From the front clip to the paint shade and the V8 under the hood, much has changed since this AMC Javelin SST rolled off the line in 1972. The upgrades weren’t merely to personalize this classic, but to unlock significant performance gains. It is a tidy, rock-solid driver that is ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel. The seller has listed the Javelin here on eBay in Clear Lake, Minnesota, with an asking price of $18,900 OBO.
I have long admired AMC because it produced some pretty interesting cars on a shoestring budget. The Javelin is a perfect example, remaining in production for seven model years. The company introduced its Second Generation update in 1971, with our featured car rolling off the line the following year. Before we delve into the changes, it is worth noting that this beauty is claimed to be rust-free. That is good news for those who don’t want to wield a grinder or welder. The car underwent many changes during the 1990s. These included replacing the hood and front fenders with panels from a 1970 AMX while retaining its correct SST grille. I don’t see this as a bad move, because I’ve always preferred these fenders to the later versions that look quite “heavy.” The builder also took the opportunity to change the color. Its panels now wear Loden Green Metallic, a shade available on the Jeep color palette from 1977 until 1979. Since several decades have passed, the seller admits there are small cosmetic imperfections. However, the paint retains a healthy shine, and the panels are straight. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the Javelin rolls on period-correct aftermarket alloy wheels.
The first owner ordered this Javelin with a 304ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The car retains most of its original mechanical components, although the 304 has vacated the premises in favor of an upgraded 360ci powerplant. The 1972 Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 150hp and 245 ft/lbs for the 304. The 360 pushed those figures to 195hp and 295 ft/lbs, and since this motor appears to wear an improved intake and carburetor, it might deliver a few additional ponies. The seller indicates that the aluminum radiator, battery, tires, belts, hoses, and speedometer cable are new. It runs and drives well, and can be considered a turnkey proposition.
Trimmed in Black vinyl and featuring bucket seats, a console, and touches of woodgrain, this Javelin’s interior is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The seller indicates a small, repairable split on the passenger seat base as the only upholstery issue. The remaining vinyl looks nice, and the carpet and dash are clean. The original headliner failed years ago and was replaced by a plastic card that looks okay. Other changes include a retro-style stereo and a tachometer mounted where the clock used to be.
I acknowledge that this 1972 AMC Javelin SST won’t appeal to everyone. The changes will undoubtedly upset purists, but I suspect each was made to improve the breed. The 360ci V8 definitely ticks that box, and should provide an entertaining driving experience. Interestingly, the updates haven’t dampened interest, because the listing statistics suggest people like what they see. Whether that translates into sales success is anyone’s guess, but it only takes one person for this Javelin to find a new home. Do you think that will happen?
It looks like this Javelin is a Frankenstein. The front end looks like it came from a 1970 & the rear from a 1972. I had a 1971 & it had the new style with the “humps” over the front wheels which continued until the demise of the model.
I might be in the minority but loved the crazy fenders on the 72, didn’t look like anything else. Dad owned a 72 SST in white with blue stripes so some fond memories.
I always liked the front fenders. The Ring brothers who build amazing cars built a 1972 Javelin for Prestone antifreeze every part of the car was reworked while keeping the fender humps. You can look at that car for hours and still see something you missed they have made about a dozen cars and trucks that are just as amazing as the Javelin named Defiance.
Interesting to look at. One wonders if they would’ve sold any better if they’d not changed the front clip in ‘71. Needs a chrome bumper and ‘70 grille. Or paint it to match “Big Bad Javelin” style. Looks pretty rough going through the pictures.
The purists can go to museums if they want to see unaltered classic cars. The changes made make this car drive able, are those air conditioning vents I see? The headliner with the LED bulbs are odd but go with the vibe of the car. A stick would be nice but I would go with it the way it is.
I belive this looks so much better than the stock
’72 front end.The stock ’72 looked like it was done on
the cheap,& to save money.
The car my husband bought a week after getting home from Viet Nam, we had a 1968 Red Javelin, no frills. We drove it to Yuma, Az and the day we arrived for his next duty station it was 112 degrees. We had everything we owned in the backseat of it. When we returned back to Oklahoma we had a baby in the backseat. Many memories made in that car and I would love to my husband another one.
That’s a pretty nice ride. Nice job all around. Maybe a tad high because of the desireability but pretty close.
I like it the way it is. Very cool driver.
A mixture of parts. Fan shroud looks funky . Interior needs more than fixing the split in drivers seat . Top of dash warped . Best check out in person for this much $$$ .
Bravo to someone who was brave and smart enough to dump the goofy, fac-tory fenders, never liked those.
I liked the early body style however I do like the rear of the later models. This car is a great mix of both. The later front fenders just seemed so bulky and took some of the streamline away from the cars. Built quality on this car is a little concerning in some areas so s on spot look would be advisable.
not sure Y I’m so much more ofa fan boy for the AMX. I’d pass this one by for the the other anytime, anywhere. Being such a make & country of manufacturer specific young fella I didnt follow the AMX ‘back then’. This site has changed that for me (“More AMXs please, sir?”) &… produced this self introspect.
The black front bumper and grill need Chrome. The neon lights on the headliner got to go. I don’t mind the newer fenders with the humps in them but the older ones do look better. Definitely would want to see this in person before I dropped 19 Grand on it
Lots and lots of money spent. Perhaps not right for me, but I must question with so much money and effort and engine R& R, does seem like the mismatched heater hoses would have been addressed?
Lots and lots of money spent. Perhaps not right for me, but I must question with so much money and effort and engine R& R, does seem like the mismatched heater hoses would have been addressed?
To each his own!
IF it had its original fenders and front end, I could see possibly asking $18k. With a pre-’71 front end and a post-’71 body, unless you have no intention of selling it again, the true value of the car is lost. Don’t get me wrong – the execution is very good, and that green paint stands out on it, but it has strayed from the original.
My first car was a 74 javelin I was 15 I still have it I never want to be one of those old guys that said boy I wish I still had that car or this car or that car so I decided to keep it a couple years later I got a 71 SST with 40,000 miles on it I still have it and then I got a 74 javelin with a 401 in it still have it still got my 69 Cutlass convertible they all need redone now I’m 57 so I guess I better get after it
Doesn’t appeal to me-
Javelin was such a daring looking car. AMC had the guts to put this on the market. Sweet.
I had a 79 amc Jeep Cherokee chief with a 360, had headers and holly 750 carb. I know I had way more hp than what amc reported to
the gov. I truly miss that vehicle, but don’t miss the cost of driving it. Best I got was 14 miles/gallon. On a fun day I got about 10.
Oh my goodness this green beauty sure appeals to me and I really prefer it over the same period Mustangs and Camaros but the E body Mopars that’s a different story. I don’t know if the seller will get their asking price but I hope it goes to a good home.
Love Javelins !! My first car was a 1969 Javelin 💖
Painted a very pale blue with darker blue racing stripes on the hood, up over the roof and down the trunk BEST CAR EVER !!!!!!
I would go with a chrome front bumper and even with that, and liking the color, the paintwork was poorly prepped and there are lots of details on the paint that scream Earl Scheib on a Friday afternoon after a couple lunchtime brewskies. That said, it looks pretty cool.