Hurst SS/AMX- Introduction

These are all facts shared by Andre Jacobs- an SS historian, Alamo AMC club member, SS owner, and AMC vendor from an area near San Antonio, Texas.
 I.)Parts Supplement Sheets These were included inside the Parts Catalogue and would be specific to the model. In the case of the SS/AMX's there was a supplement included and that contained the starting and ending serial number run of the SS/AMX's. Andre recalls seeing the sequence 213560 through 213612* in the PSS ( just confirmed this with Andre today- 7 August-'09 ).
 A) As with the SC/Ramblers, this supplemental booklet provides information on the unique parts connected to the SS/AMX's which are different than regular production AMX components. Unique part numbers are included. Group 19 parts are inclusive.
 B) emphasis that vin to vin sequence determines the run - no door tag final assembly number assignment mentioned though that would be the basis for final assembly sequencing for normal line runs including fleet service cars such as the '67 postal Ambassadors. This ties into the omission of the door tags which indicate compliance with Federal regulations- SS's did not.
II.) AMC Correspondence
    1) To answer questions about total SS spec AMX's numbers, while AMC was still in business, AMC sent a document out to AMC owners. This document states that AMC made no more than 194 drum brake, 390, 4 speed cars. This is AMC's criteria for the basic building block specification for an SS AMX. They did not know how many were converted to SS specifications from that number, nor does the statement directly concern the AMC contracted SS/AMX's. The original scope of the question was how many MD Javelins, Hurst SC/Ramblers, AMX's, SC/360's, and SS/AMX's were produced. AMC's non-linear answer came out, in part, with the above statement about 194 possibilities.

* this corresponds to the 53 recalled by another important source  the details coming out  later

Hurst SS/AMX - Part 1

These are all facts shared by Andre Jacobs- an SS historian, Alamo AMC club member, SS owner, and AMC vendor from an area near San Antonio, Texas.
I.)Parts Supplement Sheets These were included inside the Parts Catalogue and would be specific to the model. In the case of the SS/AMX's there was a supplement included and that contained the starting serial number run of the SS/AMX's. Andre recalls seeing the sequence 213560 through 213612* in the PSS ( just confirmed this with Andre today- 9 August-'09 ) as of 1 October, 2009 came into possession of RWB Supplement- only the starting vin is listed- a format shared with the similar pamphlet that accompanied the '69 Hurst SC/Ramblers ).
A) As with the SC/Ramblers, this supplemental booklet provides information on the unique parts connected to the SS/AMX's which are different than regular production AMX components. OR unique combinations of AMX parts- like the two left shock mount plates installed to stagger the shocks- as an example. Unique part numbers are included. Group 19 parts are inclusive.
 B) emphasis that vin to vin sequence determines the run - no door tag final assembly number assignment mentioned though that would be the basis for final assembly sequencing for normal line runs including fleet service cars such as the '67 postal Ambassadors. This ties into the omission of the door tags which indicate compliance with Federal regulations- SS's did not. However, SS's did have the body sequence number included on the build sheet ( updated october 13, 2009 ).
II.) AMC Correspondence
1) To answer questions about total SS spec AMX's numbers, while AMC was still in business, AMC sent out a document. This document states that AMC made no more than 194 drum brake, 390, 4 speed cars. This is AMC's criteria for the basic building block specification for an SS AMX. They did not know how many were converted to SS specifications from that number, nor does the statement directly concern the AMC contracted SS/AMX's. The original scope of the question was how many MD Javelins, Hurst SC/Ramblers, AMX's, SC/360's, and SS/AMX's were produced. AMC's non-linear answer came out, in part, with the above statement about 194 possibilities.

* update in line with 90's article in Part 5- however- this number is still in a state of flux- as the actual paperwork or sources with corroborating information have not been contacted yet

Hurst SS/AMX - Part 2

III.) Fleet Ordering System and SS exceptions

A ) AMC set aside at least the first block of SS/AMX orders much like they would do with fleet orders.

