If you’re feeling brave and are searching for an affordable project candidate, this 1971 AMC Javelin AMX is worth a close look. It needs plenty of TLC, but it is an unmolested barn find that the original owner ordered with the optional Go Package. The seller has done nothing beyond washing it since it emerged from hiding, leaving the new owner to return it to its former glory. The Javelin is listed here on Craigslist in Red Wing, Minnesota. The asking price is $5,000 for this untouched classic.
AMC released its Second Generation Javelin in 1971, and as was the prevailing market trend, the new model was longer, wider, and heavier than its predecessor. The styling remained distinctive, allowing the car to stand apart from the opposition. Our feature car is from the first production year, with the original owner ordering it in Brilliant Green Metallic. It would have looked dazzling when new, but time and a less-than-ideal hibernation environment have left it looking pretty tired. Its history is unclear, although the images suggest it was stored for many years. The new owner faces the prospect of a total restoration, and the most effective approach would be dismantling the car entirely. This will be a mammoth undertaking. However, that aspect of the build could be tackled in a home workshop to reduce costs. The front spoiler is missing, but the rear spoiler and cowl induction hood, which were an integral part of the AMX package, are intact. There is visible rust in the lower extremities, and we receive no information on the state of the vehicle’s underside. There could be issues hiding there, which would only reveal themselves with an in-person inspection. The glass looks fine, and the car rolls on its original slotted steel wheels.
Readers should be relieved that this article doesn’t include a “smell” capability because this Javelin suffered a rodent infestation during its time in storage. These little critters leave an unmistakable and unpleasant odor in their wake. Eliminating it is challenging, and often the only solution is to scrap every piece of upholstery, foam, and carpet. That isn’t a cheap undertaking, especially considering that Javelin interior trim tends to be more expensive than for other pony cars from this era. However, it is complete, unmolested, and features a range of desirable options. The sports gauge pack includes a Tick-Tock-Tach. There is a tilt wheel, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player.
Frustratingly, the seller supplies no engine photos. However, they confirm the original owner ordered this AMX with the optional Go Pack. That means its 360ci V8 sent 285hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque to a Twin Grip rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power front disc brakes were an integral part of the package, as was a heavy-duty cooling system and suspension upgrades for improved handling. This car would have covered the ¼-mile in 15.2 seconds in its glory days, but those were long ago. We receive no information on when this Javelin last fired a shot in anger or the state of its mechanical components. Revival may be relatively straightforward if the new owner has luck on their side. However, budgeting for a drivetrain rebuild would be wise.
We’ve recently seen a few classics that have defied prevailing market trends due to climbing values, and the 1971 AMC Javelin AMX is one. They remain strong performers, although they don’t command the same prices owners can achieve for a similar Mustang or Camaro. This AMX features the Go Package, which significantly enhances its desirability. Handing it to a professional for total restoration probably doesn’t make financial sense, but if the new owner can be hands-on wherever possible, they could be okay. Would you tackle this one, or is there more to it than you could handle?
Shouldn’t this be a 401?
360 or 401 for the AMX in 71
Standard engine in the 71′ Javelin AMX was the 2bbl 360 with the 4bbl 360 version and the 401 as options.
🐀 🐁 🐭 that interior is goners Clarkey.
“Go” was a great pkg from the AMC.
Be a great project car – good bones.
Reread his post. Selling for a friend. Total BARN find as you can tell the story with the pictures post. I pull it out of her barn and started cleaning it up to sell for her. I have done nothing, but wash it and tried to get rid of the mouse smell. The car is untouched!
UNTOUCHED!!! Why put it on Jack stands, why put stuff on the fenders and ruff to just clean the mouse crap out of it. He could not get it started so the 117.00 thousand mile engine is toasted, plus the mice love to eat the plastic wiring coating which is made out of soybeans. I will say one thing though…this car would be AWESOME if a 100 point resto was done… I love this odd old Jav.
Having just completed a 3 year reso on a 68 highboy I will attest to patients and a heated workshop before begining this labor of love. 300 hrs. of love and receipts up to 20K to do it right.
I’ll agree that some of these barn find stories don’t match the photos. It wasn’t until many years later that they started using soy oil in wire insulation, so that is one area that might be unmolested by rodents. I’ll also agree that this will be super cool if restored, but the barn finds where you can pull them out, clean them up and enjoy them are gone…..mostly!
