American Motors joined the “pony car” market in 1968 with the Javelin. Because AMC was always short on funds, some of the Javelin’s underpinnings were developed from the American compact. The car ran for two generations and seven years with a mild refresh in 1970. Located in a garage in Joplin, Missouri, this stalled project comes with two engines and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000. A nod goes to “Terry” for this Kenosha tip!
During its run, the Javelin didn’t present much of a threat to the market share owned in that class by the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Yet AMC built more than 28,000 of them in 1970 when the car received new styling in the front clip. More than two-thirds of that population was the SST model, which carried a higher level of trim. Many of the 1970 Javelins were built with a 304 cubic inch V8, including the seller’s project car.
Given the amount of plastic filler we see in several places, someone has been trying to get rid of the rust this car has collected. And the buyer may elect to replace some of the sheet metal instead, such as the rear quarter panels. This car could be wearing what’s left of its original Golden Lime paint, and the black interior has seen better days. We’re told the car has 33,000 miles, but 133,000 may be more likely.
Under the hood sits what appears to be a freshly rebuilt and tweaked 360 cubic inch V8 that’s not running (why?). It’s paired with an automatic transmission (functioning status unmentioned). But if you prefer numbers-matching, the seller has the 304 V8 that came out of the Javelin, perhaps because it no longer operates. If you’re looking for one of these to restore, the asking price doesn’t seem to be in the stratosphere compared to a Mustang or Camaro.
The ad shows as no longer available.
The price and pictures in the above writeup are enticing enough that a serious potential buyer would likely contact the seller, ask some cursory questions and make arrangements to see it in person ASAP. That’s how it used to be done, and in some cases, still is. If it was sold I hope the new owner enjoys their purchase.
Steve R