American Motors jumped into the “pony car” market in 1968, three years after the Ford Mustang set the industry on its ear. Typical of most AMC cars, the Javelin wasn’t guilty of putting a dent in the output of the leaders, which also included the Chevy Camaro. The seller has a nice 1969 Javelin on the chopping block that only needs a couple of cosmetic fixes to be super nice. Located in West Fargo, North Dakota, this “Rambler” is available here on eBay to the first buyer to commit to a $12,000 purchase.
Unlike Ford’s Mustang, the Javelin didn’t borrow heavily from its corporate compact (Falcon vs. American). Instead, the Javelin and 2-seat AMX took styling cues from two AMC show cars, the AMX II and AMX (Project IV). First-generation Javelins (1968 to 1970) sold in declining annual numbers, 55,100, 40,600, and 28,200 copies, respectively. In 1969, more than half of all Javelins were produced with the smallest V8 offered, 290 cubic inches (as in the seller’s car).
This appears to have been a rather ordinary Javelin when new with an automatic tranny and power steering. But there is no air conditioning or power brakes (drums all around). The stated mileage is 77,000, and the car presents as such. We suspect the interior is original, with only the driver’s bucket seat needing some love. The paint may have been redone, but not recently, and there is a nasty rust spot on the hood right above where the battery would sit.
The seller recently dropped two grand on having the transmission and torque converter rebuilt. As such, the AMC runs, drives, and stops, though the seller doesn’t use an adjective like “good” or “well” to promote these things. If you’re an American Motors fan, this could be a good fixer-upper that shouldn’t cost a fortune to pull it off.
This is sure a pretty car.
📢 🔊 On Wisconsin
“Unlike Ford’s Mustang, the Javelin didn’t borrow heavily from its corporate compact (Falcon vs. American).”
Actually the Javelin was based on the Rambler American platform, though of course all the exterior panels as well as the interior were different. Like the American and other AMC cars of the time it is equipped with the ancient Rambler trunnion-based upper front suspension and standard vacuum windshield wipers.
Although the car looks nice the lack of underside photos is a bit concerning.
Personally I like this Javelin exactly as it is. Other than fixing up the interior. I’d leave it with the original full wheel covers and whitewalls too. Love the period popular gold color too, looks great with the white interior.
Nice fixer upper but not for twelve grand. Yeah it’s clean and a classic of sorts but wait. I just googled values for this car and it’s in the ballpark. It might be on the low side even. Good luck with all that.
The seller seems to have decent vehicles for sale whenever he posts one. I’ve not viewed any in person, but he comes off as honest…
As Javlin’s go, this is gorgeous! Great color, white interior, great styling and in great condition. I’m not a “pony car” type of woman (land yachts forever) but I’d consider this. As with Chrysler, et al, I overlooked AMC through much of my growing up and buying power. AMC has some really great cars. The 60s of course, helped. Many cars from the 60s were innovated and stylish.
This one has not been “modified” with racing wheels and rims, jacked up in the rear and all the crap people with too much money do to these cars. I would buy this. (Everyone shocked?)
Spot on 🎯 Angel 👍