I accidentally totaled a silver Javelin just like this by looking down when the light turned green, was shifting into 2’nd gear when I rear-ended my buddy’s newly repaired and painted ’64 Nova, totaling both cars with my ’61 Chevy Panel (former Helms Bakery truck). They both were 2 feet shorter and had to be flat bedded, I drove home. My buddy never talked to me again.
Not wrecked at least, but lots of rust through to repair. There looks to be an entire right side of a Javelin hung on the wall above the garage windows. Parts?
Open the glove box and get a surprise.
Headliner is an apartment complex complete with acorn and hickory nut furniture
I had a 72 Javelin AMX with the 360. Mine was Baja Brown with brown corduroy interior. Those seats were very comfortable. To bad about the mice, as stated all the upholstery, foam, carpet and wiring will need to be replaced. I really like the way you feel like your in the cockpit of a jet with the curved dash and the gauge cluster. Great driving cars. Wish I still had mine.
But there are $$$$ worth of parts on this car. I would love to see it restored and not parted out.
To put this in perspective the Rebel Machine wheels were an option. There are those that ask as much as $4500 for a set. The tires look like they are holding air so a good sign. They are very rare and wouldn’t be surprised if someone doesn’t buy the car just for the wheels.
Thee next item is the air cleaner. I can only guess since no engine pics. An original dual snorkle air cleaner starts out at a $1000. minimum. The hood if not rusted from the outer fiberglass panel is $1000. The gauge package is $500-$750.
It is unfortunate but I see a parts car.
Right there with you. Would be a shame to.cut it up but there is alot of money there. I am all the way on the east coast. Otheise I would grab it just for the good stuff.
Rebel machine wheels were not an option in 1971. There was a similar 15×7 that was optional. It has 8 slots, not 5. The 8 slot wheel was probably standard on the very rare 71 Matador Machine.
Sorry, Machine wheels were very much an option on the 1970 and 1971 Javelins and AMX’s. My 401 SST Javelin had them. The early 1972 Javelins got them as an option I would assume to use up old stock. I knew of a one owner 72 Javelin that was semi local to me owned by the son of a former dealer.
The 71 Matador Machine was never promoted in mass media and although some agree a few were made. There are no production records. Hurst was not involved. You could order a Matador 2 door brick with the 401 and all the goodies and call it what ever you want I suppose. There has been at least one Matador Machine in the Wisconsin area. It is well known in the AMC community.
Minnesota…..well check the frame rails. Salty slush likes to accumulate there…as we can see with those rear 1/4s.
I have a 63 GP that came frome Washington state….frame rails behind the front wheels…are gone..lol. luckily I have a good west coast frame for it. Good pans…surprisingly. but crusty in the lowers. Hey…anything is fixable…if you got the time, patience and $$.
No frame. It’s unibody.
@AMCFAN, i was wondering if some one would correct my error. here is what i learned from a person that worked in AMC dealerships: The “Machine” wheel was available in three versions: 1970 & 1971-1972.5 & 72.5-74. The 1970 had 5 slots as did the 71-72.5. The difference was the 1970 had a slightly different center cap. During 1972, the 5 slot wheel was replaced with the 15×7 8 slot wheel. There was also a 14×6 eight slot wheel that came on SC Hornets and perhaps some Gremlins. Some Matador “Go-Machines” are still around. Estimates are that maybe 50 were produced. There are factory pictures of these cars in some car books.
I don’t know about the different Machine Wheels. But the 14X6 eight slot wheels where available on the 71 thru 74 Javelins and Javelin AMX. I had a 72 Javelin AMX and my friend still has his 73 Javelin AMX which came with the 8 slot wheels with the stainless trim rings and volcano center caps. You also got these on the Gremlin X and Hornet SC 360. You could also order them on other cars with a certain package.
SC/Hornet had the 14×6 as part of the package. The 14×6 also came on Javelins with the AMX option. Go-Pac for Javelin included the 15×7 wheel. two of my sources indicate the eight slot 15×7 was not available until the 1972 model year, which, i suppose, means available in late 1971. The Matador Machine which appears in factory photos has the 5 slot 15×7. Waving money in front of the dealer could probably get one any wheel on any car. All the 15×7 wheels are worth quite a bit these days.
Starting in 1971 you could get the 8 slot rally wheel in 15″ as well.