Here is an immaculate 1971 AMC Javelin that is for sale here on Craigslist in Elizabethton in the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee. It’s pretty clear what car American Motors was targeting with the styling of this second generation Javelin: the Ford Mustang. When the 1971 models were being drawn up for both models, it’s as if there was a stylist from Ford sending secrets over to AMC (or maybe vice versa) with the side silhouette and the front of both cars with very similar styling. The front overhang looks a bit out of place when compared to modern vehicles, but the Mustang at the time had it too. And who could miss those fender bulges on the Javelin.
At the rear, the Javelin only makes a slight hint at the tunnel window styling of the Mustang. AMC stylists opted instead to go with wide, almost full-width taillights which I think look much better than those of the 1973 and 1974 Javelin. Mustang continued its theme of triple segmented squarish taillights.
Under the hood sits a 258 cubic inch six cylinder. Too bad it’s not a V8 which was available in 304 or 360 cubic inch displacement (the AMX version also offered a 401). Along with that, there is no power steering or power brakes, and I’m guessing no air conditioning since there is no mention in the ad and I don’t see air vents or compressor. But it does have an automatic transmission.
The interior and the carpet have been redone and look outstanding. Other updates have included new tires, brakes, carburetor and custom stereo. The Javelin was repainted two years ago.
Making this Javelin shine additionally is the documentation that is included. This includes the original owner’s manual, the car building order and the original owner’s identification card. If there are maintenance records, it will prove the 96,400 miles this Javelin has covered. The seller is the third owner, having the car for the past 18 years. The Javelin is in great condition. But with an increasingly good condition, comes increasingly higher prices on classic cars. Would you be willing to pay the asking price of $13,900 for this Javelin base model (not an SST or AMX) or find another Javelin in questionable condition with the potential body, mechanical, and interior work needed for a low price?
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