Leave it to American Motors to think outside of the box. When they introduced their Javelin pony car for 1968, they also rolled out a GT-style, 2-seater of the same car (shorter wheelbase with rear seat removed). When the second generation Javelin was launched for 1971, the economics were no longer there to support two cars, so the AMX became largely a performance option on the 4-seat car. This ’72 AMX is a project car that the seller has faith in by saying it could be roadworthy again with a few days of work. Located in Los Angeles, California, this AMC product is available here on craigslist for $14,750. Thanks, MattR, for finding this one for us!
In 1972, the biggest and baddest engine available in the AMX was a 401 V8 with Ram Air. The 1971-74 Javelin AMX’s were rarer cars than the standalone AMX’s were for 1968-70. In 1972, AMC only built 3,220 AMX’s and just 825 of those had the company’s biggest engine, including the seller’s car. We’re told the car originally was triple black, but the body was later painted red. This included a vinyl top which looks kind of shiny in the photos and may have been pulled and the roof repainted. The seller says he has photos of an older restoration, but those aren’t included in the listing. We’re told there was rust repaired on the rear quarter panels.
We don’t know the odometer reading, but the seller says the engine and automatic transmission have been rebuilt, so the car should run well. And the Ram Air induction components seem to be accounted for. The car came equipped with the Go Pack option and a posi-traction rear end, but the one there now is from a Ford. The car comes with headers, and both stock and high-output intake manifolds. The seats have been reupholstered except for the passenger bucket, which is missing, so most of the work may lie in re-assembling the interior.
Javelins from 1972 seem to top out at around $20,000, according to Hagerty. And yet NADA says the AMX could run as high as $55,000. Sounds like a large disconnect for what is essentially the same car under the skin. But if you can finish putting this one back together and take the paint back to original specifications, you’d have a car that folks would perk up and take notice of.
” high-output intake manifolds” …. LOL a contradiction of words.
‘high-output intake manifolds’
Oxymoron.
Looks like a Javelin to me, Javelin dash and grill
…hood and fenders. Yeah, it’s a Javelin.
The seller needs to provide the VIN as it will define whether or not it’s a true 401 optioned SST, with a letter “Z” in the 2nd or 3rd digit of the VIN. Also AMX versions ended in 1970. In 1971 the Javelin was introduced and SST was the “Premium ” package offered with the 8 slotted ralley rims and Tornado center caps, Aluminum turned dash inlay with gauge cluster etc. Options included the 304,360,390 and the 401c.i. engine. The front grill on this one is is a ’73 -74, 72 had a 1 yr. Only “egg crate grill” with the turnsignals fitted below the chrome bumper. The spare grill pictured by itself is from a ’70. The hood should be correct if it’s fiberglass. I would be suspect on whether this is a true 401 with so many things that are pieced onto the car, and no mention of whether the Vin and #’s are matched. Not to mention why there’s a Ford 9″ rear-end?
Funny. I had a 72 AMX 401 4spd. Not an SST
I had a 71 AMX 401 Loaded!! Purple with white stripes. We called it the Batmobile!!
It’s got a 4-0-1!! Oh, we in the Badger were mighty proud of the 401, we finally hit the big leagues with a 400+ ci motor, even though, it was just a “Shiny 390”, it said, we too meant business. Probably one of the most versatile AMC motors, made it into a slew of vehicles, including IH trucks when 392’s were in short supply. I’d have to say, this car was the nicest car to come from AMC. It was downhill from here. AMC fan or not, definitely worth saving.
Worth saving. But, IMHO, I wouldn’t pay the asking price. Yet, bidding has increased. I usually like Javelins, just not this one. If you have the deep enough pockets, go for it.
Nightmare. Wires everywhere, there are several pulleys not being driven by belts. $5,000 tops and you have to be a masochist to take it on.
This IS a rare car, unbelievably so if it’s a matching 401!! These cars were the real deal with the 401. Properly running, it would give the 1973-74 455 Super Dutys a scare. Not a lot of else comes to mind that would beat these(1972on, anyway)…
This is a real Z code 401with AC. We purchased it about a year after the original owner became incapacitated and unable to continue. It appears the Ford 9″ was installed to race. We have the original posi and it appears ok visually. The trim code confirms the original color was black. The car does still have the pins on the roof for the trims surrounding the split vinyl top. The 401 runs well. This is a ram air car with the correct air cleaner and fiberglass cowl hood.
Will be stunning when done? But until then not!!
The ad text says “rebuilt 401/727 auto. a/c. engine runs great”, but belts and hoses are disconnected. One pic has the compressor in place and it’s missing in another. If the pictures reflect the current condition then it wouldn’t appear to be driveable.
Why do so many people seem to love pulling wires out from behind the dash and let them hang all over the place????