“Arguably the rarest american muscle car in existence” George Huisman Classic Design Concepts of Michigan
For immediate release:
NORTHPORT, MICH. (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 20, 2019
#1 Prototype of AMC AMX/3 (late 60’s production)
What is believed to be the first prototype of the AMC AMX/3 mid engined sports car will show in ‘barn find’ condition at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Rosemont, Illinois on November 23-24, 2019.
The AMX/3 is one of the most coveted collectibles in the world. Fewer than 10 prototypes were ever built and the car never went into production. This particular car is believed to be the very first prototype produced by Bizzarrini in Turin, Italy.
Little is known about the history of this particular car prior to its arrival in the United States. It is believed to have been abandoned before completion with evidence of early ZF transmission mounts and an overly complex hydraulic braking system that did not make it into the other prototypes. The car sat supposedly without drivetrain at Bizzarrini’s shop until the early 70’s when it was shipped to AMC in Detroit under the direction of AMC’s head of design Richard Teague. The car sat in original condition in Detroit until it was purchased by Scotty Dawkins.
Mr. Dawkins held on to the car for years and managed to procure a 390 motor for the vehicle but it remained largely untouched until the family moved to Alaska. While the family was in Alaska, the car was handed over to the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan, where plans to restore it were never quite realized. It did, however, receive a gift courtesy of Mr. Teague consisting of a transaxle and bell housing that were made for the car.
Back from life in Alaska, Mr. Dawkins and his family once again took possession of the AMX/3 which along with its motor and transmission remained for the better part of 3 decades in various Michigan barns receiving little more attention than a coat of yellow paint that still remains.
The Dawkins family sold the car to the new owners after the passing of Scotty. Plans are now in place to do a complete top-to-bottom inside and out restoration of the AMX3. Classic Design Concepts of Milford, Michigan will use their expertise to manage the complete restoration, and the trades involved will be kept as close to home in northern Michigan as possible.
The 2019 MCACN will be the last public showing of the car in its original condition. The car will have a web page as well as Facebook and Instagram social media outlets so that enthusiasts can follow the progress and chime in to fill any gaps in history.