American Motors followed General Motors into the “pony car” market space in 1968 (Ford and Plymouth were already there). The car would enjoy a seven-year run before being discontinued due to declining demand for those kinds of vehicles. We’re told that this first-year edition is in overall good condition and needs “minor things” to be viable again. Located in Mossyrock, Washington, it looks to have been camping out in a garage for some time. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace where the magic number to take it home is $10,000.
AMC built more than 55,000 Javelins in the car’s first year. Just under half or 26,000 were the more upscale SST model which we think the seller’s automobile was one of. The car comes with a stock 290 V8, the smallest eight-cylinder offered, which found its way into about 40% of the Javelins built that year. We don’t know if it’s numbers-matching or if the automatic transmission is original either. If the claimed mileage of 78,000 is accurate, there should be some life left in both. We don’t know how long it’s been sitting or if it will take much to get this machine back on the road.
Since all the interior shots are from inside the garage, we’ll assume it doesn’t currently move under its power. The body and red paint look nice overall, with no areas in obvious need of repair. But the seller says there is minimal rust, which we’re going to guess is inside the trunk. The condition of the interior is unknown because everything is so dark, but there is no mention of any problems. The stock rims and wheel covers are upfront with aftermarket wheels in the back; those originals were kept.
The seller is not opposed to doing a trade, at least for part of the transaction. If that’s the case, I wonder he’ll take my collection of glue sticks as part of the deal? They must be worth at least five grand. According to Hagerty, one of these cars in Fair condition is worth $7,000, $14,000 in good.
This is a good looking project. In a way. Not sure what’s up with the column shifter and the Mr Gasket shifter on the floor. Doing a suspension rebuild. Complete brakes ect. is about $3000. Just did one. Pulling the motor and sealing it will also need done if it isn’t stuck. She has been off the road for a long time if those bias white letter tires are an indication of the age when it was parked.
The minus has to be the 290 2V V8 and Borg Warner automatic transmission. Two major strikes among everything else. Finding and installing a 360 AMC and 904 is doable but counter productive paying so much for a project.
The 290 is OK if it runs but would cost the same to go through as a 401 and don’t plan on winning races. The transmission in these is the smaller of the two BW transmissions. Good luck both on finding parts and someone that remembers working on them.
Looks like what happened the owner added go fast wheels and foam air cleaner and drove it like Peter Revson until the T-35 let go and was parked ever since.
There are better AMC’s you can enjoy and drive now for a little more money.
A very nice 290 just sold on “the other” site for $21K.
At an ask of $10K for this car, you get to spend a year of spare time (or more) and at least another $10K to end up with a passable driver. Why?
looks like aftermarket Holly 500 or 600 cfm, what happened to the carter carb, also none stock oil filled cap and accordion radiator hose, (buy the molded one ya goof) makes me ask if owner really cared for car? Headlight surrounds missing..body looks good though. people selling cars should take it in the daylight with lots, i mean lots of pictures. Just finished AMO (American motors international show in Colo springs) Got a friend in Nebraska got a Javelins in good shape body wise, that needs restored 4 grand….
One of my favorites was a 68 290 that had been lightly breathed on with a cam, solid lifters 3.91 and headers. The four speed was fine and button and tuck seats with a beautiful dark blue metallic paint made it unique cruiser on Sherman Ave. Unfortunately, it was so noteworthy that it sold by August.
I would be scared of the Tranny because if they aren’t run the friction disks (usually cork) dry out and after looking like it’s working good will leave you on the side of the road
Moms 68 javelin was parked 17 Years, I got in working order and drove it for 10 years 1998 to 2009 with little or no issues.
Nice project but for $10k, keep looking. I recently sold my running, 71 Javelin for $3300, was for sale for months. 304/AT had AMX cowl hood, rear spoiler, new carpet, headliner, front seats, tossed in NOS 72 grille & new front spoiler. Running. Oh, have owned 395 AMXs, Javelins, AMCs since 1976 straight, drive daily too in Houston. Have 9 currently http://www.planethoustonamx.com have big AMX & Javelin facebook group for fans of these neat cars
For about $5k it should be registered and roadworthy. Eddie is right, $10k is too much for a project.
Moms 68 javelin was parked 17 Years, I got in working order and drove it for 10 years 1998 to 2009 with little or no issues.