 B ) The two request letters sent out in November and December 1968 hinted at this SOP
      AMC started to set aside the sequential vin#'s probably prior to sending the first letter out
     a) setting aside vin numbers is part of the ordering process- for fleet orders AMC queued up order requests from dealers and typed up the car build orders
     b) the sequence number (normally an E prefix for a small body car or Javelin and AMX ) is final assembly and was assigned at sometime during the building process*1
 
C ) as shown on a couple example SS car build order forms the R prefix body sequence number ( Tom Benvie comparison on The AMC Forum ) is included. Andre confirms that the build sheet and the fleet like order process which would result in batch built cars and with special instructions on the build sheet would guide assembly line workers to build a consecutive group of SS AMX's in the same way

D ) the door data tag was omitted during construction** perhaps the exception 96 noted on the car build order refers to this - only comparison with another build order for export market cars could confirm or deny

E ) yellow SS only door sticker does not have any normal door data tag information- restates SS not for highway use and no warranty- similar to what was written on window sticker

*- the process varied with the SS's as AMC sent out specific requests/mailers to hand picked dealers to secure orders
**- not a known fact- speculation only

Hurst SS/AMX - Part 3

IV. General proposed SS equipment combination before customer delivery
A.)Drivetrain
1.) 4.44 rear gears at AMC
2.) Henry's axles at Hurst
3.) 2.64 first gear T-10( listed as close-ratio box at factory- unclear if entire trans was wide ratio or if only first was altered in standard close-ratio trans- this done by racers /dealers via AMC memo recommendation )
4.)custom companion to the Hurst Super Shifter - longer, big diameter rods, new mount- rearward location of shifter-*NO reverse lock-out ( some cars did have reverse lock-outs- but there is no mention in the spec sheet or window sticker of that feature- only certain article cars that were gone over by builders- much later than initial delivery- seem to have reverse lock-out). Shifter, rods, mount, and floor mods installed and done at Hurst
5.) Twin-Grip at AMC
B.)Chassis
 1.)non-wheel cover, cheapest rims ( AMX base –5.5 inches ) - black
2.) manual drum brakes
C.)Body
 1.) Frost White
 2.) RWB - not directly by Hurst facility nor AMC
a) Possible facility found that did paint jobs- confirmation in the works. Indicators of the original RWB  application were tape jobs with the paint not following corners etc., overspray and plenty of orange peel.  More than onefacility in the area likely painted these cars to meet deadlines. More than one name has cropped up.
D.) Drivetrain
1.) Reverse lock-out for the type of shifter that went into these cars is directly tied into the Parts Supplement Sheets. Reverse lock-out kits were separate from shifter bodies ( add-on ).
a)reverse lock-out introduction was apparently at least a year before the initial build time for the batch of SS/AMX's.
b) Only one car is listed on the SS/AMX registry has being equipped with reverse lock out as delivered to the dealer. Delivery date is not mentioned. Follow-up with Hurst performance has resulted in the memory that all the cars were built to the same specification at Hurst. ^Once they left they could be outfitted any way a customer or dealer wished and those modifications could be made at the dealer.

^personal conclusion- follow-up with key contacts pending

Hurst SS/AMX - Part 4

Here's a Barrett-Jackson listing from several years ago. I've color keyed the AMC specific references:
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
"No. 953 1969 AMX Hurst Super Stock A9M397X213572
http://www.allbusiness.com/automotive/automotive-sector-performance-automotive-sales/6587829-1.html

Business Editors

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2000

Barrett-Jackson the World's Greatest Car Auction is excited to present a rare selection of factory muscle cars owned by Patrick J. McGroder III and ranked as the collection housing the most rare and concours examples
Click here to find out more!
of the elite muscle cars of the 1960s and early 1970s, this January 17-21, 2001 at WestWorld in Scottsdale.

