This second-generation AMC Javelin is apparently a Pierre Cardin edition, but it bears no price premium for the honor. It’s also not currently wearing its Cardin interior, though those bits come with the sale. The seller is asking $19,500, and the car is located in Reno, Nevada. It’s available here on craigslist, and as Javelins go, it’s in nice condition if perhaps a bit unconventionally customized. Thanks to Barney for sending this tip our way!
The Javelin migrated from pony car to bona fide muscle car status with its 1971 redesign. A variety of engines were available, from three inline sixes to V8s flaunting displacement all the way to 401 cu. in. This example is powered by the base 360 V8 breathing through a four-barrel, backed by Chrysler’s Torque-Command console-shift automatic. Output had declined to 195 hp by the early ’70s, thanks to mandated emissions controls. Disc brakes, a Flowmaster exhaust, and new Torq-Thrust rims and BFG tires round out the specs here. This engine bay is dressed to the nines, and as we’ll see, the red-white-‘n-blue theme carries through the cabin…
A Pierre Cardin car would have multi-colored upholstery, including the seats and door panels. Here, we’re met with plain black buckets in good condition; the rear seats are spiffy as well. The machine-turned dash is rimmed in red and equipped with new gauges. This car came equipped with air conditioning, which the seller notes is “not complete”. A restrained red/white/blue graphic breaks the monotony of the floor mats, but that’s where the modesty stops. The headliner is full-on patriotic.
The Javelin’s restyle incorporated extravagant fender bulges, a steeply raked rear glass set in a concave frame, and spoilers front and rear. The car was longer, wider, and lower. The overall effect distinguished the car from its peers and led to sales of well over 100,000 units from 1971 through 1974 – the last year of production. These cars have been ignored by collectors until recently: these days, niche models can bring more than $40k. But the market confers the best prices on large-engined, manual transmission cars. This example – with its custom cosmetic features – needs to meet the right buyer.
Kenosha 🇺🇸 + France 🇫🇷 =
Stunning little ride, the period correct wheels fit it perfectly. This just made me realize that the later model C4 taillights were designed 20 years earlier!
What a nice clean Javelin. Hats off to the owner for the beautiful detailing job under the hood, and for including a photo of under the hood on the Craigslist ad which I’m guessing they didn’t get the memo that you’re not supposed to do that on Craigslist ( I’m joking I hope you know). AMC 360 has plenty of snot to it, and I’m liking the pinstripes too. Barney, thank you for the great find. And of course the multitallented Michelle for writing it up. I enjoyed it very much, thank you.
A Pierre Cardin, ( whistles), ooo-la la, never understood the logic of naming cars after French/Italian designers, I don’t know, was there ever a Fiat Calvin Klein, or a Jaguar Ralph Lauren editions? This was our moment in the sun, made by any other car maker, would have been a smashing success, yet, try as we might, it was still a Rambler to the bitter end. While the production numbers may sound impressive, it should be noted, most Javelins were the economy type. I read, 1973 sold about 28,000, but 5700 were the AMX, and only 2875 Cardin models. Also, most, 14,000, had a 304, 5801 with a 360, and only 470, 401s, rest 6 cylinders, so this is a rare car all the way around. This is another, like the Dart GT, will be what people will want in the future. Like the Dart GT, not so much what great car companies they came from, even if long gone, the cars just look so darn cool, whoever made them. Very nice, HEY JAVELIN!!!
Quite ugly with the pinstripes exaggerating the bulk.