Although it is now little more than a distant memory, AMC developed a reputation for producing some extremely nice passenger cars. This 1969 Javelin is a perfect example of its craft, with styling that remains clean and crisp over five decades after it left the line. Its presentation is first-rate, and with a genuine 35,000 miles on the clock, that is unsurprising. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Javelin listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The seller set their auction to open at $15,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.
AMC launched the Javelin in late 1967 as its entry into the growing pony car market segment. It was up against some pretty strong players from Ford and General Motors, meaning that gaining a foothold was always going to be challenging. This 1969 Javelin demonstrates the sheer scope of the challenge, as while the Mustang and Camaro sold 299,824 and 243,085 cars respectively, only 40,675 buyers took home a Javelin during that model year. Our featured car is a gem, with the seller stating that it has a genuine 35,000 miles on the clock. They don’t refer to verifying evidence, although assessing the car’s overall condition makes the claim plausible. However, they mention a restoration history, which may prompt some enthusiasts to feel that this AMC isn’t a genuine survivor. Its Blue Metallic paint is spotless, exhibiting a wonderful depth of color and shine. The Black vinyl top is in as-new condition, and the overall appearance suggests that this Javelin has been sheltered from adverse weather conditions and long-term UV exposure since its restoration. The stripes are crisp, and this Javelin rolls on a set of sparkling Magnum 500 wheels.
The theme of impressive presentation continues inside this Javelin. The Black cloth on the seats is free from wear, as is the carpet. The dash and pad are excellent, with no evidence of cracks in the area around the speaker grille. The only disappointment for me is the aftermarket stereo. The installer would have cut the dash to accommodate this, making reversal relatively difficult. Another addition is the brace of gauges beside the driver’s left knee. They represent cheap insurance to monitor the car’s mechanical health, but removing them would be straightforward if the new owner prefers authenticity.
One characteristic shared by all First Generation pony cars was a concerted effort by manufacturers to produce vehicles appealing to a broad range of tastes and budgets. Buyers could order a Javelin with a six-cylinder engine under the hood, but this car’s first owner opted for the M-Code 290ci V8. AMC quoted power and torque figures of 200hp and 285 ft/lbs in that year’s sales literature, with both numbers only slightly lower than those quoted by Ford for its entry-level 302ci Mustang powerplant. The first owner also ticked the box on their Order Form beside the three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller acknowledges the cosmetic enhancements visible in the engine bay shots, but doesn’t mention any mechanical upgrades. They also leave us in the dark regarding this classic’s mechanical health, although I can’t spot any issues that might cause buyer concern.
The list of American manufacturers that produced great cars but eventually disappeared from the automotive landscape is a sad read. Few would have believed that Mercury and Pontiac would find their way into the dusty pages of history books, and the same is true of AMC. This Javelin demonstrates the company’s ability, and the marque deserved more success than it ultimately enjoyed. Finding fault with this classic seems impossible, and the listing statistics suggest that it has generated respectable interest in the short time it has been on the market. Will that translate into bids? Only time will tell.
What a beautiful Javelin. Looking at the photos on my phone I have to say, I believe the mileage claim. Unless there’s something I’m missing here. Gorgeous color on it too, they have really nice lines to them. The small V8 and automatic will make for nice cruising too. Curvette, you seriously find some winners here. And Adam, as always I truly enjoyed your write up.
Door panels from a 68 Javelin. Non-SST steering wheel. Ive never seen a non-sst car, with a four barrel v-8. This car is far from survivor. The listing says completely restored. Beautiful car, but if you are looking for authenticity, bring an AMC guy with you, and look it over closely. Not saying the seller is trying to deceive, but the average car guy doesn’t know much about AMCs. BTW- the M code 290 was 225hp.
My 68 Javelin was a 343 4 barrel and was not a SST.
However one thing that stands clear in my memory is the vacuum wipers, I was passing a semi in heavy rain when he hit a big puddle which flooded my engine and it stalled. 65 mph with no wipers in the heavy rain while I I was trying to restart has stayed in my memory anytime I see a Javelin or AMX.
M code is the 200 hp 2 barrel with 9:1 compression. N is the 225 4 barrel with 10.2 compression.
Really nice Javelin, before they got all weird. I don’t see the problem with the radio. It looks like it was professionally installed, no gaps or rough edges. Hmm, what should I choose? Modern tuneage well done or an original, crap ass, AM staticky radio that has no value except as a badge of originality. I mean if it came with a gramophone as original equipment would you keep it? The gauges yes, are annoying. AMC didn’t have an optional gauge package? At least a column mounted tach would be period correct.
You never heard a Blaupunkt AM radio in a Mercedes. Quiet and very strong reception and beautiful tone for an AM. Older Chryslers and GM in particular had great sounding AM too, especially if they were Motorola or Delco units..
U ain’t gonna hear much on AM radio today in my very congested now diverse area – just talk radio & too many stations not even in English. I can’t even find any decent music now on FM!
The 1969 SST Javelins had an 8000 rpm tach in the gauge cluster to the right of the speedometer. I believe you could also get a smaller dealer installed tach in the clock opening to the left of the gauge cluster. With the Go Package you could also get a vacuum gauge and an oil pressure gauge mounted in the center of the dash above the radio. The seats in this Javelin should be low back with adjustable head rest, the seats in this car are from 1970 or later.
You are correct about the seats. The other stuff is not accurate. 1968 Javelin could have a tach in the left dash hole and it was $50 extra; usually a clock was there. The 68 AMX had the tach as standard; if one wanted a clock and a tach, then the Rally Pac was needed. For 1969, the optional instrument cluster had a 140 speedo and a large tach. The hole on the left was either blank or a clock was installed. The Rally Pac in 1969 had a vacuum gauge instead of the clock. Go-Pac did not include gauges or a tach. The AMX, 68-70, always had a tach standard. In a Javelin, the 1968 tach or the 1969-70 tach-instrument cluster was about $50 and was not part of the Go-Pac.
JLHudson is a cool handle that some will recognize.
Blue Dots in tail lights are not original. Or legal in Florida except on pre-’48 cars.
Thank you Officer. I am willing to bet you are on an HOA also, tell me I am wrong.
No, not on an HOA. But I HAVE been ticketed for blue dots. Maybe you should think about how someone would know this before you type.
Same year as the Javelin I had in the late 70s, but mine was in SST trim with black stripes, wood grain trimmed dash and 390. That was a car I really wish I had today (along with a host of others!).
I knew the AMC guys would know what’s what with this car. It’s the nicest Javelin I have ever seen and I remember looking at these cars new on the dealers lot. Very few people seem to restore them. It’s much easier to restore a Mustang or Camaro out of a catalog.
From a style standpoint these really competed more with the Mercury Cougar. Beautiful car that may need little to enjoy. You surely won’t see a bunch going the other way.
Beautiful car. I’ve always loved the 1967-70 AMC Javelin SST.
Very nice AMC here. I did notice the blue dots in the tail lamps. The price is OK and a better deal than the 1974 Nova SS for 42,000 dollars a few car latter on barnfinds.
If I could own another Javelin it would be a 70 red, white and blue Trans Am Javelin especially one that was sent back to AMC to be specially set up for competition.
Very nice Javelin. Not totally factory correct but still nice. Non-SST Javelins are rare. Don`t know if SST options (trim package basically) add value. Nice AMCs have become popular. I have owned my 1970 since 1974. About the best car I`ve ever owned. Beautiful and fast–390 Go-Pack.