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.
I miss AMC. (and the Javelin!)
The seller previously listed on eBay with an opening bid of $14,999 and no reserve, there were no bids at that price. The reserve is likely in that neighborhood.
Steve R
To me,if they put $14,999 and no reserve,it means that the
reserve is $14999.A “No Reserve” auction would be $1 minimum-
bid,as you can’t put “No Reserve” in.
I’d never start a no reserve auction for an expensive item I was trying to sell for $1, it would be foolish. I’m not concerned what someone else thinks, they aren’t the ones with something to lose. I’m not a fan of auctions with a reserve, most items aren’t unique, with a little research you can generally figure out an items value. On the rare case where you truly have a unique item, I’d definitely run an auction with the minimum I’d take and be happy if it sold for more.
Steve R
I remember AMC dealers prominently back in the days. The Javeline and AMX were pretty strong in street racing back then. And one guy had a Gremlin that dominated many times. And still owns it!
Although I’m a Mustang Man to the end, I wouldn’t mind this Javeline in my toy box even as a project at this level. Unfortunately finances don’t all right. I hope someone picks this up and does it right.
I’ve driven most of the engines in Javelin variants, a 290 4bbl 4spd, a 343 4bbl 4 spd, and a 390 4 spd in my AMX. Strangely, the nicest engine was the 343. It had all kinds of pep and ran better at street speeds than the 390, even though it was in a slight heavier car. If I was a few years younger I’d be all over this one.
The VIN shows it was originally a 290 cu in with an automatic trans. Console shift. AMCrs dont use expressions like ‘numbers matching’ . No real numbers to match. The door tag would have the code for the original paint and interior colors. Maybe, pull up the carpet.I would LOVE to get my hands on this car, but the seller is looking for way too much. I would keep the 343 and 4spd. I have had two 68 Javelins with that combination, and it is a great one! AMC V-8s are hard to kill. I. beat the sh*t out of mine back in the day, and they never gave me any trouble. It will cost a lot in $$ and labor to get this car whipped into shape.
with a good amount of money and time it could be nice. right now, it’s quite a mess
Every car on Barn Finds appears severely over priced. This is a market I will have to sadly ignore until the apocalypse. (But I’ll keep checking because I like these old cars.) If I am going to spend 30K and more for any car or truck, it will be almost new.
You make it sound like Barn Finds is pricing and selling the cars that appear here. That is not accurate.
These are just articles about items that are for sale elsewhere.
The best deals are usually through word of mouth and are often not advertised to the general public.
Steve R
FWIW, that’s a 70 front bumper (just like the one still in my basement!), and it looks like the front end was converted to a 70, along with the hood. Neither here nor there, but I personally liked the front end of the 68-69 better.
The vin in the ad must be wrong. The 3rd digit C means it came with a consul shifted auto trans, the 7th digit is an M which doesn’t match any of the 1969 AMC engine codes. It should have an S or Z for a 343 V8. Everything else is correct for a 69 Javelin.
In a Javelin, there is only one VIN code for a 343. That code is T for a 343 4 barrel. 343 2 barrel engines were not available in the Javelin. M code is 290 2 barrel and N is 290 4 barrel.
Nice project. Best part, it is a runner. Worst part, the presumed 15k reserve.
Maybe 6-8k in my book.
Originally 290 automatic, floor console shift. Door tag will tell you paint and interior colors. Agree with robt, 6-8000k. AMCs dont have numbers to match.
Lovely looking car. Although I have never owned a Javelin/AMX, I’ve seen a few in my lifetime. My favourite gen version is the 1968-70 generation. I hope whoever bought this car enjoys it and takes care of it.
A good rebuild starts with the correct parts.Not to be picky but the hood and grill are from 1970. If doesn’t matter you can still put a nice AMC together. It just depends how original you want to be. Great possibilities here.
The Javelin reminds me of the Chevy Nova.
Ended at $6600.
Reserve Not Met.
17 bids.