American Motors joined the increasingly crowded “pony car” field in 1968 with two entries. One was the Javelin, which went head-to-head with the others in the space. The second was the AMX, a 2-seat GT-style car (Javelin-based) that was like no other U.S. car (though the Chevy Corvette was close). The seller has a first-year Javelin that’s a restomod with a Chevrolet powertrain, custom interior, and purple paint. Located in a wooded area by Doe Hill, Virginia, this likely wolf in sheep’s clothing is available here on craigslist for $12,000. Mitchell G. once again brings us a cool tip!
Due to AMC’s always limited funds, a variant of the Rambler American platform provided the roots for the Javelin. Produced across two generations from 1968 to 1974, Javelins had a variety of engines ranging from 290 to 401 cubic inches. We don’t know what powered this Javelin when it was new, but a blinged out Chevy 350 V8 resides under the hood now. You can surmise it’s not stock, but the seller gives away none of its secrets.
An automatic transmission is also onboard. The seller says it’s from Chevrolet, too, so is it a TH-350, TH-400, or something else? Once more, the seller is silent except to confirm that this AMC is a muscle car. AMC built 55,000 Javelins in 1968 in “base” and SST trim. Which version this pony is has not been indicated. We’re told the car runs and drives well, which is not a surprise.
The seller tells us this jewel is barn-kept, but no doubt extra measures have been taken to ensure its condition is maintained at a high level. The body looks solid, the purple paint (not an original color) presents well, and the ivory interior does not have AMC hardware (aka the bucket seats and floor shifter). Since this machine is vastly different from how it was built, it may not appeal to all AMC collectors. But how about you?
Briefly had a ’68 SST 343. Was a good car, though time wasn’t kind to it. This one doesn’t light the same fire, though.
Nice swap into a classic AMC. Some will gnash their teeth and bemoan the transplant but use what you’ve got and making it run is better than the “I’ll get to it someday” as the oak tree grows up through the engine compartment past the hood.
Betting a bunch of real car people would have no problems having this dropped off in their driveway!
For a modest price you could find a 401 block or engine complete & still end up with a good car & do it your way after you make a great deal
A Chevy engine and trans, why, why, why. Like AMC didn’t have any good powerplants. At the least you could have put a 290 in the thing. And the sky is the limit from there. Barf on the paint and interior. Love these first gen Javelins and the AMXs. But not this one.
Three whys ? (1) Availability – engine & transmission & parts. You can get a small block Chevy engine and GM transmissions & parts from lots of suppliers from Summit & Jegs to your local parts store. AMC parts are a bit harder to come by.
(2) Cost – more competing suppliers generally means lower cost.
(3) Knowledge – if you know exactly how to set up and tune a GM, but have never worked on an AMC, go with what you know.
I’ve had many people question why my Oldsmobile has a 6.0 GM LS series in it… see above, plus time – readily available parts and lower cost meant I could get my car together and running sooner than trying to scrounge the internet for obsolete used or NOS Oldsmobile parts.
It would even quicker, easier, and probably less expensive in the long run to just buy a Chevy powered Chevy. A novel approach, I know.
But the 6.0 is still a GM product. The AMC engines were no harder to work on then any other manufacturers engine. Parts are there, maybe not as plentiful but with a strong AMC following you can find them fairly easy. To each this own I guess, this thing is just not something I would like to have.
Problem is, in today’s market, you couldn’t buy even a V8 Nova in this condition for twice the price.
1) Every car on the planet doesn’t need a Chevy engine.
2) The purple paint is questionable- the interior is horrific.
3) That sure looks like a manual shifter…
4) I would have loved this car- before the current owner “improved” it.
Depending on the shape of the sheet metal, amount of bondo and or patches $12000 isn’t a bad price. I would drop in an AMC 390 with a 5 speed and drive it while collecting interior parts.
Nice way to destroy a classic, 5000 over priced I ve had 3 javelins, wouldn’t drive this if you paid me to , what an insult to amc fans
Here’s how stupid people tuin cars. AMC guys like me don’t want it and either do Chevy guys. Car is worth about $500
I had a 70, nice car. A guy in my town had a 440 4speed swapped 68. He had to relocate the radiator due to the engine length. Boy, that was a fast AMC