The 1972 model year marked one of sales success for AMC. By focusing on quality and offering an industry-leading warranty program, the Javelin sold in respectable numbers in a pony car bracket that was fast shrinking. This 1972 Javelin SST is 1-of-22,964 built by the company, and it is a restoration project searching for a new home. It appears to be relatively solid, and with a V8 under the hood, the potential is there for it to offer winning performance. Located in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, you will find the SST listed for sale here on Facebook. The owner has set the sale price at $7,500 OBO, which makes it deserving of a closer look. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder AMXBrian for referring the Javelin to us.

The Javelin is finished in the wonderfully named Jolly Green, and a passing glance seems to indicate that the car needs little work. However, when we examine the photos more carefully, we discover that the paint shows some significant deterioration on some of the horizontal surfaces. The car will benefit from a repaint if it is to present at its best once again. The panels are extremely straight, with tight and consistent gaps. This tends to suggest that the car has been treated with respect and reduces the chances that it has ever suffered any significant accident damage. All of this leads us to the question of rust, and while I’d love to be able to categorically say that the Javelin is rust-free, I’m unable to do so. I can see what appears to be some developing in the lower rear quarter panel on the driver’s side and a spot in the lower passenger door and below the windows on the same side. None of it looks particularly bad, but there’s enough visible to suggest that an in-person inspection would be warranted. The trim and chrome appear to be in good order, while the glass is in a similar state.

The owner supplies no engine photos, but we know that the Javelin features a 304ci V8 backed by a 3-speed Torque Command automatic transmission. With only 150hp available under the right foot, this was not the quickest pony car to roll off a production line. It would’ve been capable of covering the ¼ mile in 17.4 seconds in its prime, which is okay, but not particularly flash. However, owners with less focus on originality should easily extract a few extra horses from the V8, which offers the opportunity to improve on that ¼-mile ET. The owner indicates that the car has a genuine 77,000 miles on the clock, but not whether he holds evidence to verify this claim. However, he does say that he recently treated the car to a tune-up, along with some significant work on the brakes. As a result, the Javelin is said to run and drive well. He also doesn’t supply any interior shots or information, so we are flying blind beyond knowing it is upholstered in green. I can’t see anything nasty like a drooping headliner, so hopefully, the trim and upholstery are in good shape.

While this 1972 AMC Javelin shows some evidence of rust development, it doesn’t appear extensive. If caught early enough, addressing it could be easy and inexpensive. However, potential buyers need to hope that it is the case. Both Hagerty and NADA offer valuations below $20,000 for a 304-equipped SST. At the same time, I have found a recent sale of a tidy example identical to our feature car in specifications and color that went for $13,000. If the buyer is willing and able to perform many of the more mundane tasks for themselves, this restoration could be financially viable. It is undoubtedly worthy of a closer inspection.