American Motors joined the “pony car” scene in 1968 with the Javelin. Due to short purse strings, the compact American provided some of the car’s underpinnings. It was in production for seven years across two generations (1968-70, 1971-74). The seller’s V8-powered Javelin is from the car’s last model year and hasn’t been on the road for a couple of years. Located in Culver, Indiana, this decent project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $11,000 (firm). Another fine tip brought to us by T.J.
The Javelin received a major facelift in 1971. It became bigger in appearance, much like the Ford Mustang, which was outgrowing its roots (resulting in lower sales). The Javelin’s hood was a lot longer and sprouted raised “blisters” over the wheels. The GT-style AMX with two seats was rolled into the Javelin fold and lost most of its individuality. By 1974, pony car demand was in the tank, though AMC’s sales of early 25,000 Javelins actually bested the Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger during their swan song outings.
Appearance-wise, the seller’s vehicle looks pretty good. The body seems fine, as does the orange paint, though the interior may be another story. We’re told the survivor runs and is complete, though it’s been inactive since 2022-23. The indicated mileage is a placeholder, so we don’t know how many trips it may have made around the globe.
This Javelin has AMC’s then-smallest V8, 304 cubic inches in displacement, paired with an automatic transmission. The latter leaks fluid thanks to an old pan gasket. If this is a numbers-matching car, you won’t know without doing a deep dive. In a world full of vintage Mustangs and Camaros, these Javelins show up much less frequently. Would you rather have one?
Thanks for any AMC post Dixon. 👍🤝
AMC still delivering hot rod performance big time in 74. Check the 401, 4sp boxes ✔️on a Javelin.. T-10 transmission, 235hp/345lb/ft, 3.54 gears ⚙️.
Looks like a solid project that can easily turn into a nice driver. Still not a fan of the front fender humps.
Needs work but it looks like good solid bones to start with. Love the Cragars, although not period correct, i remember selling.a lot of these at the parts counter i worked for in the 80’s and 90’s
Seems like a pretty good deal, from 1000 miles away…
That spoiler is a tragedy. The stock spoiler is cool, if a bit tall, yet someone drilled holes in the trunk lid to install a spoiler plucked off some economy car at a U-Pull-It yard.
Had the same thought!
For me its the 68-70 Javelin. Much like the Mustang the Javelin grow fat and bulky. For those who like this year Javelin could be a nice project. For me I will pass.
that Javelin has been thrown a few too many times. Besides the obvious respray and “rims” this one is pretty tired and in need of a total redo. It being a 304 car doesn’t help it much.
I had a ’68 Gen 1 AMX and 3 of these Gen 2 Javalins in the ’70s and ’80s. Great styling, and this one seems relatively cheap, but an in person inspection would be wise. Lower rear quarters usually have rust through because of the trunk design.
I had a sky blu and white 74 that I drove my senior year of high school..The 401 go pack did just that …GO! To bad I didn’t have enough since to keep when the oil
crisis started
No doubt that AMCs are cool, but you can quickly get upside down if you’re restoring one. Just like any other brand, you’re always better off buying a nicely restored one 👍🏻
I am restoring a 81 Vette right now..
It’s not about the money, it’s about the love of cars
I am restoring a 81 Vette right now..
It’s not about the money, it’s about the love of cars