was covered with mold when rescued. The blue car in the Craigslist matches this car, but remains a mystery.

So what is a piece of automotive history like this worth?  Well, the real #4 car was offered for sale in 2013 for $895K, reduced to $795K and then sold in May 2014 at an undisclosed price to a German collector.  If this car really turns you on, there are guys who want to recreate and sell kit car versions and are seeking  investors.

Or maybe car #2 will resurface. In the meantime, save your shekels.

This is car #2 as represented in Craigslist ad.

About the author

Dave Cruikshank

Dave Cruikshank is a lifelong car enthusiast and an editor at Power Automedia. He digs all flavors of automobiles, from classic cars to modern EVs. Dave loves music, design, tech, current events, and fitness.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading