1971 American Motors AMX

The 1971 AMC AMX was as complete redesign of the previous three model years. In fact, the well known two seater sports coupe was now gone. In replacement was the Javelin AMX which was a much larger, heavier, and roomy sports cruiser that could haul four people. For some die hard AMC fans the new AMX seemed a bloated mistake. In fact, the AMX was simply an add on package to the new AMC Javelin. The buying public seemed to show their lack of interest in muscle cars like the AMX as sales plummeted again this year. The final model year would be 1972.

The body style featured a long and wide body which profiled huge curves over each wheel well. The AMX version of the Javelin featured its own grill and front and rear spoilers. Gone was the ram air system. However, an optional cowl induction system became available for those looking to squeeze every extra horsepower from their AMX.

The “Go” package was still available and included a T stripe decal over the hood, Rally Pac instruments, special handling package, heavy duty cooling, Twin-Grip differential, front disc brakes, Goodyear E60×15 Polyglas raised white-letter tires, and slotted styled steel wheels (the same ones used on the 1970 Rebel Machine).

The major news for AMC this year was the introduction of a new motor - the 401 cubic inch V8. This was essentially a bored and stroked version of the 290/390 motors. Performance with the 401 was acceptable by 1971 standards and pushed the AMX to mid 14 second quarter mile times.

Although the AMX name would be used by American Motors for the next twelve years, 1971 was truly the final performance year for the AMX. Subtle body style changes would evolve during the 1971-1974 production run. However, power output would drop significantly before the Javelin was dropped totally.

Production Information:

AMX: 2,054

Specifications

• Dimensions

  * Wheelbase 110"
  * Length 191.8"
  * Width 75.2"
  * Front tread for Sixes 59.3", V-8's 59.7"
  * Rear tread 60.0"
  * Trunk space 10.2 cu. ft.

  Exterior & Interior

  * All-welded single unit construction (Advanced Unit Construction)
  * Deep-Dip rust proofing
  * Front seat foam cushions
  * Molded ceiling
  * Front & rear arm rests
  * Interior lights
  * Glove box lock
  * Dual horns
  * Pin stripes

  Mechanical Dimensions

  * Front suspension, twin ball joint design with coil springs
  * Front suspension sway bar (optional on 6)
  * Rear suspension, semi-elliptical leaf springs
  * All-Season engine coolant
  * Clear-Power battery
  * Aluminized exhaust system (duals standard with 401 V-8)
  * Brake diameter, Sixes 9", V-8s 10"
  * Fuel tank capacity 16 gallons

  Heating & Air Conditioning

  * Weather-Eye heating & ventilating system
  * High-level ventilation system with opt. air cond.

  Safe-Command Standard Features

  * Seat belts
  * Two front shoulder belts
  * Two rear shoulder-belt anchors
  * Two front head restraints
  * 4-Way hazard warning signals
  * Lane-changer turn signals
  * Automatic back-up lights
  * Side-of-car safety marker lights
  * High-intensity headlights with "Guard-Glo"
  * Inside rear-view mirror with twin ball-joint pivots
  * Left side rear-view mirror (plus right side for AMX)
  * Windshield washers (manual)
  * Non-glare windshield wipers
  * Windshield defrosters (heater)
  * Single-unit body construction
  * Energy-absorbing steering column
  * Deep-dish steering wheel
  * Guard-Rail doors
  * High-strength ChemcorTM windshield glass
  * Tempered side & rear glass
  * Molded ceiling headliner
  * Padded sun visors
  * Padded instrument panel
  * Safety-shaped armrests
  * Non-glare finish on inside parts
  * Double-Safety brake system
  * Brake system warning light
  * Self-adjusting brake linings
  * Mechanical stop-light switch
  * Corrosion-resistant brake lines
  * Safety-rim wheels
  * Tire tread-wear indicators
  * Anti-theft ignition, steering & transmission lock with warning buzzer (less transmission lock some floor-shift models)
  * High-strength door locks
  * Safety-shaped door handles
  * Two-key locking system
  * Safety-shaped control knobs
  * Safety-styled instrument panel
  * Front seat-back lock
  * Dual-action hood latch

