American Motors got into the “pony car” game in 1968 with the Javelin. But they went one step further, also offering a GT-style coupe called the AMX which was a 2-seat Javelin with a shorter wheelbase. AMX sales weren’t exactly brisk, so when the Javelin was redesigned in 1971, the AMX became a performance option on the 4-seat body. This ’72 AMX sports a custom red/white/blue paint job that harks to other then-recent AMC muscle cars, like the Rebel Machine. It looks like a sweet ride, with a mildly modified 360 V8 and an upgraded interior. Located in Scotts Valley, California, this beauty is available here on craigslist for $27,500. Kudos to Nevadahalfrack for the cool tip!
Demand for the AMX continued to be soft from 1971-74, so when the Javelin was discontinued at the end of that year, the AMX went with it. Just 3,220 AMX’s were produced in 1972 of which 1,860 had a 360 engine like this car, assuming the block is original to the vehicle. The seller mentions a mild cam update was done to the engine, which implies it was rebuilt and perhaps had the air induction added before its current 98,000 miles. The car also has the AMX Go-Pack option and a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission (from Chrysler?).
The appearance of the automobile reminds me of the success that Mark Donahue had a couple of years prior on the SCCA Trans-Am circuit and the car sports a decal indicating wins in 1971-72. But did this car turn in those specific results? Recent work includes a new aluminum radiator, a rebuilt front end, and some redoing of the wiring. A retro-style stereo system has been installed.
Changes to the interior include power BMW seats (the stock units are included in the sale). The car proudly wears aftermarket rims but the originals and their tires are also around for the buyer. The seller gives credit for the patriotic paint job to JJs in Hollister, California, though we don’t know how recently that work was completed. All-in-all, it’s a very cool Javelin for the same kind of money a Mustang from the same era might bring. And you’d be driving a car that far fewer were made of.
I luv it.
The colors on this Hot Wheel are cool
I do take off points for no redline tires though 😀😗😅
Its a sweet ride…
GLWS!
Couple of things, the Trans Am Javelin which was limited production had this paint scheme and now brings big $. The sticker is being reproduced. The front turn signals have been replaced with driving lights. Glad seller has original seats and wheels.
That red chin spoiler just looks wrong. Black or maybe blue would work.
I agree, should be red
Regardless of it being AMC’s colors, that paint job is hideous.
I think I saw this car while driving on my route down in south county at an auto body shop about five, maybe six years ago. I think I still have a pic that I snapped of it on my phone. It looked like it had just gotten painted and they were finishing final assembly. The car had the original wheels on at the time. It certainly stops you in your tracks with the exterior paint scheme.
I think it’s cool but, not for the price
Their automatic transmissions were called “Torque Command” and they were Torqueflites stright from the Chrysler parts bin!
You are partly correct, Chrysler Torqueflite yes but it had the AMC bell housing bolt pattern. You would not be able to bolt it to a Chrysler engine.
I’m sure the purists will disagree, but those seats look very comfy, I’d call that a worthy upgrade.
Naturally I like it, The paint seems to be correct for the number 6 Donohue car, even the red spoiler. The seats look too comfy and I have no problem driving my stock seat for hours. It may seem a bit pricy now but in 10 years it will seem a bargain especially for a solid California car. .
I hear some say the paint scheme is wrong, foolish even, but as far as I’m concerned, only reflects our lack of patriotism today. That red, white and blue has some powerful meaning, to die for, and what better company than “AMERICAN MOTORS” to honor such. All the companies tried some form of r,w&b, but it was AMC that really wore it well. In a sea of black and gray cars, I actually wonder how a car like this would fare. Rather than portray their patriotism, folks would rather be unnoticed in a gray car today.
Not to whine sour grapes, but this car offered by any other car company, would have been a sales leader. Instead, just another Rambler,,,it wasn’t easy being #4.
If you buy a Camaro or a Mustang and bring it to the car show, there are several just like it. If you bring this, you stand a good chance that it will be the only one there. I’d love to see it in person, might want to own it, but definitely wouldn’t want to try and find parts for it!
$27,500 for a month and still unsold.
I’d much rather put my money in this than a new car of similar price.
I’d paint the spoiler blue and loose the stock car wheels in favor of a nice wide set of steelies no hub caps like it would of had racing or it would of had torque thrusts on it. Then it would look like a 25k investment.:)
Yes, and with a car like this:
who cares about miles per gallon?! That’s not what I would buy any of these barn finds for. What a great ride!
Not too many new cars can be had for this price!!
Last April 13th, I bought my new 2023 Prius LE for $27853 (plus tax,tag and fees). However, the Prius is getting 58 mpg on 87 grade fuel versus the AMX’s 17 mpg high octane.
Very cool AMX!! I seen one this color when I was young. Too bad it’s not a 401 with a stick! And T/A exhaust system than come out under the door. Then the price would probably go up. 360 is a good motor better than 304. The Automatic is a Chrysler 727 . Great transmission! What shame it’s on the west coast not N.E.😂 Good luck to the next owner!🐻🇺🇸
Cool tribute car. Would drop it an inch or two and get a set of Minilite wheels for it. Paint is a little loud but cool. Love the looks of the ‘71-‘74 Javelins.
The original AMX–68 through 70–is not just a two seat Javelin. There are sheet metal and some interior parts that interchange, but the AMX was all performance oriented. Shortened by 12 inches, they were all 8 cylinders, had torque links, and with Group 19 options were and are awesome dragsters.
Sweet !
Original CA car right down to the Joe Kerley AMC/Jeep license plate frames! Still not as much fun as a first generation AMX. But not a bad last gasp pony car for AMC before they faded into the malaise era. Drive this badass Jav to your local cars & coffee and you won’t see another one!
I had one of these, though it was a 401 4 speed in “Fawn Beige” (which was all I could find). Didn’t love the color, but in 50 years I’ve never seen another one (which I guess means I wasn’t the only one). Perhaps there’s something to that “just because it’s rare doesn’t mean it’s valuable”? Nice car, pretty quick (had dealer install a 4.30 rear gear set). Love the dashboard. It’s still for sale I suppose because it’s AMC.
I have always loved the look of these years. I have owned over 200 cars and I still can’t believe I have never owned one, not even one AMC product! With the prices these days, not likely i will. But, never say never!