AMC jumped into the “pony car” wars in 1968 with the Javelin and its 2-seat companion, the AMX. The car never sold as well as the Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro, but that was the case with most of the company’s products. The auto was redesigned once in 1971 before AMC exited the market segment at the same time Chrysler did in 1974. This ’73 edition could be considered a survivor if not for the engine having been replaced and upgraded some years ago. Kept in a heated garage in Valparaiso, Indiana, this Kenosha-built car is available here on eBay where just one bid has been cast at $10,000. But you can take it home now for $22,500. Our thanks to Barn Finder Larry D for bringing tips like this one our way!
Some 31,000 Javelins were built in 1973, including 5,700 of the performance editions, the AMX. But since 1971, the AMX had been an option on the Javelin when it gained a back seat. The seller’s car should have been one of 15,000 or so built with the basic 304 cubic-inch V8, but that motor has since been jettisoned in favor of the next step up, a 360 eight-cylinder. This one was paired with a 3-speed automatic, the most commonly selected transmission.
As the story goes, this Javelin originated in Arizona and moved to Florida before finally settling down in Indiana. The seller has had the car for two years and uses it mostly as a cruiser rather than a show car because it has some rough edges. But then, it’s also a 49-year-old automobile. The odometer reads 80,000 miles but the seller thinks it may be on its second go around. A plus in the car’s favor is that the front suspension was redone recently, including new springs, shocks, and bearings.
The black paint is okay, but not perfect, and has a collection of chips and scratches from being used, rather than babied. The interior is fine, too, and might look a little better with a detailing. Everything is said to work including the aftermarket stereo, except for the clock and the factory A/C for which the car’s prior owner removed the plumbing. No mention is made if those parts have survived. If you’re looking for an alternative to a Mustang or Camaro for Cars & Coffee, this AMC might be worth a second look.
The exterior color looks blue to me not black.
That is what it says in the listing, blue.
I don’t think that’s the original paint. Javelins usually had some sort of pin striping on them. Some had a stripe around the rear end. A chic at my HS had a purple one with white interior and striping. She & the car were pretty hot !
The chrome wagon wheels got to go..
Come on, when are people gonna learn, the accordion looking radiator hoses are not COOL! Smh
I agree Mike, but that stand up a heck of a lot better than the standard. In stock car racing, we use to punch out the thermostats for better flow, but it resulted in flattened out hoses. These were the trick.
Mike, that might be a high performance radiator hose, i think it adds about 5 horsepower.
At LEAST. The red distributer cap is good for another 8 h.p.
Great car. Solid 20 footer. Striping packages are way less expensive than a few years ago. Next owner should check it out.
My ex had that in red, with the white “T” on the hood. Black interior. Very comfortable car, and an absolute pleasure to drive. I remember he and his dad rebuilding the engine. We had so much fun in that car! Wish I had it.