The Javelin was American Motors’ entry into the growing “pony car” space. It ran for two generations and seven years (1968-70, 1971-74) before AMC (and Chrysler) exited the market. The seller has a 1969 edition with a 343 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission, thought to be a rare pairing (if numbers matching). The vehicle runs and drives, but needs cosmetic work (paint and interior). Located in Payson, Arizona, this Kenosha classic is available here on eBay where the current bid is $5,100 with an unmet reserve, Another tip from — who else — Curvette!
AMC sold 55,000 Javelins in 1968, so by their standards, it was a hit. Sales dropped a bit in 1969 to 40,000 units, but the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro (the market leaders) both had refreshed styling. AMC had something the others didn’t have, the AMX, a 2-seat GT-style muscle car that didn’t sell nearly as well as the Javelin, so the concept was dropped after three years. The seller-provided VIN suggests the engine and transmission could be transplants, and a 343/4-speed combo is thought to be rare, especially in a car with 67,000 miles.
The seller is a professed car guy, and this one is on the chopping block because he doesn’t want it to sit out in the heat all Summer while he’s away. It wears black paint, which has problems (the hood, which was lifted from a 1970 Javelin), but it may not be the car’s original color (per the seller). The clear coat is a big issue on the roof and fenders. The interior is pretty roug,h and there are garbage bags over the bucket seats. But we’re told it’s a good runner.
This Javelin has a rebuilt title from 30 years ago, which comes with an interesting story. The seller provides a to-do list of what he would do if he kept the car, which all add up to $6,000. But at least $1,000 in spare parts will come with the deal to help you fix up the Javelin. The 343 V8 has been tweaked with Roller Rockers, an aluminum intake manifold, headers, and the Ram Air hood. Recent items fixed include the starter, alternator, gas tank, exhaust, carburetor, and partial brakes. This seems like an interesting fellow selling the car, so I suspect he will shoot straight with you in sealing the deal.
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