390 V8 Project: 1969 AMC Javelin SST

American Motors joined the “pony car” fracas in 1968 with the Javelin (plus the 2-seat AMX). It ran for two generations through 1974, sometimes outselling the Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger. In 1969, the 390 cubic inch V8 (AMC’s biggest engine) went into about 10% of the Javelins produced. This one is an SST and also has an automatic transmission. It’s not currently running and could stand a restoration. Located in Victorville, California, this late 1960s muscle car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000 (FIRM).

Given that AMC usually had pockets without depth, the 1969 Javelin was little changed over the 1968 intro model. More than 40,000 copies were consumed, good numbers for AMC no doubt, but far below the two market leaders, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The Javelin had some of its underpinnings carried over from the American compact as the company didn’t have a lot of coin for new product development, yet they always kept trying.

From the photos provided, we assume the seller purchased this car out of someone’s garage and trailered it home. Some of the photos provided are very low resolution, so we have to make do with what we have. The indicated mileage is 75,000, and there is no mention of anything being numbers matching. But since the term “original” is used, we’ll assume all of this is from the date of manufacture, including the old gold paint and worn beige interior.

We’re told the Javelin needs a new carburetor, brakes, and a tune-up. The 390 V8 remains untouched and non-running, and the whole car is on non-operating status with the California DMV. This could be a good start for a restoration and would result in a vehicle far less seen than the more famous entries from the Big 3. My first tip from “Aspidude” – thanks!