The Thing That Wouldn't Die!

[TorqDork]

Ok, since I’ve already sort of introduced myself, I’d thought I’d show you in a “Project” sort of way the 40 year metamorphosis of a car that has had Pro/Touring in mind since the 1970’s. Sort of ahead of it’s time and a car I’ve owned for those 40 years. I call it, “The Thing That Wouldn’t Die”. I was an SCCA member in in '70's and ran the car at Sebring, Daytona, Road America and Donnybrooke. When everyone else was into drag racing in the '70's, I loved road racing.

1977, 118,000 miles needing paint! At this point already had Radial T/A’s and Gabriel Adjustable E Shocks!

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/1977a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/ENG1.jpg

1978, Repainted. Cost, 350.00 Dollars!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/1978.jpg

1988, Completely stripped and repainted. Cost at this stage, 1,800 Dollars. 142,000 Miles
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/1988.jpg
Engine Cleaned up!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/ENG2.jpg

Track 1995, Brainerd Intl. Raceway (Donnybrooke). Still Stock, 120 MPH in Turn One. Turned 150,000 miles at the track.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/track2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/track3.jpg

1995 15 x 7 Torque Thrusts
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/1995.jpg
1997, KYB’s, Custom Springs, upgraded Chassis, quick ratio steering and 16 x 8 Halibrand 5 spokes.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/1997.jpg
1998, New engine after 165,000 Miles on the original one.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/eng4.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/eng5.jpg

2008 Magnaflow Dyno with new 2 ½ inch exhaust
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/mag2a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/1.jpg

2011, with New Wilwood 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Custom Eaton Detroit Springs lowered 1 inch
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/4.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/amxbuild/3.jpg

[70rs]

Nice to see that history with your car.

Is that dyno room at Marysville Speed? If not, then it's a twin room to one near me......:_paranoid


I noticed on Craigslist here that a guy is parting out several AMX and AMC Javs. '68 to '71 0r 72. He had tons of stuff from engines and parts to interior, exterior trim and components. Seattle CL FYI.

[TorqDork]

Nice to see that history with your car.

Is that dyno room at Marysville Speed? If not, then it's a twin room to one near me......:_paranoid


I noticed on Craigslist here that a guy is parting out several AMX and AMC Javs. '68 to '71 0r 72. He had tons of stuff from engines and parts to interior, exterior trim and components. Seattle CL FYI.

Eric,

First, the Dyno was at Magnaflow, not Marysville.

Also, thanks for the comment and the grasp on the 40 year history of a one owner car. It's why it's still here. It just wouldn't die so I guess I'm stuck with it. Not very many people out here can speak about that many years with one car.

Being as rare as it is, I've left it as I did with the late '90's upgrades so it can easily be restored without destroying the car in the process. Parts for these are hard enough to find. I've done my best to drive it hard but take care of it at the same time. I've kept the 16 inch wheels with the 50 series tires since it's a nice blend of old and new.

It's held up well including the interior which has only had the seat upholstery and carpet replaced and that was 20 years ago. Thanks for taking interest. Hope you get your car done soon!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Pro%20Dork/r8a.jpg

[srh3trinity]

Thanks for sharing a great story and pics. Seeing those picture of the car from different angles makes me realize how progressive the lines of this car were at the time. Looks cool at speed.

[TorqDork]

Thanks for sharing a great story and pics. Seeing those picture of the car from different angles makes me realize how progressive the lines of this car were at the time. Looks cool at speed.


Thanks. Those were some of the parameters that drew me to the car in the first place 40 years ago with regard to how the lines flowed and really blended with the interior layout. What Mark Donohue was doing on the race track with the car at the time didn't hurt either!:thumbsup:

Trans Am Champ '71 with Donohue and Roy Woods in '72
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/AMX/ta6.jpg

Road America before the Trans Am (Mine's the 3rd car down in the front row).
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/AMX/z12g.jpg

By the way, looking good at Speed Scared the Crap out of me! I photographed the car while my "Drag Racing" friend who owned a straight line 11 second '64 Dodge Max Wedge car drove it!! I prayed he knew how to turn at 120 MPH!!!:lol:

But if you really want to see a nice AMX and a color that accents the lines, check out my friend's '73. Much Cooler!:thumbsup:
http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=32725

[coolwelder62]

Very Cool.:thumbsup: I head over to the craig's list to find those missing part's for mmy javelin.:thumbsup:

[TorqDork]

Very Cool.:thumbsup: I head over to the craig's list to find those missing part's for mmy javelin.:thumbsup:

Scott,

I'll try and call the guy tomorrow. I doubt you're going to find a grille screen on Craigs List. Too valuable for a set price!