One of a Kind Rides: The AMX-1

By Bill Duke and Danny White
Photos by Mike Ditty and Drag Racing Memories

The "AMX-1" raced by the Genuine Suspension team was a wild and wooly one of a kind ride. The Jim Thomas and Bob Walker owned machine was based on the old " Super Rat" AA/FA Fiat Topolino chassis. Bob Walker had raced AA/FAs since 1964 with partner Bud Geary. They were one of the last to run a small block Chevy AA/FA until 1966. In 1967, Walker, along with Ken DuBose and Larry Eades, built the "Super Rat" Fiat with a big block Chevrolet. In 1968, they switched to a 392 Chrysler Hemi and added a new sponsor -- Jim Thomas. The team became the "Genuine Suspension Special."

The "Genuine Suspension Boys" team decided in 1969 that there was more money in funny car racing. Instead of building a whole new car, the team mounted an AMX Javelin body on the chassis. Other teams that raced converted Fuel Altereds in AA/FC were Manken & Snodgrass with the "Psycho" Mustang and Bob Hankins with the "Blue Blazer" Corvette. Ron Ellis had an AMX similar to Walker and Thomas, but it was a blown gas AA/Altered.

The AMX-1 was not a big winner, but did run some solid numbers in 1969. Tom Ferraro had the best success in the "AMX-1" with a 7.35, 193 clocking. Ken DuBose also drove the car to 8-second times in the 180-mph range. Ferraro’s experience with AA/FAs made him the natural regular driver of the evil tempered little car. (Tom also drove the "Low Blow" AA/FA in 1969). Ferraro was reported to be at the wheel when the "AMX-1" burned to the ground. He received serious burns that put him out of racing for a couple of years.

The team disbanded with Jim Thomas building a new funny car on his own in 1971. Bob Walker joined Gary Densham in 1971. Tom Ferraro drove funny cars for John Hoven and Don Green. What happened to DuBose, Eades, and Geary is unknown. But for a short time in the late ‘60s, these guys teamed up to field a true one of a kind ride.

Bill Duke and Danny White
Photos by Drag Racing Memories and Mike Ditty