The first generation AMC Javelin spent its 1968-1970 model life seemingly one step behind other pony cars such as Mustangs & Camaros. Essentially a shortened, fastback Hornet (certainly a decent platform to start from!) the Javelin was a nicer car than it got credit for. This SST model was the luxury version and is listed for sale here on craigslist in Vancouver, Washington. The seller is asking $7,900 for the luxury pony car.
AMC made it clear from their 1970 advertisements that the Javelin could be optioned to satisfy several different types of buyers. The SST model pictured on the right was aimed at the luxury sport coupe buyer–as they said in the ad, “one for the show.” You could get the car with the “Go Package”, although it’s not clear whether the one for sale was so equipped. It does have a 360 cubic inch V-8, though.
Our featured car is equipped with the landau vinyl top option and what may be the original paint. While there are no closeups available and very little information in the text of the ad, it looks like the body will require some rust repair on the c-pillars and that doesn’t fill me with optimism about the condition of the rocker or quarter panels.
The interior, however, looks pretty darned nice for a car this old. I’m reminded that the term “bucket seats” didn’t include the sides of those buckets. Hopefully, the dash is as uncracked as it looks? This SST is well-equipped including power disc brakes, power steering, and a factory tilt wheel.
The 360 V-8 was nothing to sneeze at (in its day) and will certainly move the Javelin along. Considering the stock appearance of the outside of the car, if I were the new owner I’d be trying to source some original components to tone down the air cleaner and spark plug wires. I’m also left wondering why the battery is disconnected. The ad states that the car is in “great condition for its age” and “runs and drives fine” but that’s about it. I’d certainly recommend an in-person inspection before purchase. Are any of our readers interested in checking this one out?
“Essentially a shortened, fastback Hornet”
that would be a Gremlin…
That’s even shorter! True, though!
Actually the Javelin was built off of the Rambler American when it debuted in 1968.
Despite the very visible difference in exterior body and interior, the only real chassis difference between the American and Hornet is the latter finally lost the Rambler’s upper trunnions in the front suspension in favor of ball joints. (As did all AMC cars for 1970.)
Javelin & AMX were a bit wider than the American, but basically the same. Same tactic as Ford building the Mustang from the Falcon. AMX was supposed to get its own special chassis & a fiberglass body but that was too expensive. The AMX was to be cancelled when Evans said build it. The engineers then cleverly adapted it to the American platform like the Javelin.
Not even CLOSE to resembling a Hornet.
No, not really. I purchase a 70 SST with the 390 and 4 on the floor. Car performed well, and rode well. It’s lower and wider than the Hornet or Gremlin. (Younger brother had a Gremlin.)
Add a new paint job (original color) and you’re good to go! ’68-’70 AMX or Javelin are righteous in my book.
This is the prior battery tender era !
You simply unplugged the battery when not using the car
I did it for years before buying a battery saver , they work well if you leave it plugged in !
Ask me how i know …
If that’s an expansive heavy optima battery, it’s ridiculous for this car unless, you want the car to start outside at the north pole in January.
The entry level batteries are much better & powerful these days. The compact cheapest walmart $55 side term bat is now
600 cca !
I get 9 yrs out of all my batteries on rarely used(max once every 8 weeks) cars inside & outside in the Northest- i just discon the neg term on the batteries on a ’68, ’74, & ’91. (OBD2 cars are a different story.)
Back in the day, entry level bats were like 400 cca., heavy, had caps, & corroded bat terminals & trays like crazy.
Why is the ad still up? $7900? Even if it does have some mild rust issues, it looks to me like a great buy, and a SST to boot. Love the Javelin with my favorite year being a ’71. I bet with a little work, and a few dollars, it would clean nicely.
If it was in Ohio I would already own it.
I see power disc brakes
GT750. Offer a little less and have it shipped. Never let distance stop you from getting a great car I’ve had 4 shipped to me over the years
Love the color and the landau roof. Not sure I have ever seen that before. Could be a great little car.
I had one, it was a 1970 SST, yellow with half a black top, 360 cu inch with 4 barrel carb, she was fast, so yes, it’s an original.
Nice looking car. My favourite years for the Javelin have always been the 1967, 1968, 1969, and 1970. It’s nice to see an original survivor and a driver.
1968 was the first year for the Javelin.
’67 saw the introduction of the Camaro and Cougar.
in 71 if i remember me and my step bro shared a 70 bright yellow javelin 304 i believe with a 3 speed stick… decent lil car…
Your memory seems a little foggy, but, hey, it was the 70s. LOL
“Your memory seems a little foggy, but, hey, it was the 70s. LOL”
Yeah, the 50-year time gap does contribute to an occasional brain slip… :-) :-)
If it was within 500 miles, I’d be chasing it ! Not going to fight the border issues and long distance trailering is a killer price wise !
Man! If I didn’t have 2 toys already, this would/might be a nice driver! Those 360’s move pretty good. Didn’t the Go-pak include Ram-Air set up? I had a blue Mark Donohue Javelin which had that. I can’t remember either.
The Javelin was the forerunner to the Camaros and Mustangs as police cars. The State of Alabama had them, marked and unmarked. Nothing outran them.
Why are the shock tower bracket a different color?
I had one, it was a 1970 SST, yellow with half a black top, 360 cu inch with 4 barrel carb, she was fast, so yes, it’s an original. Bought it new, I was a junior in high school, payments were $41 a month.