McGroder began racing cars at Lancaster Speedway and Niagara Raceway in Buffalo before he had his first driver's license. He followed the evolution of the automobile and its impact on racing. His early racing days left him with a determination to acquire his own nostalgic piece of his past.

McGroder began collecting these rare muscle cars in the '80s with a goal to acquire the most famous muscle cars of the '60s, manufactured by the top American car builders.

In his quest McGroder sought out the rarest and most famous, factory or experimental cars some with infamous race histories, low mileage originals or the 100-point restored car. His collection is the best and foremost representation of the rarest of rare muscle cars in the world.

Representing an era in automobile history the McGroder Factory "Muscle Car Collection" is a result of a detailed meticulous search for rarity and originality. Included in this year's Barrett-Jackson auction will be (Car descriptions see Appendix A):

LOT YEAR TYPE VIN No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No. 953 1969 AMX Hurst Super Stock A9M397X213572

699 1963 Mickey Thompson's Pontiac 363P96968
"Swiss Cheese" Catalina
731 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle RPO Z-16 138375K173411
977 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS-5 1D67W2K606366
Convertible
947 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible 48633944701PE

764 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS-6 1366708176455
Convertible

For additional information on the McGroder Factory "Muscle Car Collection" or if you would like to receive information on becoming a bidder or consignor please call 480/421-6694 or visit the web site at www.barrett-jackson.com.

Appendix A

*Below is just the Lot 953 entry from the same listing

Lot No. 953

1969 AMX Hurst Super Stock

VIN No. A9M397X213572

The two-seater AMX/SS is one of the most intriguing cars of the 1960s high-performance era. The car's standard equipment included a 390 CID V-8 AMX engine, with two Holley high-performance carburetors on an Edelbrock aluminum dual-cross ram intake manifold. The Factory Muscle Collection's car is the "lucky" No. 13 car, which was delivered to an Indiana dealer as a backup or number two car.

Designed by AMC and Hurst to facilitate engine- bearing service, this car has a special "drop-out" section of the engine support member; only a few of these were produced. The vehicle is one of the original 26 cars painted with the red, white and blue AMC team colors.

This car was never pressed into service and has been completely restored to delivery condition with an odometer reading of less than 500 miles.

*
Key points of discussion regarding the car in the above Barrett-Jackson listing

1. Patrick J. McGroder III- is a well known collector– perhaps he has documents, history, or contact information to find out more about the car
2. "lucky" No. 13 car-in going to the SS/AMX site and reviewing the photos of the restored car it appears to be exactly the same as the car at the recent national AMO ( 2009 ) show right down to the '70 seats and driver's mirror- so contact and information should be fairly simple as that car was obviously registered at the show
3. this car has a special "drop-out" section of the engine support member- so does the #13 car on the SS site
4. A9M397X213572- the math adds up-213560 through 213572= 13
5. The vehicle is claimed to be one of 26 cars painted with the red, white and blue AMC team colors. Any literature to support this claim?

Hurst SS/AMX - Part 5

Below is the text of an article that appears on the AMXperience site:http://www.amx-perience.com/1969SSAMX.htm It is from about ten years ago according to Andre

