I have often wondered what AMC might have achieved had it had access to a General Motors or Ford-size research and development budget. The company produced some genuinely interesting and innovative vehicles on a pretty worn shoestring, proving that there were plenty of people in the company’s back rooms who could think outside the square. One of my favorite models is the 1972 Javelin AMX, featuring stunning style and a sense of presence. Our feature car pushes this further, as it is 1-of-12 to roll off the line wearing this paint shade. It isn’t a trailer queen and should be considered a high-end driver. The seller has listed it in a No Reserve auction, so why not take a close look to decide whether you could give this Javelin a new home?
AMC launched its Second Generation Javelin range for the 1971 model year, following the prevailing industry practice that saw almost every dimension increase when compared to its predecessor. This gave the car a greater sense of presence, with the styling receiving compliments from the motoring press. Our feature classic is a 1972 Javelin AMX, and while the Javelin badge enjoyed a banner sales year in 1972, only 3,220 buyers selected the AMX variant. That makes this a relatively rare car from a “big picture” perspective, but this Javelin takes that to a far higher level. AMC offered Javelin buyers a choice from nineteen paint shades during this model year, but only twelve buyers ordered their AMX finished in Classic Black. It would be easy to believe that this car underwent a color change during a refresh performed around twenty years ago. However, the included image of the Trim Tag confirms that this is the real deal. The seller is candid about its condition, considering it a driver-quality classic. They state that a close inspection will reveal minor flaws and imperfections, but this hasn’t prevented this gem from causing considerable interest since hitting the market. The Gold stripes and Rallye wheels enhance the visual appeal and are as clean as the trim and glass. It isn’t perfect, but I believe that this javelin could still draw crowds wherever it goes.
It is fair to say that this Javelin has few weaknesses, and the interior won’t cause the winning bidder any shame. Trimmed in a combination of Black cloth and vinyl, there is little to criticize about its presentation. The seats look remarkably good for their age, with no signs of abuse or significant wear. The dash and pad are excellent, and the beautiful machine-turned gauge fascia exhibits minor fading. This interior is more purposeful than luxurious, but the buyer will welcome the Rally gauge cluster, the Tick-Tock-Tach, and the pushbutton radio.
The first owner ordered this Javelin with the entry-level AMX drivetrain combination. This teamed a 304ci V8 with a three-speed manual transmission and power steering. That V8 places 150hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, allowing the 3,197 lb Javelin to cover the ¼-mile in 16.8 seconds. That figure is considerably slower than a ’71 Camaro Z28, although the Javelin wouldn’t lag far behind an entry-level Mustang Mach 1, even though the Ford’s engine produces significantly more power and torque. The seller states that this is a numbers-matching classic that is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives extremely well, and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
I often treat rarity claims with a pinch of salt, because it is surprisingly easy to state that a specific set of options makes any classic rare. However, various sources that I have accessed agree that no more than twelve examples of the 1972 AMC Javelin AMX emerged from the factory wearing this paint shade. How many remain is a question I can’t answer, but there is little chance that the new owner will park beside an identical vehicle at a show or a Cars & Coffee. The seller has listed this Javelin here on eBay in New Baltimore, Michigan. Bidding has raced to $16,600, and with No Reserve in play, a new home is beckoning for this classic. There is still time for potential buyers to ensure their financial ducks are in a row before making a play for this Javelin. Could you be tempted?
The kids in the neighborhood must’ve loved this car, as it went thru the gears⚙️
(IMO) Needs to be lowered somewhat in the back, and some better exhaust tips to REALLY make this BEAUTY sparkle!! I always thought that the Javelin was one of the most “muscular” looking muscle cars with the fender bulges. GLWTA!! :-)
I agree, i saw what you did.
BEEEEEEEEEEEautiful. Normally not a fan of black, but the stripe sets it off nice. This car had 3 strikes agin it from the get go, “A”, “M”, and “C”. Had this car been offered by another car maker, it would have been a much bigger hit. As said many times, this was our zenith in sporty cars. It’s oddly optioned as I read the 304 with 150 hp is a 2 barrel, and the 3 speed is a bit out of place, but by golly, this was one awesome car and I’m proud to say it was made in my hometown. I read these cost right around $3grand new, about the same as a Mach 1. I hope AMC is remembered for these cars and not what followed.
A classmate of mine in high school had an all black ’74 AMX with the 360 and automatic. He later converted it to a 4-speed manual, which made it more fun, but I always liked the looks of the horseshoe shifter auto. I also liked the weird placement of the glove box and the toggle switches on the dash. Lots and lots of memories of his car.
Would’ve given a Thumbs Up 👍🏻 to all of you in total agreement but the button is broken somewhere ..🤔
I love these. I am going to own one some day. Love this in black.
Oh what a beautiful AMC.
I luv the color combos..
Probably would put a four barrel and performance intake with 3” duals to gain some ponies but box 📦 original parts.
Then its weekend trophy collect..with car shows…,
Back in the day was $400 away from
my 1955 Chev hardtop hot rod traded for an 1973 with the 401 BB painted orange Javelin with M50s in back and skinny 4s in front.
Regretted not trading…
Good luck with sale.. i have bookmarked but get the feeling were above 35 grand here as deservingly so…,
the small engine,3 speed,and no air conditioning hurts this car a bit in my opinion
I’d be willing to bet that there so few in Classic Black is due to it being an extra-cost option, and AMC had a bunch of other color choices. It’s odd, however, that the first owner paid extra for paint, but chose the base powertrain. Always fun to speculate what was going on in the mind of someone sitting down with their dealer back in the day and checking option boxes for their new car.
Sometimes appearance trumps performance. This is a good looking car.
That statement applies to a lot of things in life.
Yes, it sure does.
We’ve heard from salesmen from that time period( sorry ladies, not many women in car sales then) and they had some interesting stories to tell. As mentioned before, growing up in that time period, I never remember black cars. A/C was not a popular option then, and a black car pretty much showed your ignorance.
BTW, just a shot in the dark, any relation to Whit Bazemore? He was an awesome driver!
Indeed, Bazemore is a rare name. According to my family tree, Whit is a not-too-distant cousin. Several years ago, I reached out to him, as I also love cars, am in the auto industry, and thought we’d have lots in common, but, sadly I never heard back.
If it was a 401 4-speed, it would be desirable…good looking car though.
If it were mine I’d put a 401 in it. I’d take the 304 have detailed and painted. Put the 304 on display in my garage. When it’s time to sell it,let the next guy put it back if he wants to. A car like that has to be some what fast to be fun for me.
After owning a 70 Javelin SST with the 390 go pak the next generation Javelins never grew on me. Nice Javelin though.
Nice ride Greg G, love the SST and those 390s were putting out alot of power in 70′
Great looking car. I remember there was an AMX and a Javelin, they were two different cars as I recall. This one appears to use both names on the same sheet metal, what happened there? Although I never owned one, I always wondered why the AMC name had such a poor reputation. Sad, because this is a really nice car.
Having owned an AMX I believe they were all built on a shortened Javelin wheelbase and as a result had no back seat. This is a nice Javelin.
Sharp Javelin (pun intended)… can’t believe they didn’t build more in black. I would imagine a person could “enhance” the 304 to get more horsepower. Ditto to lowering the rear. Our family had a 76 Matador brougham coupe with the 304…it was ok but everything was ok since that’s the year I got my driver’s license.
What a nice Javelin…I have to agree with the comment above about these cars looking the most “muscular” of the muscle cars.:.Damn sharp. I’d be happy with this in the garage, 304 2bbl and all…
Comparing a 1971 Z/28 to a 1972 AMX now ?