AMC got into the pony car game in 1968 with the Javelin. And just like Ford’s Mustang was based on the Falcon platform, the Javelin used the Rambler American’s. Javelins could be had from mild to wild, with a 390 V8 like we’re told the seller’s car has as the top source of horsepower. This Javelin, from its second year of production, is clearly a project, to be picked up where the seller left off. The car is located in Blythe, California (on the state line between Cali and Arizona) and available here on craigslist for $6,000. Kudos to MattR for bringing this tip our way!
The Javelin was on the scene across seven model years and two generations. It never saw the sales success of the Mustang, but it helped keep AMC competitive by selling 55,000 units in its first year. The car spawned a two-seat variant, the AMX, that had some success on the Trans-Am racing circuit. The encore edition of the Javelin saw few changes, but there was an option that the seller’s car may have come with. That would be the “Go Package” that had the 390 V8 (which the seller says is numbers-matching with his car), limited-slip differential, Magnum 500-spoked steel road wheels, and a speedometer-matching tachometer, amongst other things. AMC sold 40,000 or so Javelins for 1969.
Both the engine and transmission of this Javelin were removed. The automatic has been treated to a fresh rebuild, while the engine seems to still be a series of parts needing to be reunited. We assume all of it is there, but the seller does not specifically say so. The body appears to be in reasonably good order with some surface rust. Sadly, there are no undercarriage, trunk, or engine compartment photos that would enable a complete assessment. All the chrome is on hand, just not necessarily on the car. The seller says the color of the car is white, but that would not have been my guess. The louvers on the back glass are something you don’t see too often.
We only have one photo of the red interior to judge, so there is nothing there to give good remarks on. The dash pad is cracked, the steering wheel is worn, the seat coverings are shot, and the door panels in need of attention. Hagerty suggests top dollar for a Javelin SST (which is what we also think this one may have been) pushes $25-30,000 with the option package surmised. This car could be worth the seller’s asking price, but he may have missed out on how to market what he has.
390, tilt wheel and ac, ie fully loaded.
I do see a/c CONTROLS. But only 2 center vents for the a/c?
Are the others hidden/missing under the dash? Odd.
Widest brake pedal of all smaller cars!
I do have some money in the bank now and you keep showing me AMC cars that I want to own. It’s burning a hole in my pocket! No impulse, no impulse…
The 2 seater AMX was not eligible for Trans-Am competition. But the Javelin was and had some success, particularly when Penske started racing them
“Some success”
Perhaps an understatement.
Mark Donohue would agree.
The paint has already been sand blasted and the car looks solid enough that minimal body work will be required!! Damn I wish just once I could get a car that needs minimal body work!!!
The Louvers appear to be for another car. They hang over on the bottom. They may be for a later Javelin or maybe another AMC which is typical. I think Hornet and Spirit Louvers are sometimes used and the last shade just has to be cut off. Luckily there are a few people who make them for aftermarket support.