Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The current owner of this 1973 AMC Javelin suggests it would be an ideal candidate for a project or parts car. I believe it deserves better than that second option due to its complete state and lack of significant rust. Although it isn’t the more desirable AMX version, it is a blank canvas that could allow it to become an AMX tribute. If you feel ready to tackle the restoration of a car from one of the country’s genuine “battler” manufacturers, the Javelin is listed here on eBay in Peyton, Colorado. The seller set their BIN at $3,000, and forty-eight people are watching the listing.

I’ve long admired AMC because I believe it produced some of the most interesting vehicles to emerge from an American factory. I acknowledge that some of their offerings weren’t exactly oil paintings, but what they achieved on a shoestring budget deserves respect. Such is the case with the Javelin. Released in 1967 for the 1968 model year, the Javelin soldiered on gamely until production ended in 1974. Our feature car wears Olympic Blue Metallic paint, although it features an odd passenger-side door. It looks tired and seems to reinforce the “parts car” tag. When you look closer, its condition springs some surprises. There is a small rust section in the passenger-side lower rear quarter, but it is a candidate for a patch rather than a panel replacement. The underside shots reveal the floors as rock-solid, with the same true of the trunk pan. Anyone contemplating a restoration will probably elect to strip away most of the paint, but they won’t spend hundreds of hours ensuring the bodyshell is structurally sound. The glass is excellent, and most trim pieces are suitable for cleaning or restoration to return to their best.

Lifting the hood reveals a 360ci V8 which produced 195hp in its prime. The original owner specified a three-speed Torque-Command automatic transmission and power brakes to help provide a relaxed driving experience. Emission regulations hurt AMC as severely as most manufacturers in 1973, with this car capable of covering the ¼ mile in 16.5 seconds. However, the company offered a more powerful version of the 360 that could slash that figure to 15.5 seconds, and the upgrades required are not difficult or expensive. The supplied photos make it no surprise that this Javelin doesn’t run or drive. It’s unclear when it last did, but that 360 turns freely. I’m unsure whether removed components like the intake and carburetor are present, but sourcing aftermarket replacements should not prove challenging if the restorer isn’t focused on total originality.

The Javelin’s interior is a mixed bag, and the buyer faces a total refurbishment to return it to its former glory. The supplied photos indicate most of the removed components are present, although they require a thorough cleaning to determine what is fit for reuse. Items like the dash pad and console look okay, but most of the upholstery is beyond salvation. I was unsuccessful in locating a trim kit, but the necessary parts, like seatcovers, door trims, and carpet, are readily available separately. That approach is generally not the most cost-effective way to tackle a retrim because complete kits generally offer better value for money. The buyer needs to budget at least $2,000 if this Javelin is to regain its lost youth.

History suggests the 1973 AMC Javelin will never become a mega-bucks classic, but it emerged from a company that punched above its weight in the American motoring market. The lack of rust in this beauty and its affordable BIN figure may tempt a few people. It is worth noting that although tidy examples rarely top $20,000 in the current market, values are climbing. That means now might be the perfect time for the right person to park this classic in their workshop and return it to its former glory. Are you up for that challenge?