Sadly, the 1974 model year brought down the curtain on the production of the AMC Javelin. The badge went out on a high, with an annual sales total of 27,696 cars, making it the most successful year for the 2nd Generation Javelin. Barn Finder AMXBrian referred this really clean example to us, and I have to thank him so much for that. Located in Orchard Park, New York, the Javelin is listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the price for this classic at $9,400 OBO.
The Javelin was always a good looking car, and this one finished in Ivory Green, is no exception. It features a white vinyl top and white side stripes. The paint looks really nice, and rust seems to be confined to some areas in the lower quarter panels. These spots don’t appear to be too bad, and I think that they could be addressed with patches rather than complete panel replacement. The owner says that the floors are solid, and the supplied photos of the trunk would seem to confirm this. The external trim and chrome look to be in great condition, as does the glass. I’m not sold on the luggage rack bolted to the trunk, but removing that would not be a big job, and this could be tackled when the rust repairs are performed. One aspect of the Javelin design that I’ve always liked is the amount of space available under the wheel arches. You can see exactly why it used to be very popular to bolts some pretty big wheels onto a Javelin. There’s certainly plenty of space to get some serious rubber under there.
Filling the engine bay of the Javelin is what is said to be a very healthy 360ci V8 engine. Shifting duties fall to a 3-speed automatic transmission, while power assistance for both the steering and brakes are welcome additions. With 175hp at the owner’s disposal, performance figures were actually pretty decent for a car of this era. The car should be capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in around 8.7 seconds, while the ¼ mile should be despatched in around 16.7 seconds. This did mark a drop in performance from previous years but still remained competitive. The owner says that the Javelin runs and drives really well, and the addition of a custom dual exhaust has resulted in that 360 sounding really nice.
The interior of the Javelin continues the theme of this being a clean survivor. The upholstery generally looks to be in good condition, with only some minor wear on the driver’s seat to note. The carpet looks good, while the dash is free of cracks. I think that there might be an aftermarket gauge mounted under the dash on the driver’s side, but the rest of the interior looks to be completely original. Making life pleasant inside the car is the job of air conditioning, while the Javelin also features a tilt wheel and an AM/FM stereo radio.
This 1974 Javelin appears to be a clean and tidy survivor that could be driven and enjoyed immediately. Its needs are little unless the next owner is seeking absolute perfection from their classic car. With the rust issues addressed, this is a car that would make a great weekend cruiser, and there’s no reason why it couldn’t also serve as a daily driver. It’s a car that deserves to be moved on to an owner who appreciates this classic, and I really hope that this is what happens to it.
I want one, they’re really cool. The interior is awesome.
The only two things that I DON’T like on this car are the vinyl top and the (IMO, USELESS) luggage rack. I always thought that the fender bulges gave this body style a “muscular” look! :-)
’70stastic! It would definitely turn heads.
Geez finally a fun nice older car that doesn’t cost tens of thousands. Too bad it’s so far away, it would look really good towing my ’73 Glas Ply, which is the same color.
I am not a big fan of green. But I usually prefer a dark green over pale, if given the choice. That being said, I really like this car, and even the color.
Maybe it is a loyalty thing, with this car being a Kenosha Kadillac. But I want it either way.
I had a 1974 javelin just like this back in the day. it would spin the tire off the line, (no positraction) then shift into 2nd gear and the tire would hook up, then it would downshift back into first then back into 2nd. by then it was going lol
At last! An American car of the mid seventies that doesn’t quite look like a beached whale. This one I would be proud to own.
Good looking Javelin there. Mid 70’s wasn’t the best era when it came to mileage and power but it is what it was. I like the color and I don’t mind the luggage rack especially if you plan to take it on a trip, there’s never enough room for luggage in a smaller car.
great looking car. Fair price for a complete running car is overall good shape while you take care of a few needed things.
Beautiful car, can’t recall when I last saw one on the road…excellent colour combination as well.
My Grandmother gave me her 74 Matador that was dark green but this color of interior. Sadly it was a NH car and the new England winters rusted out the frame which was a shame since my Grandfather kept it a cream puff. Seeing this interit really brings back memories of a nice car.
Nice car !
Probably get it for 7 grand if you made the offer.
Listing on Craigs list is a silly way to sell a car
I like these cars.
Seems like a good one for the money.
Probably what the 1974 Mustang would look like, were it not for the downsized Mustang II.
My cousin has one of the last one’s produced. It came with an automatic and a 6 cylinder engine but he upgraded it to a V-8 with a 4 speed standard. He still has it and has won a few awards with it. Despite this it is almost a daily driver in the summer.
AMC is / was an interesting company. In some cases – but not all – they had some ahead of their time styling or concepts. I would argue that they had one of, or maybe even the first sport utility crossover SUV.
I bought one with a white top and orange body brand new in New London CT for $4800. Loved it. Drove like a sports car. Wish I’d kept it but the family got too big for the little back seat. Had the luggage rack on the back which was very handy. I’d buy it back for good money.