OK, how about a show of hands, AMC Javelin gen-one (’68-’70) or AMC Javelin gen-two (’71-’74)? I’ve always preferred gen-one but I’m willing to be persuaded otherwise. The persuasion today is courtesy of a 1971 Javelin in SST trim. Now, this example may not be the best persuader, it’s a little crusty, but all is now lost with it so let’s take a closer look. Larry D found the listing for this Javelin that calls Arlington, Tennessee home and it’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,050 with three bids tendered so far.
Three trim levels were available in ’71, standard, SST, and the performance-oriented AMX. The short-wheelbase, two-seater AMX was discontinued at the end of the ’70 model year and for ’71 it became a Javelin option. Total ’71 Javelin production reached a bit over 26K copies with the SST contributing the most at 17K units.
Looking rough and like it’s no stranger to Bondo, the seller tells us, “Light rust in passenger’s floor pan, in rear quarter panels and trunk. Frames rails and everything else is very solid. Was undercoated at some point in time. Good restorable SST“. The surface rust is hardly the problem, it’s the rot-through in the lower quarters, the passenger side door, the dents, and the misaligned driver’s door that has me concerned. This one was also wearing a spiffy two-piece vinyl top covering at one point but that looks gone to the ages. Some of the trim is missing too.
The big surprise, and one redeeming feature, is this car’s 330 gross HP, 401 CI V8 engine, one of only 600 SSTs so assembled according to the seller. He further tells us that he has not tried to start it (hmmm…) – this one has been off the road for a while. It looks complete and original though it is wearing headers. There is a mileage listing of 59K miles but no authentication, it could be 159K for all we know.
The interior is problematic! The corduroy upholstery is shredded, the carpet is worn out and faded, the dash pad has a roller coaster thing going on, the gauges are cloudy, and the steering wheel is split, but other than that… OK, so it will need a complete remake, but that’s not surprising considering this car’s exterior condition.
So, the verdict? I think I still prefer the first-gen, and I’m not basing my decision on the presence of this pretty forlorn ’71. A lot of it has to do with the era, ’70 seemed to mark the high water point for constrained government automotive interference, and styling plus features reflect the chronological transition. This ’71 has it going on under the hood but that’s about it from my peanut gallery perspective. But, I’d still like to know your opinion, how do you prefer your Javelin served, first or second-gen?
I had a 1974 Javelin. It was metallic brown with parchment interior. It was the car I brought my son home from the hospital in. First car he ever rode in. Loved that car.
I am a first gen fan but if I had the opportunity to own a second generation Javelin I would. IMO the 2nd generation over exaggerated some of the body lines. Mainly the front fenders. Who was the main influence of AMC styling in the early ‘70’s?
A guy named Richard Teague was in the Design /Art Department of AMC. I met Him in Kenosha when I was just a teenager in my 69 AMX…
He was a pretty arrogant man, but this was 1980, and I was a know it ALL kid with an 11 second BLACK AMX with about 450hp and a Hurst RAM4 shifter!
AMAZING how much the Kenosha Cops let us get away with back in those days…
I had a 1970 javelin when I was 19. It was 360/325hp 4 speed. Setup for 8th of a mile. Pretty quick
I had a 72 amx. Loved that car! Had a lot of fun and got in a lot of trouble with that car. Would love to have another one!
” He further tells us that he has not tried to start it (hmmm…) ”
You are spot on, Jim!
Whenever I see that claim that they haven’t tried to start it, I automatically assume that the truth is worse than that. More likely, they tried feverishly to start it but nothing…or even worse, it’s frozen.
I don’t see anybody selling an old car, (knowing full well that if it runs it is worth FAR more), not attempting to start it.
There will be those that say things like “maybe they didn’t try to start it because it has old fuel in it”.. I call bs on that too. There ARE safe (and simple) ways to see if a long sitting engine will turn over, fire, and even run. One of the most important being disconnecting the line into the fuel pump from the gas tank and drawing clean fresh fuel from a gas can.
I have bought many cars that say they didn’t try to get it running. They have sat for so long for a reason. The people were just done with old cars. So if you don’t want to work on them yourself it is not worth the money to pay someone to get them running. You won’t make any extra money in a car in this shape. I would be worried if the guy said we tried to start it but couldn’t get it started. Bad gas now days is a major issue. It may mean a complete new tank, lines, and carb. Nothing you have said here makes any sense at all.
If that’s “light rust” in the quarter panels, I would imagine that “heavy rust” would signify “no quarter panels”…
Maybe he means you can see light through it.
Not a bad, not bad…
Three Javelins in this week’s Barn Finds… Unbelievable. Hence the reason the prices of these once-forgotten cars are shooting through the roof. 3 years ago you could have bought a mint second-gen AMX 401 4spd car for well under $20k. Now they have doubled in value or should I say ‘asking price’. I just don’t get it. I love them, I had one as a kid, restored it, kept it for 15 years, and sold it. Wish I never sold it, but to be young and dumb again!
Engine might be worth more than this. 401s can be hard to find. More importantly, 1971 was the first and best year for the 401 at 330-335 HP. They lowered compression starting in 1972 and horsepower ratings started to drop. Down to net 255 in 1972 all the way to 195 in 1977.
This is slightly better than the other Javelin, it has a complete motor. The interior is a complete mess. Suggestion, some one should buy both Javelins. Then they would have enough parts to finish one.
SST – Super Sport Touring
It has the chrome 390 valve covers – no guarantee it’s actually a 401 – VIN code is “Z” & the VIN is on a plate affixed to the dash pad, which too, isn’t necessarily the original pad. Should have CID stamped into both sides of block, if not, it would be the service block, which is more desirable just because it has no markings, but the svc block has the same oilpan rail webbing as the 401, enough beef for 4-bolt mains, unlike the pre-70 390, and others with less beef there…. If you go look at these cars, pull the carpet, inner rockers are the first to go & not an easy fix.
….That’s the 390 air cleaner & chrome lid as well…
Like them both, but love the AMX.
I had a 1970 Hornet Hatchback 304 3 speed. I would love to find another one or maybe a 71 360. If you know of any please let me know.
Thank you,
Tom
Just put transmission fluid down spark plug holes. Wait two days turn the mother over in front use a breaker bar when it turns over change oil a little gas take the hose from file pump fire it up???? Wet sand the body show a bigg burn. MAN later I had 69 AMX AND 70
I’ve had 4 max’s still have one with 52cc chambered 401 now 413 roller polished and ported. 8 3/4 possi. Plus much more. Liked the sportiness of the AMX better than the first gen javelin. My wife has a 71 javelin 401 sst and what I like better about it than the first gen is first aro dynamics, 401dog leg heads, shocks & suspension, plus being trans am proven.
When I was younger and the 2nd gen. came out I liked is put as time has gone by I like this body style less and less. I’m not sure why I I dislike like perhaps it’s the rear 1/4 section regardless the 1st gen. is my favorite of the two.
on a car like this, a fatal area could be where the front frame rails join the main unibody. The axle on second gen. javelins was about 3 inches wider in.