Re: [AMC-list] 73 AMX found

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Unfortunately, Robert, you just happened upon one that has almost all the desirable features. Assuming it's still a 401, and was an original 401 car. Check the VIN number for that, and make sure you reach down on the side of the block under the motor mount and feel for the numbers "401" on the side. It could have had a good 304 or 360 swapped in for a bad 401 and no one would be the wiser. 

The NADA Classic car guide lists it as just under $7K (with the 401, "Go" Pack gauges, and four speed). This is what they write: 

*Low Retail Value *
This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition, needing only minor reconditioning. The exterior paint, trim, and interior would show normal wear, needing only minor reconditioning. May also be a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. Most usable "as-is".


Based on that and your description, the car is worth between $5K and $10K. You could add another $1K to the low price if the Cardin interior is in real good condition -- maybe a little fading but otherwise intact. It's expensive to have an upholstery shop replicate it -- or a good facsimile thereof. If the interior is rough, it could be an expensive restoration. 

Why the big range? Well, it all depends on how bad someone wants the car, and how eager the seller is to get it out of their way. The car in great condition would be bring $20K-$30K in the current market. Depends on where sold and how much advertising was done, and just how bad someone wanted it. A really good restoration job could bring the value up to the low 30s-35K, but it's hard to tell. The market is soft right now, but the lower cost yet still interesting/hard to find models seem to be selling better than the $50K+ range. I don't think you will be insulting to offer $5K for the car as it sits, but don't be surprised if it won't budge for more like $7500... which is probably a more fair price. That's if the owner is even seriously entertaining the thought of letting the car go. 

If you have another AMC in good condition it wouldn't hurt to drive up in it. Some people think that's a bad idea, but it also give the impression that you like the cars and will take care of it. Sometimes that's enough to get someone to let go -- they know it's not going to get cut up or parted out. It also shows that you have some knowledge of AMCs, but don't show too much! If they tell you AMC bought that 401 from Buick just nod and smile. Telling the guy he's nuts or trying to correct him will surely quench his thoughts of letting YOU have it! 

--------------
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 11:25:54 -0500
From: Robert Hollingsworth <amx686970@xxxxxxxxx>

I don't write the list much but monitor it daily.  I just came across a 73
AMX sitting in a neighborhood driveway.  I inquired about it and they said
the owner would probably sell it so I am waiting on a return call.
Apparently it was garaged up to about 2 years ago and has been sitting
outside since then.  It was fairly dirty but would clean up very well.
Looks like the paint (original F3 Plum but is black now) is several years
old and has a couple of areas that appear to have bubbling under the paint
about the size of a dime but nothing major.  The interior is in nice used
condition.  Now the good stuff.  It is a 401 with the Cardin interior.  It
has the console with Hurst 4spd along with the Rally guages.  The entire
cowl induction appears to be present as well.  The motor hasn't been cranked
in two years but was driven to where it sits today.  I feel that I can wash
it up and have a nice driver.  It won't win any AMO metals but looks very
nice at 10 feet.

I'll probably have to make an offer and I am really not sure of the value of
this car.  I think I can get it very reasonable but I don't want to insult
the owner.  I think cleaned up and running it would be fairly
desirable.  Unfortunately I don't have pictures of the car to show you
guys.  Any thoughts on the value of this car?

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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