Historians may have consigned Pontiac and American Motors Corporation (AMC) to the history books, but fans of both car brands are keeping the spirit alive and putting the classics through their paces on the drag strip. That much is evidenced by the following video, which features a 1968 Pontiac Firebird and 1970 AMC AMX going head-to-head in three rounds of racing action.
Once again coming to us from the Cars And Zebras YouTube channel, the video includes specs and insights, with a walkaround for both vehicles, followed by racing at the end.
Kicking it off is this 1970 AMC AMX, a two-seater that keeps the pounds down and the speed up. Engine options included either a 360 or 390 cubic-inch V8, with the model featured here packing the more-powerful 390, plus something called the “Go Package.” For those who may be unfamiliar, the Go Package includes performance features like front disc brakes, a new differential, heavy-duty suspension, upgraded cooling, cold air induction, and a power dome hood. With 325 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, plus a four-speed manual transmission, 3.73 rear gears, and a curb weight just over 3,400 pounds, this little two-seater makes for a quite the performance machine.
Next up, we have the 1968 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air II. This particular version of the Firebird is somewhat rare, with only 110 units made, and only 12 produced with an automatic transmission. Under the hood, you’ll find a 400 cubic-inch V8 doling out an estimated 340 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque, but a factory restrictor tab limited full power – removing the tab yields an additional 20 to 30 additional ponies. This car is also equipped with 4.11 gears and weighs about 3,562 pounds with the driver.
While quite lovely to look at, both rides are also solid performers at the drag strip, capable of running under 13 seconds in the quarter mile.
Hit play to see them do exactly that:
Comments
Big fan of the AMC’s, the 71-74 were the best body style IMO. Recently saw on better call saul one of the main characters drives a 73 AMX. This brand needs more recognition.
grow up natator
Both these cars are awesome. I do like the AMXs though. They were beasts back in the day and truly didn’t and don’t get the love they deserve. Factory car running sub 13s. It would give most “muscle cars” from that era a good run for their money.
What the hell does “grow a natator” mean??? Must be a bulls*#t Ai response.
Impressive. The AMX is shifting gears, too. Driver knows what he’s doing.