The Javelin was American Motors’ pony car entry, with the first generation in production from 1968 to 1970 and the second and last from 1971 to 1974. Along with a major restyle, the 1971 model brought a 401 cubic inch V8 to replace the aging 390. This ’71 SST has only had two owners and had its drivetrain rebuilt, but that was in 2007, after which the car was literally put out to pasture. Located in Ventura, California, this project auto may need everything, including a title. Available here on craigslist, $3,500 is the asking price.
Previously a separate product line, the 2-seat AMX muscle car was discontinued after 1970. Instead, it gained a backseat and became the performance arm of the restyled Javelin. Nearly 27,000 Javelins were produced in 1971, more units than the Plymouth Barracuda and on par with the Dodge Challenger. The SST was the luxury version of the Javelin and dominated production. Only 582 of them came with the 401 V8, saving the rest for installation mostly in the AMX.
As the story goes, the seller bought this Javelin from its original owner in 2000. Besides the 401, it has 4:10 gears and a shift kit. All the original hardware is said to be from the factory with an odometer reading of 91,000 miles. The vehicle has been sitting for nearly two decades, so Mother Nature has been in charge of its survival. Sometime before the turn of the century, the 401 was rebuilt, as was the tranny and rear end.
We’re told the body is straight with no major rust, but is that what the photos provided depict? And it looks like the hood may be missing, along with the title. The status of the interior is unknown because no photos are provided. So, you should probably assume the worst and hope you get a pleasant surprise.
So glad they got the bush hog and tractor going to find this Javelin. “I am the second owner purchasing it in 2000 from a friend and original owner. Numbers matching, Original engine, transmission and rear end.”
hmm. Just 25+ plus years in the elements and now ready to let her go to the person willing to tow it home and rebuild hopefully a rebuildable engine. I know it says…. “rebuilt”… . but I will take that with a grain of salt since it’s not running or showing bills for rebuild. The body on the outside looks salvageable but no underneath shots…. I see miscellaneous missing items on this AMC. I am sure field critters have camped at the AMC Air BNB for years.
Good luck to the new owner who will part it out or take a chance on rebuilding with pricing.…. I do like the 401 Javelins and remember driving one back in the late 1970’s.
The as basically says, “someone loved this car and spent a lot of money on it before I abandoned it in a field to rot”. Like you said, too much downside risk, all of which is on the next owner.
Steve R
Nice patina.