I’m as guilty as anyone of focusing on what was known at one time as “The Big Three” (which today is more like the Detroit two and a quarter unless you throw in Tesla and then it’s the Detroit three and a quarter, except Tesla’s not in Detroit) – man, am I digressing. My point is that back in the old days, AMC, an auto company with deep and substantial roots, usually got ignored and lost in the GM, Ford, and Chrysler shuffle. Too bad, they built some notable cars like this 1969 Javelin SST. This one’s a project, it’s located in Littleton, Colorado and is available, here on craigslist for $5,000. Mark_K gets the nod for this discovery!

Our subject car is a performance-oriented SST model with the optional “Go-Package” that brought 70 series tires, a limited-slip rear axle, Magnum 500 steel wheels, and a stouter suspension to the party. The Go-Package also mandated a bit more “go” under the hood. Where an SST was available with any motor including an in-line six-cylinder engine, the Go-Package mandated either a 280 HP 343 CI V8 or the top dog 315 HP 390 powerplant. Total second year (1969) Javelin sales were about 40K units. As a comparison, Ford rolled about 299K Mustangs off of their various assembly lines, while Chevrolet knocked together 243K Camaros that same year.

The motoring situation with this Javelin is a bit confusing. It was originally equipped with the aforementioned 343 CI V8. That engine is included in the sale but it is said to require rebuilding.

If I have interpreted the listing correctly, an AMC 360 CI V8 is what’s currently between the front fender wells. It’s connected to a four-speed manual transmission which in turn drives the 3.54:1, limited slip carrier. There are no specifics revealed regarding operation prowess but the seller mentions that the installed 360 engine needs “head work“.

Originally finished in “Bitter Sweet” orange, gray primer is now the dress of the day. The body looks to be in fair shape but the roof is showing the effects of a hail storm or some other mayhem. Things like the grille, side marker lights, trim, etc. are missing, they may or may not be included in the sale. I tried spying the wheels, they may be the original Magnum rims but I can’t tell with certainty. This Javelin is going to need a lot of finishing!

And that finishing need continues on inside. The upholstery is faded and shot, the door panels have been removed -no indication if they’re still serviceable, the headliner has been removed, and the carpet is MIA. That said, the view of the floors reveals pans that appear to be sound. While the instrument panel is not really visible, there is a sharp-looking aftermarket wooden steering wheel in place.

This is a $5,000 project – I can’t imagine what the ask would be if this were a ’69 Camaro SS or Mustang Mach I. Yeah, it’s a bit rough and I have an aversion to picking up a project where someone else left off, but I see possibilities here, how about you?