1968 AMC AMX 390 Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

If it was loud, fast, or custom, you knew Trebbi—er, trouble—was coming. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, George Trebbi was known for his insatiable quest for knowledge in business, history, and classic cars. He loved sharing his knowledge and passion with friends and family, and he could frequently be found taking his grandchildren for a joyride in one of his cherished Chevys. Hagerty Marketplace is proud to present The Trebbi Collection: custom, fast, and loud—and all presented without reserve. * * *

When American Motors Corporation unveiled the AMX in February 1968, it sent shockwaves through Detroit. Here was a scrappy underdog — a company better known for economy cars — dropping a genuine two-seat muscle car into the heart of the horsepower wars.

The crown jewel of the AMX lineup was its optional 390ci V8, borrowed from AMC’s full-size car inventory and retuned for performance. Conservatively rated at 315 horsepower, the 390 produced a stout 425 lb-ft of torque, giving the lightweight AMX blistering straight-line capability. Paired with a Hurst-shifted 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic, the combination was formidable.

AMC backed up the boasts with action. “The Fastest Man on Wheels,” Craig Breedlove, and his wife Lee piloted an AMX to over 100 speed records at Goodyear's Texas test track in early 1968, generating headlines nationwide. Only 6,725 AMX models were built that debut year.

This ’68 AMX was factory equipped with the prized 390ci V8 and automatic transmission along with Scarab Gold paint and light tan/brown interior. This very original AMX car starts and runs but is not drivable and needs maintenance to be made roadworthy.

This 1968 AMC AMX 390 is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist with a clean Ohio title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Offered from the Trebbi Collection

• Optional 390ci V8

• 3-speed Borg-Warner TorqueCommand automatic

• Finished in AMX Scarab Gold (52A)

Factory Equipment

• The only American-made two-seat sports car besides the Corvette at the time

• Distinctive “power bulge” hood

• Four-barrel carburetor

• Rally-style instrument cluster with tachometer

• Bucket seats

• The chassis number (A8C397X242798) decodes as:

  • A – American Motors Corporation (AMC)

  • 8 – Model year: 1968

  • C – Transmission type: Automatic transmission, floor shift

  • 3 – Car series / line: AMX

  • 9 – Body type: 2‑door hardtop (AMX body)

  • 7 – Body class / trim level: AMX / SST performance class

  • X – Engine Code: 390ci V8, 4‑barrel carburetor

  • 242798 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Rear “Mark Donohue” style spoiler

• Alloy wheels

Servicing & Documentation

• Service was provided by Zakira’s Garage, a notable shop in Cincinnati for repair, restoration, and maintenance of enthusiast collections, from Model As to modern Lamborghini hypercars.

  • February 2026: New battery

Known Imperfections

• This 1968 AMX is not a safe running and driving car and requires much refurbishment. The car must be trailered. Please do your own research and bid accordingly.

• Some imperfections include (see attached document for complete list):

  • Paint cracking on hood

  • Driver and passenger door glass are very loose

  • Both doors will not close when windows are up

  • Passenger glass has small chip on top edge

  • Cracks on steering wheel

  • Trim piece missing on upper B pillar

  • Switch for blower motor is very difficult to move

  • Gauge light operation with switch is very intermittent

  • Turn signal switch is loose on steering column

  • Several various light oil leaks on bottom side of engine

  • Transmission fluid leaks on cooler lines

  • Leaks in exhaust at exits of both mufflers, rust holes in tail pipes

  • Front tires have low tread and dry rot cracks in sidewall

  • Rear brakes are inoperable

Ownership History

This 1968 AMC AMX 390 is offered from the Trebbi Collection. The current owner acquired the car in 2023.

Additional Information

The seller states: “The car is equipped with Scarab Gold Exterior paint and light tan/brown interior. The car starts and runs but is a project car that needs to be refreshed/restored due to the amount of maintenance and repairs that are needed to make it a safe running and driving car. Review the detailed inspection sheets performed by Zakira's custom restoration shop to see what all is needed to be able to put this classic muscle car back on the road.”

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Matt Lowney Phone: 623.308.2640 Email: mlowney@hagerty.com