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!
Here’s one for you, Joe S. Do we have a potential winner here? It looks like it has some potential, but I’m no AMC expert. Have a look & let us know. GLWTS.
Call a paintless dent repair guy, buff the paint, detail the car, install a headliner and carpet, make it mechanically sound, then drive it. No need to restore. Use the money you save on a full restoration to pay for gas.
Steve R
Oh my God! Why California? Opposite coast from me. I LOVE this car. I wish I could get my hands on it. For reasons obvious to anyone who read my comments on the convertible barracuda, I am quite partial to Gen1 Javelins, and the AMXs. I personally think the 68-70 Javelin was the cleanest, most beautiful of the pony cars. I have owned six 68 Javelins, with 290, 343, and a 390 car. One thing that never gets mentioned very often, is AMCrs are a tight-knit, passionate group of car people, who for the most part, are always willing to help each other. BTW, once again, AMC guys dont use the term ‘numbers matching’. I am just happy, the write-up didn’t say the AMX was derived by shortening the Javelin! The AMX was designed, prototyped, and brought to auto shows in 1966!!! BEFORE THE JAVELIN. OK, I’m done now…..
You ask “Why California?” Would you rather it be a rust bucket from Northern Pennsylvania? I don’t get comments like this…help me understand?
strictly distance, an its ramifications, cost etc.. I live in upstate NY (unfortunately), and you might be surprised how many old cars there are in restorable condition. Likewise, Cali is not always a guarantee of condition.
Im not done yet. I didn’t exactly respond to RoadDog. If you were ever looking for a Javelin, this is a great one. More photos are needed, but a 390 car w AC, Tilt wheel, power disc brakes, optional (and scarce) hood scoops. This one is a winner if it’s solid.
Right on! I knew you would like this one. Thx for the assessment! I’m not in the market for anything right now (just bought my wife her dream vehicle, a 29′ Tioga RV), but if I was, I think I might take a chance on this one. I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdog, and AMC fits that bill. Someone is gonna be happy with it.
The only way this car looses value, if someone takes it apart and lets it rot outside
This car is Money in the Bank!
I said what I said
has potential but needs time and money.
I’d like one of these just because it isn’t a Camaro, Firebird or Mustang..
Hey Joe S . We ain’t gonna go to California have it shipped and ya should buy it of course! Was it the gold 390 we towed from Plattsburgh in a blizzard? I can vouch for you being a diehard amc guy! Of course having only front brakes on my truck ( which the back ones went out while towing)in the blizzard. 3 hrs one way turned into 8 hrs and 4 of us in the cab! Crazy right! Good times! Wouldn’t change a thing bout it! Big bad blue is done . Is this one next? Peace!
Hard to believe the girl that rode down with us, still talked to me after. She never seemed scared, or even nervous! She was an adventurous young lady! Back then, we were all invincible, I guess. Great times. Wish I still had the Javelin we towed.
Victorville is a few hours away. (Met my wife’s dog breeder there recently to pick up a new pooch) And if in the market for a new project this would be in my garage. But, too many projects at this point. I like it!
Shift-Command autoloader.
Is Mr. FIRM throwing in the walking shoes with the car “deal” ?
The original purchaser of this Javelin certainly checked all the right boxes on this one.
An unusual car. Paint is Laredo tan or maybe Butternut beige. Scarab Gold was only 1968. Also, it looks like the interior is white upholstery, which is not common.