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1979 American Motors AMX
2dr Liftback
6-cyl. 258cid/110hp 2bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$10,900*
+0.9%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
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Apr 2025
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1978-1980 American Motors AMX stats
Highest sale
$335,500
Lowest sale
$586
Most recent sale
$14,300
Sales
1724
Photos
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Model overview
Model description
Bearing little resemblance to the classic 340 bhp, 390 cubic inch V-8 two-seater AMX of 1968-70 or the baroque Javelin variant of 1971-74, AMC took another run at the youth market with a Hornet-based hatchback called the AMX in 1977.
The AMX continued in 1978, now on the revised Hornet/Concord body. By this point it was more show than go, with lots of matte black trim, plenty of stripes, flares and spoilers. It still did, however, have a four-speed transmission (at least with the six-cylinder 258 cubic inch engine), decent bucket seats, and full instruments. Unfortunately, the venerable motor only delivered 120 bhp, and the 304 cubic V-8 wasn’t much better with only 130 bhp and an automatic transmission.
The colors at least harkened back to the past with Alpine White, Firecracker Red, Sunshine Yellow, Quicksilver Metallic and Classic Black, with contrasting stripes and decals. Even so, nobody was fooled and at up to $4,900 with the V-8, only 2,540 AMXs found buyers.
The AMX story took a stranger twist in 1979, as the model left its 108-inch chassis for the tiny 96-inch chassis of the new Spirit (read Gremlin, with a new body). It had all the air dams, spoilers stripes and decals you could ask for, and still a pretty decent interior and dash, but the four-speed only came with the 110 bhp, 258 cubic inch six-cylinder, and the 304 cubic inch V-8 now produced 125 bhp. The only good news in the performance department was that the car weighed less. Colors were Olympic White, Classic Black, Wedgewood Blue, Saxon Yellow, Morocco Buff and Firecracker Red. Prices were up to $6,149 with a V-8, and 3,657 were sold.
With the departure of the Matador in 1979, AMC no longer needed to build a V-8 engine, so the 110 bhp 258 cubic inch six-cylinder was the only motor offered in the AMX in 1980. It could be had with a four-speed or automatic transmission, and the price was now down to $5,653. AMC had also now pinned its hopes on the 4WD Eagle wagon, which would sustain the company until the arrival of the American-built Renault Alliance in 1983.
AMX models from this generation are not easy to find since they were relatively uncommon in the first place and have had little collectible value until now. The biggest problem is likely to be the AMX-only spoilers, flares and trim. Improving the performance is no problem, but the “soft parts” will take some finding.
Vehicle specifications
- Shipping Weight2910 lbs
- Vehicle Length168.5 in
- Wheelbase - Inches96 in
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Common Questions
The value of a 1979 American Motors AMX can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,750 for a 1979 American Motors AMX in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1979 American Motors AMX at auction over the last three years was $335,500. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1979 American Motors AMX at auction over the last three years was $586. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 1,370 1979 American Motors AMXs sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1979 American Motors AMX was $14,300 on April 05, 2025 by Mecum Auctions.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.