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40k Miles: 1971 AMC Javelin SST

American Motors Corporation debuted the second-generation Javelin in 1971 with a body that was slightly larger and more muscular than its predecessor. The front and rear fenders had a distinctive bulge and the interior featured a cockpit-style dashboard angled toward the driver. The last of the independent US automakers, AMC marketed its redesigned pony car as a more radical alternative to offerings from GM, Ford, and Chrysler. A 1971 advertisement claimed that all other sporty cars looked, cost, and acted the same “except the 1980 looking Javelin.” This 1971 Javelin SST available here on eBay is a nice low-mileage and original example.

With only 40,000 miles on the odometer, this Javelin has averaged less than a thousand miles a year over the past half-century. The body is solid and rust-free; the owner indicates that it spent most of its life garaged and in a mild climate. The muscular appearance of the second-generation body is enhanced by the chrome mag wheels with BF Goodrich white letter tires. The metallic green paint is original with some dings and thin spots, the worst area being the front right fender which has some black primer on it. The original white and red striping along the beltline is present, though there is some cracking from age. The engine compartment is also well-preserved with its original stickers present, and a clean 360 V8 with a chrome air cleaner and Edelbrock valve covers. This engine is said to run well and delivers its power through a smoothly shifting automatic transmission.

The nice original condition continues throughout the matching green interior. Being a luxurious SST model, simulated burled woodgrain is abundant on the dash, doors, steering wheel, and automatic shifter handle. The dash is not cracked, and the corduroy seating surfaces are in good condition with only a small tear on the driver’s seat. The headliner is beginning to sag. A nice bonus is the dealer-installed air conditioning, which is said to be in working condition. A modern vintage-style radio is fitted, though the original is included. A good amount of documentation and literature comes with the car, including the purchase order, build sheet, window sticker, owner identification card, owner’s manual, and consumer information guide.

The AMC Javelin remains a relatively affordable option as prices have not quite gone to the level of pony cars manufactured by the Big Three. This clean and original Javelin SST is currently bid to just over $10,000 with no reserve, so a potential buyer could come away with a deal. Would you preserve the patina or repaint it? As is often said, they are only original once.

Comments

  1. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Non intrusive shock towers. Check.
    I don’t see a fan shroud – did the dealer not install one & even swap in a HD radiator & clutch fan?
    I wonder who makes that aftmkt modern stereo that just slides right in to the dash!

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Racer-X

    I’d love to own this one. Strange that paint failed only on fender. Perhaps it was non factory.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Sam Shive

      The battery is on that side. I’ve seen a few where people would pull one out and set it on a fender to get a better grip and the rest is history. JMHO

      Like 0
  3. Avatar angliagt Member

    It’s located in Spokane,Washington.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar AMCSTEVE

    Never saw an aftermarket AC unit like that one on a Javelin. No compressor so the ad is BS, IT DON’T WORK. The car is decent but I hate green cars. That interior is putrid.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Vance

    I never really cared for the fender bulges , I think the body lines look cleaner without them. I do however, think the color and tape treatment have a unique look. I am not sure that I have seen one this color, it kind of sets it part. This is an AMC I would be happy to own.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Steve Clinton

      I wasn’t a fan of those front fenders, but looking at them now, I suspect it was to keep the car from looking like a vacuum cleaner attachment.

      Like 3
  6. Avatar Miguel - Mexican Spec

    Can AMC be considered an independent car maker? I am not sure.

    Like 0
    • Avatar AMCSTEVE

      Why do you think that Miguel?

      Like 0
    • Avatar Don Eladio

      Miguel, no sir, they were not an independent. They were always in fourth place but, nonetheless, a major player in the ’60’s and ’70’s.

      Like 1
  7. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Awesome looking car. I hope this car goes to a good owner, someone who will enjoy the car, preserve the car as much as he or she can.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Motorcityman

    All u nitpickers about color and interior are cluless, a muscle car in that condition ANY muscle car is a STEAL in todays market for under 12K!!

    Like 10
  9. Avatar Kevin

    Dark green is awesome, I would keep it to help with originality, and yes AMC was an independent auto maker, they just didn’t make their own transmissions. Nice car,I would buy it at current bid.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar chrlsful

    Keep the AMX comin, wanna see the back interior. My bud’s had something back there he ripped out (not the Ramble seat, an interior one) some came w/o (1st yr only?). more AMX!, AMX!, AMX, …!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Motorcityman

      IT’S not a AMX

      Like 1
  11. Avatar AMCFAN

    My take on this is a very nice car one couldn’t go wrong on. Only a few things I don’t like. For one it is a green machine. The green cloth is uncommon. The nice thing is your back won’t stick to these. Will be very comfy. For a 40,000 car I would expect to see some originality. The cheap chrome valve covers and incorrectly painted intake and those cheap flex radiator hoses. I could live with everything else. Nice car.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Desert Rat

    This body style was never my favorite but it’s growing on me. I like dash and steering wheel not to crazy about the green inside but i could live with it overall this is a really good looking car and for what they are asking for it in now days prices seems like bargain.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar PRA4SNW

    SOLD for $12,700.

    Nice deal!

    Like 0

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