1969 AMC AMX, FIA, IMSA, and SCCA History

Sebring 12 Hour, Daytona, ARRC and more. 175 MPH at Daytona.

Price reduced to $155,000

History

This very rare AMX road racer was purchased from the factory by Bruce Morehead to compete in SCCA A-Production and B-Production, as well as in FIA and IMSA pro series events. The car was delivered “out the back door” with the AMC “Group 19” high performance package, and a special extra wide front suspensions setup for racing. It also had a very special block, one without the standard engine size numbers stamped into it that would indicate its true size…

Morehead had expert help in setting up the AMX for racing. Holman Moody did the suspension setup, including making custom wheels and using their stock car hubs. Jim Frankland, of Frankland Engineering race-prepared the Detroit Locker rearend, and assisted with the rear suspension setup as well.

Thereafter Morehead raced the AMX throughout the Southeast. He competed in SCCA Regional and National races at tracks such as Daytona, Lakeland, Palm Beach, Road Atlanta, and others.

Research to date indicates that Morehead was racing the AMX as early as 1969. An October, 1969 St. Petersburg Times newspaper articles shows Morehead taking 1st in A-Production at the SCCA National at Sebring. Other races for 1969 are currently unknown.

In early 1970, Morehead and the AMX were back at Sebring, this time competing in the FIA 12 Hours of Sebring. Unfortunately engine problems resulted in an early retirement.

Morehead scored enough points in SCCA National races during the remainder of 1970 to qualify for the American Road Race of Champions (“ARRC”). He would finish 11th in the National Championship that year.

Morehead and the AMX marked two other notable achievements during the 1970 season. They were clocked at an amazing 175 mph at Daytona, and also captured the Lakeland, Florida track Championship.

Morehead continued to race the AMX through the mid-1970’s. In 1974, for example, he raced the car in the IMSA Camel GT event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Fun Fact: Morehead ran the race under the name of Steven Shepard, his friend who had an IMSA license, because Morehead did not have an IMSA license at the time!

The car comes with an SCCA log book with races dating back to 1972 and going through 1976. The next SCCA log book references the earlier log book, and begins with the next owner, Fred Strickland. It appears from the log book that Strickland drove the AMX for driver’s school in July, 2003, and again at the school at Daytona April, 2004.

Strickland next sold the car to its third owner in 2007. Thereafter the car underwent a complete restoration. The AMX began it vintage racing career at the Wine Country Classic at Sonoma Raceway in 2009. Thereafter the car has gone on to compete in several Monterey Historics and Reunions, right up through 2021. The car has also claimed a “Best In Show” trophy.

Description

A complete nut and bolt restoration was done by Michael Eisenberg, Maeco Motorsport. The car still retains its main original roll cage structure, complete with its original tech stickers, including for Sebring, 1970.

There are six races on the Tony Oddo 390 cubic inch AMC engine that produces 500 h.p. and 500 ft. lbs. of torque. It was designed for endurance. The engine still features its original, modified by Morehead, valve covers. The engine is fired by an MSD ignition. The transmission is a Borg Warner T-10 with a Hurst high performance shifter.

Four wheel disc brakes were factory period correct for the AMC “Group 19” high performance option package that was available for the AMX when it was introduced. The Group 19 option also included an Edelbrock intake manifold, headers, torque links, rear spoiler, front air dam, and Detroit Locker rear end, all of which are included on this AMX.

The lower front suspension members are welded and braced. The car has Koni shocks all around, plus the horizontal shocks on rear to eliminate wheel hop.

The AMX has stainless steel exhaust, and comes with an additional polished stainless steel exhaust system with mufflers for sound restricted events.

The interior features an adjustable sliding seat, and removable roll bar sections. As mentioned, the original Sebring tech decal still remains on a section of the original roll bar.

The car is in excellent condition both mechanically, and cosmetically, from the topside to the underside. It is ready to go.

This is a super rare, very fast, inexpensive to maintain, ticket to premier vintage events that feature IMSA and FIA classes. You can run with GT40 Fords, Porsche RSR’s, Ferrari’s and other historic GT and prototype cars for hundreds of thousands, or even millions, less. It is also a huge crowd favorite, flying the American colors and making that fabulous American V8 noise.

Come see it, and hear it. You will not be disappointed. Full documentation, period photos, ownership records, and receipts will come with the car.

The AMX is located in Northern California and can be inspected by appointment on and off a lift.

All vehicle descriptions are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Corrections, and supplemental information, are always welcome. Buyers are responsible for confirming vehicle histories, condition, and authenticity to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Motorsports Market is not the owner of the vehicle and assumes no liability for errors and omissions.

Photos

Videos

Excerpts of the AMX in pit lane at the 2021 Monterey Reunion can be seen in the video below from 7:32.45 through to 7:36.05

The AMX in action at the 2021 Monterey Pre-Reunion below.

2021 Monterey Reunion

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