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Mechanically Healthy: 1973 AMC Javelin

Although it may look sad and rusty, under the skin of this 1973 Javelin beats a heart of gold. There are plenty of rust issues to address, but if the information that the owner supplies is correct, then this is a mechanically healthy car. Located in Spotsylvania, Virginia, you will find the Javelin listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN price of $5,500, but the option is there to make an offer.

As you can see in this photo, there is definitely some rust to be dealt with in the Javelin. Both quarter panels will need replacing, along with the trunk extensions and the front floor pans. Once these have been addressed, the car could be given a fresh coat of Fresh Plum paint. Of course, if this isn’t the color for you, you might choose to treat the car to a color change. It appears as though all of the exterior trim and badges are present, and I think that the majority of these would respond to a good quality polish.

As I said, under the sad exterior, the owner claims that the Javelin is pretty reasonable mechanical health. The 304ci V8 engine is backed by a 3-speed Torque-Command transmission, while you also get power steering. The owner says that he has undertaken a fair list of work to get the car into a decent mechanical state. He says that the engine now starts easily and that it is strong. He also claims that the car drives well, the transmission shifts cleanly, and the brakes are very good. He even states that you can rock up and drive it home, although he does say that you would be better off to tow it if you are taking it any long distances at this point.

The interior of the Javelin is a bit of a mixed bag. The car will need new carpets, and the seats will need new covers. The rest of it actually doesn’t look to be bad at all. The dash looks okay, while the pad seems to have avoided any cracking issues. The door trims and other upholstered surfaces also seem to be okay. The black trim with white seats is an interesting combination, and the seller suggests that you could return it to this state, or choose the combination that best suits you. He does state that if he were keeping the car, that he would deck the inside with a Pierre Cardin pack. I guess that it is a possibility, but once again, that comes down to individual tastes.

There’s no doubt that this Javelin is going to require some work to whip it back into shape, but there are certainly some possibilities there. We’ve definitely seen worse cars come across our desks at Barn Finds, and judging by the fact that there are currently 27 people watching the eBay listing, there must be a few people that are considering it as a potential project car.

Comments

  1. Avatar Big_Fun Member

    Memories. When I was a kid, Mom had this year Javelin, same equipment- A/C, AM radio, buckets, console, and the upgraded steering wheel. Same wheel covers with white wall tires. Hers was Daisy yellow, darker tan vinyl top with light interior. Started to rust in the same places. We would have kept driving it, but when it warned up, it would die. AMC experts thought it was the wrist pins. I remember she went around an S curve and the drivers door opened on her. Something with the latch rusting. She originally wanted a Pacer, but the salesman talked her into this. I was okay with that decision…
    This example looks like it has had a vinyl top at one time.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Dave, Australia

    Take this one on, bring it back to its glory days and stand out from the crowd. Chris from Australia, your vanishing point comments the other day, very witty

    Like 0
  3. Avatar TimM

    Does anyone make quarters for Javelin or any AMC vehicle????

    Like 0
  4. Avatar JP

    Way too rusty at any price. No mention of the rockers, trunk, etc., and I can guarantee these will be toast as well. Unless you’re a metal worker seek out another one, if Javelins are really your cuppa tea.

    https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/d/oakland-1973-javelin-360-4v/6886935805.html

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Woody

    Yes very rusty floors go along with what’s seen here,but buy it as-is would be nice cruiser.Had a neighbor with an AMC,bright red with stripes and 360ci. like this one but it rotted away in the driveway,it was a cool car in-the-day!

    Like 0
    • Avatar JP

      As-is might be too dangerous to drive. No telling what condition the frames are in, or critical support structures.

      Like 1

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