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When the 1970 AMC AMX/3 made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, it instantly captured the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world. With its sleek design and mid-engined layout, the AMX/3 was unlike any other American Motors creation at the time.
The original concept car, crafted in fiberglass and lacking an engine, was simply a showpiece. But when American Motors decided to order 30 operational cars, the project took a more practical turn. The body mold was sent to Giotto Bizzarrini in Italy, where skilled craftsmen hand-built drivable prototypes.
These Italian-made AMX/3 cars were powered by the AMC 390 cu in V8 engine, delivering a thunderous 340 horsepower. Paired with an OTO Melara four-speed transaxle, the AMX/3 boasted impressive performance figures. A top speed of 257.4 km/h and a 0-96 km/h time of just 5.5 seconds put it in a league of its own.
BMW, known for their expertise in chassis tuning, put the AMX/3 through its paces on the road. They praised its exceptional stiffness and neutral handling, confirming what many already suspected - the AMX/3 was a true driver's car.
The steel-bodied Italian versions of the AMX/3 sported subtle design differences from the original concept, including functional louvers on the rear decklid and hood. Some even featured hood scoops to direct fresh air into the heating and A/C system - a sleek touch that added to the car's overall appeal.
Unfortunately, only five completed cars were produced before American Motors pulled the plug on the project. Rising costs and impending bumper regulations spelled the end for the mid-engined marvel. The remaining parts were used to assemble a sixth car, bringing the AMX/3 saga to a bittersweet conclusion.
The 1970 AMC AMX/3 may have been short-lived, but its impact on automotive history is undeniable. With its striking design, potent performance, and impeccable handling, the AMX/3 remains a symbol of American Motors' ambition and innovation. Though we may never see a production version of this legendary concept, its legacy lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere.