"By Andre 'A.J.' Jacobs
  For the 1969 model year AMC and Hurst teamed up to produce what would be the ultimate AMC muscle car, the Super Stock AMX. AMC was sponsoring cars in SCCA racing (Sports Car Club of America, namely the Trans-Am series in this case) and did have the Grant Rebel Funny car, but they were really looking for a big attention getter in the Drag racing scene. The SC/Rambler was selling well and was doing its "thing" on Drag strips all over the U.S., but these cars were more in the amateur class. AMC needed a "PRO" car, and that was going to be the SS/AMX. Super Stock drag racing was one of the popular classes at that time and was just right for AMC to get in to. Fifty three frost white AMXs with charcoal interiors and sequential V.I.N.s (vehicle identification numbers) were sent to Hurst for the transformation. All cars were 390, four-speed models with 4.44:1 limited slip model 20 rear ends, drum brakes, and with the radio and heater deleted. The original sales price was $5,994 -- about $2300 more than a similarly equipped AMX from the factory! At Hurst the engine, transmission, rear springs, axles, shocks, sway bar, dash, interior and a variety of body brackets were pulled. Some of these parts were reworked and others were simply canned. Engines received J&E forged pistons, heads specially modified by Crane, manual tach drive, dual point distributor, cross ram intake manifold, and a pair of Holley four-barrel carburetors. The stock exhaust was replaced with headers and a minimal exhaust system. AMC advertised 340 hp, but NHRA factored them in as having 420, a more realistic number! The battery was relocated to the trunk. A steel flywheel and racing clutch housed in a safety shield were installed. The factory first gear (2:23) in the Borg Warner T-10 was replaced with a 2.64:1 gear ratio, and a relocated Hurst "Super Comp Plus" shifter was used. The rear end was the stock corporate AMC 20 with a 4.44:1 gear ratio and "Twin-Grip" limited slip differential. Hurst replaced the two-piece axle/hub units with single piece axles and replaced the rear springs and shocks with racing units. Rear wheel lips were opened up for 10 inch racing slicks. Race shocks were installed up front and the sway bar was left off; for a drag car it was just extra weight that impeded weight transfer as well (prevents the front wheels from dropping very fast and the front end lifting). Hood hinges, grill supports and fender supports were removed and discarded -- more extra weight. Four hood pins, two holes, and a big scoop were installed on the hood. On the inside all the carpet padding, sound deadening and the likes were removed, then the interior was reinstalled. Some cars ( the exact number is not known) were painted in AMCs racing colors of red, white and blue. The paint was very bad and must have been done outside on a windy day, AMC received many complaints on it. These cars were running 11:20s to 10:70s at 125-30 mph right out of the Hurst shops and were a serious threat on the drag strip. They were a real surprise to the competition during the 1969 racing season! When the 1970 season opened AMC sent out a kit to convert your 69 SS/AMX into a 70 SS/AMX. NHRA did not let this fly and the converted cars were not allowed to race in the Super Stock classes. The 69 sheet metal had to be put back on to run in Super Stock. This marked the end for most SS cars, as there was a lot of time and money spent to convert the cars (most cars were not converted back to the 69 sheet metal and were sold off to other racers who over the years cut and butchered these cars to make them faster in non-Super Stock classes. Chevy, Mopar and Ford engines were used by most non-AMC racers as they had little to no experience with the AMC 390). The consecutive V.I.N.s ran from A9M397X213560 & 213612*, all inclusive. The easiest way to spot an original SS/AMX is to check the V.I.N. If you don't happen to have the number or forgot the sequence, check for the factory radio delete plate and heater delete plate. This won't be a rough cut metal cover, but a factory die stamped plate. Many of these parts are not hard to find except for the correct block of plates ( not an SS/AMX part only) and the correctly numbered Holley carbs. You really need to check the V.I.N. before laying out a lot of cash for a car believed to be an SS/AMX but could be just a Stripped standard model. Many two-seat AMXs have been stripped for racing! A lot of the SS/AMXs were sold off to run in other forms of drag racing. I have been compiling information on these cars since 1986 and have located 32 authenticated Hurst SS/AMX cars. I run the Super Stock AMX Registry, and am always looking for photos, info, cars, driver/owners, etc. This is by no means the complete story, you will have to wait for the SS/AMX registry to be put on-line for more info.
Andre 'A.J." Jacobs, President, Alamo AMC Owner & Proprietor, South Texas AMC
Email: South Texas AMC Website: South Texas AMC "

* subsequent review DOES NOT change this figure to 213611 - other sources are reporting this number, but until a document comes out contradicting Andre's fresh recall ( and review of the document saying so )at the time he wrote the above article then the vin sequence  ending in 213612 is the most accurate and is the only ending number possible consistent with 53 production SS's being produced
Sources:
Andre Jacobs
Jim L'Esperance
Walt Czarnecki