Q: I've been looking to buy a collector car, and am checking prices on AMC cars because they are way cheaper. What do you feel is one of the best AMC buys, and I want a driver, not a frame off restoration car. Andy from Maine.
A: Andy, In my opinion, if you want something in the muscle car category look closely at any of the 1968 to 1974 Javelin/AMX models. These were nice cars that are appreciating in value. If you can snatch a 390 or 401 powered Javelin/AMX, all the better. However, even if you find a nice Javelin with a 290 V8, don't hesitate. If you are looking for a classic, any Rambler from 1958 to 1964 would be nice, and remember that the station wagons are gaining in popularity, too. Also nice are the 1968-70 Rebel SST coupes, with very nice styling. My top pick would be a '69 Rambler Hurst SC, based on the American body style. These cars came with a 390-V8, lots of factory high performance items and ran very well. A friend back in the Sixties had one, and he had the car running 12-second quarter mile times with very few performance additions. Look for a Javelin or AMX in the $6,000 to $12,000 range for a real nice one, a lot less for one of those classics that can go for as low as $1,500 or so, and a lot more for a nice '69 Hurst SC. (Probably $17,500 and up for a good one)