Exposed 17 Years: 1971 AMC Javelin SST

American Motors joined the “pony car” frenzy in 1968 with the Javelin, whose roots were based on the AMC American. The car received its only rework in 1971, and AMC exited the market in 1974, at the same time Chrysler did. This 1971 Javelin SST (fancier trim) has been in the same family since new and was sitting inside and out for 17 years. The seller has gotten it running with some new parts, and it’s available here on craigslist for $6,500 OBO. It can be seen outside of Rapid City, South Dakota.

With the Javelin’s refresh in 1971, the most noticeable change was the “risers” or “humps” over the front wheel wells. I suspect they were for looks only. In an unusual twist, the Javelin outsold the Plymouth Barracuda that year and roughly tied that of the Dodge Challenger. Both cars saw sharp declines over 1970 figures as the shift in the muscle car market spilled over harshly on the two Mopars.

The SST model with a 304 cubic inch V8 and an automatic transmission was the Javelin’s biggest seller in 1971. That was in addition to the base model and the AMX, which was no longer a separate 2-seat GT car and now the performance version of the Javelin. The seller’s car has that drivetrain pairing, at least according to the fender emblems. Since the seller describes this AMC as a survivor, we assume the paint is original and (to me) goes beyond what patina should be. If this car isn’t repainted, the lack of protection will turn to rust.

Before the seller got involved, this car had been languishing since 2009. He replaced some seals, repackaged some bearings, replaced the starter and fuel pump, and cleaned out the fuel system. So, it’s a runner now, though we suspect it will need more than just a new paint job and the interior spruced up. The odometer has turned over, reading 37,000 miles (add 100k). Once again, Barn Finder Barney hits us up with a fresh tip.