  Standard Tires

  * C78 x 14 Black (white-twin-line optional) on Sixes
  * D78 x 14 Black (white-twin-line optional) on V-8's
  * E70 x 14 Black with white letters on AMX

  Air-Pollution Control Systems

  * Exhaust Emission Control System
  * Fuel-Tank Vapor Emission Control System
  * Positive Crankcase Ventilation System
  * NITROX-TCS System . . . transmission controlled spark to reduce nitrogen oxides (required by State of California)
  * All engines run with regular-grade leaded fuel, "low-lead" fuel or with alternate tank fills of "lead-free" fuel (except premium-fuel for 401)

  Options
  Vinyl Roof

  * Vinyl covered roof, black, white, green & blue

  Upholstery

  * Nylon Corduroy--SST & AMX
  * Genuine Leather (front)--SST & AMX

  Performance (see "Engine" & "Transmission/Axle Ratio" Charts)

  * AMX 360 or 401 "Go" package (1)
  * Dual exhaust system for 360-4 barrel (standard on 401)
  * V-8 Rally-Pac (oil pressure gauge, ammeter, tack, clock, 140 MPH speedometer)
  * Twin-Grip differential (recommended with performance equip., req'd, option with 3.91 axle)
  * Quick-ratio manual steering (recommended only for special performance/racing)
  * Aluminized exhaust system (duals standard with 401 V-8)
  * Front lower spoiler on AMX (rear spoiler standard on AMX only)

  Power Assist:

  * Power steering (recommended with air conditioning)
  * Power disc brakes, front (V-8 only)
  * Manual disc brakes, front (V-8 only)
  * Power brakes

  Radio & Tape Equipment

  * AM push-button radio
  * AM/FM multi-plex stereo push?button radio & 2 rear speakers
  * Rear speaker with radio
  * 8-Track stereo tape player with manual AM radio
  * 2 rear speakers

  Convenience Items

  * Console only (standard on AMX)
  * Armrest for console only
  * Armrest & center cushion (except AMX)
  * Air conditioning (includes H.D. engine cooling & 55 amp, alternator)
  * Tinted glass, all windows (recommended with air conditioning) or windshield only
  * Trunk lid rack (except AMX)
  * Adjust-O-Tilt steering wheel
  * Electric clock (standard on AMX)
  * Light group (2)
  * Electric windshield wipers & electric washers
  * Visibility group (includes convenience group, electric windshield wipers & washers)
  * Light group (3)
  * Headlights-off delay system
  * Electric rear window defogger (4)
  * Space-Saver spare tire (included with optional styled wheels) (standard on AMX)

  Protection Items

  * Bumper guards-front & rear
  * Insulation group, includes undercoating & hood insulation (standard on AMX)
  * Anti-scuff side molding (not with optional rally stripe)
  * Clear vinyl floor mats, front and rear
  * Locking gas cap (dealer accessory)

  Appearance Items

  * Wheel covers, 4 (n/a AMX, standard SST)
  * Custom wheel covers, 4 (except AMX)
  * Turbo-Cast or wire wheel covers. 4 (except AMX) Q 14" x 6" Spoke-style wheels, 4 (includes SpaceSaver spare tire). Slot-style wheels std. on AMX
  * 15" x 7" Slot-style wheels, 4 (includes Space-Saver spare tire)
  * Rally stripes (except AMX)
  * Rally stripes (except AMX)
  * Hood T-stripe (AMX with optional "Go" package only)

  Heavy-Duty 6 Trailer Equipment

  * Handing package--6 cyl. (heavy-duty springs & shocks, plus front sway bar)
  * Handling package--V-8 (heavy-duty springs & shocks)
  * Trailer towing package No. 1 (5)
  * Heavy-duty engine cooling system (included with air conditioning)
  * 70 Amp, battery (standard 50 amp. on 6 & 304 V-8, 60 amp. on 360 8. 401 V-8)
  * Cold-start package--70 amp. battery & 55 amp. alternator (for cars less A/C) Engine block heater

  Tires

  * D78 x 14 Black (white-twin-line optional) standard on V-8's
  * E78 x 14 Black (white-twin-line optional)
  * E70 x 14 Black with white letters (standard on AMX)
  * E60 x 15 Black with white letters
  

Powertrain Options:

Recommended Links

• AMX Files