The first generation AMC Javelin only lasted three years, beginning with the 1968 model and continuing through ’70 until the car got a major restyling for its second-gen in 1971. But before the more curvaceous body took over, for just 1970 the car got some one-year-only mods outside, including a longer hood and a new grille up front, plus a single taillight spanning the rear with a back-up light incorporated in the center, making the 1970 Javelin SST like this one here on eBay an easy model to distinguish for AMC enthusiasts. The car is in Lawton, Oklahoma, with the no-reserve auction currently resting at $7,600 and one penny.
The 1970 Javelin also featured a one-year-only interior, with several changes from the prior model including revised trim on the door panels, a different dash with simulated woodgrain for the SST model, and redesigned seats which were also available in corduroy as can be found here. The inside area looks to be in the midst of some renovation already, but the seller believes all the parts are still there except for the door panels. though the next owner might also want to BOLO for a black steering wheel.
This is one of those cases where much of the exterior work was completed before the mechanics, and even though we don’t get any details on what the Javelin looked like prior, it’s presenting nicely outside now with the finish seeming to be of high quality. There’s some dust on the surface so it might have been sprayed a while ago, but I’m not spotting any obvious defects or scuffs that may have occurred since the paint was applied, just a few vacancies where some components need to be reinstalled like the wipers and driver’s side door handle.
The level of quality here extends to the engine bay area as well, with plenty of attention to detail being given here along with a new Control Freak front suspension already in place. But the engine itself is a different story, as the 360 is currently apart, with the block looking like there’s a long way to go before it’ll be ready to run again. However, the seller says several motor parts not pictured are also included, just no mention of specifically which ones. Even with the engine in pieces, I think this Javelin is at a good point for the next owner to jump in and take over, and I’m imagining a nice ride once everything gets put back together. What are your thoughts?
The door tag in the bay listing shows that is the born-with color. The listing title indicates it is a Mark Donohue edition, but wisely, the seller does not say this in the item description. I think the production month fits with the MD production months, so it is possible. Without the original sales order, etc. it is next to impossible to confirm it. It appears more MD ‘s exist now, than were originally produced. Either way, this is one of the nicest car designs of the era. AMC perfected the Javelin in 1970, then it started its decline like all the other mfgrs of the day. I wish I hadn’t just made a purchase, because I would be all over this car!!
No decline dude, 1971 new design won Trans Am racing series. Penske and Donohue designed it to win
All new platform that out handled, braked etc. and was a far superior car
You got me on that one! There was still a lot of muscle to be had in 71, but somehow, I always have it in my head 70 was the peak. Must be my personal bias showing!
It also had half vinyl top l purchased the car from an AMC dealer for 12 hundred dollars in 1980 he also had a 1969 AMX l could’ve got for 16 hundred dollars.l could’ve gotten both of these mint stock classic for less than than 3K imagine. The AMX had the 390 go pack also.I believe lighting happens in a bottle but maybe once in a lifetime.You just just have to be ready and know cars.
What about the transmission? Appears it had a manual with floor shift but I don’t see any pics or mention of it
The steering coupler…or couplers for that matter look like 3 swivel socket attachments. Not sure I’d trust that setup.
I owned a 1970 Javelin SST completely stock red with the white rally strips 390 go pack special edition and this project has a long way and many dollars to go before it comes anywhere close to what I had. Not keeping it was one of the biggest car mistakes l’ve made in my life.I was to young to know what l had.
I have a 1978 AMC Pacer wagon that I am thinking of selling but where I live the auctions will be in town the end of the month., so I will probably list it somewhere at that time. The car needs tires, brake work and a muffler to be a driver. Have some extra parts for the interior..
I agree 1970 was the best Javelin. I am biased as I have owned my 390 Gopac since 1974. 1971s had a bit more horsepower, but the sheet metal changes were insignificant to the Trans Am racers–they were not exactly stock anyway. Matter of taste, but I prefer 1970 style, especially with Ram air hood and Donohue spoiler–which many have added because it looks so darn good.
But some of the 71’s had the 401 with the go pack. The were the fast cars. And you could not run the 390 in Trans AM.
No you are incorrect. The changes allowed bigger tires an brakes. It also had new suspension designed for much better handling amongst a body changes that kept the car on the ground. The proof is that they won the transam series wherethe 70 couldn’t overcome.
The suspension change came in 1970. The 1970 is the only year with the first gen body and upgraded suspension design.
Front suspension change was 1970. Rear axle was widened in 1971. Javelin easily won the Trans-Am in 1971, partly because the other makes did not get as much factory support in 1971. Some one said it would have been nice if there had been some competition….this car is in Lawton, OK., which is the town from which Fred Brewer operated.
I have a 70 AMX 390 4 speed, standard motor for 70 was the 360. The factory color is almost the same but there weren’t many built as mine is 1 of 5 with color and optional 390 go pack