In the 1970s, American Motors Corporation went all-in on “designer” editions, extending a trend linking fashion to cars that has been part of automotive culture for decades. The Gremlin arrived in a Levi’s version, Gucci graced the Hornet (Levi’s too, later), Oleg Cassini loaned his name to the Matador, and Pierre Cardin splashed up the Javelin. For sale here on craigslist is a 1973 AMC Javelin AMX Pierre Cardin edition, at an asking price of $8000 with the currently-installed wheel/tire combo, or $6500 with the originals. This car is currently located in Winona, Minnesota after spending twenty years stored in a tobacco barn in Missouri. This tip is courtesy of T.J. – thanks!
The Pierre Cardin interior was the essence of mod, upholstered as it was in purple accented with red, plum, white and silver striping. The striped pattern repeated on the door panels and headliner. That console isn’t original; this car was born a four-speed manual. A prior owner converted it to an automatic though the original pedals remain in place. The dash wraps around the driver; the engine-turned finish featured on the AMX submodel of the Javelin. The optional “Tick Tach” incorporating a clock inset into a tachometer was available on all Javelins ordered with the “Rally Pack” instrument set. Speaking of options, Javelins of all types offered dozens of options from trim to mechanical upgrades to cosmetics, allowing buyers to individualize to the max.
The seller has performed enough work to make the car run, though it will need a new gas tank and maybe fuel lines before it can be driven. But the brakes are rebuilt from the master cylinder to the e-brake cable including everything in between. This is AMC’s torquey 360 cu. in. V8 making about 175 hp when equipped with a two-barrel carburetor; the engine is coupled to an automatic gearbox that replaced the factory four-speed manual. Horsepower ratings had just shifted from gross to net, and the full effect of emissions strangulation had not yet kicked in, so these were fast cars.
In 1971, the Javelin was redesigned by Chuck Mashigan, who gave it prominent haunches both front and rear, and a sloping nose. The Javelin AMX received a rear spoiler, special wheels (available but not currently installed), and dual outside mirrors. This example is afflicted by rust in its quarters and the rear passenger floor. The underside is said to be fairly clean. A view on value is provided by this 1973 Javelin project that sold this summer for $6200 – it’s a comparable car with a 360 V8 and similar rust issues, though it is not an AMX. With this benchmark in hand, I’d say this project car is fairly priced. What do you think?
wonder if Howard was Pièrre Càrdin 👔 or Levi’s 👖
I vote Levis for Howard .
Definitely Levi’s.
Ha, silly folks, you should know I wear “Wranglers”, as in Jeep,,,, only because they were my size at the thrift store, $9 bucks, like new.
After The big NASHS were dropped, I lost any interest In AMC. This Javelin is just another example of why. You can dress up a pig, but it’s STILL a pig🐖 or even a POS!
How can you not love a car as beautiful as this? The power output was fine, even the sixes were fine. Don’t care for the wheels and tires, nor the juvenile air cleaner, but otherwise, very nice indeed. One of the greatest body designs of the times, I even like them better then the Camaros or E Bodies of the day.
Exactly my sentiments, Curt…I ordered a new ’73 Javelin in black with a black and white houndstooth check interior, both extra cost options…IMHO, it was truly magnificent!
But, while I’ve tried, I’ve never been able to find out which designer’s name was behind the houndstooth. Michelle, can you help out here?
I am not sure that was a designer, I think it was a custom fabric that could be special-ordered. This SST has the houndstooth option
https://www.fastlanecars.com/vehicles/2916/1972-amc-javelin-sst
If you really want to get into the weeds check out this video; the presenter goes to the Javelin section of the Data Book at around minute 15+/-, showing fabric options.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF-aKkawcOI
Houndstooth pattern was a common pattern in the late 60s and early 70s. The very rare AMC interior was corduroy or leather. IIRC, corduroy or leather were only available in the Javelin series. there is a website that goes over all the AMC interior offerings…..but i can not remember any address details.
So, what’s wrong with scrolling on by?
Nice looking car.
Yessir 370, massage that 360, reinstall the 4sp too 🙌
I realize everyone has an opinion, Lord knows you’ve heard mine more than once, but to hear a comment like RICK says, hits me in the gut, whether they realize it, or care. I can’t understand why someone would make such an insulting comment, this, for many, was our “Swan Song”. It was the zenith of AMC. My question is and always has been, what’s not to like? It looks kind of like a Shelby, has sleek design worthy of any car maker, even the Italian jobs, yet, a POS? Good heavens, man, you don’t know what a POS is. I suppose that’s what his dad said, so,,,
Howard A….Fortunately, we can STILL voice our own opinions. Not sure how much longer 😕. But I’m happy to accept yours. I’ve always preferred OTT excessive chromed luxury vehicles. LAND YACHTS, if you will. The big pre 58 Nash cars (especially AMBASSADOR) IMO fit my choice. The smallest car I ever bought was a 77 Monte Carlo. The biggest was a 78 Lincoln Town Coupe. My current 2007 Town Car Signature Limited provides me with the best motoring available. I sincerely hope someone loves this Javelin enough to give it a NEW home and the TLC it deserves as a survivor. Wishing you and ALL Barn Finders a Happy Thanksgiving. 😊
Rick,
You are right about everyone being able to voice their opinion. But calling it a PIG or POS goes beyond opinions.
Gorgeous car!!
Not something you see everyday. I think these were a pretty special car back in early ’70s when everything started go into the malaise era. I have to give AMC credit. It’s a sexy auto from any angle imo.
A bargain at that price.
That Pierre Cardin interior treatment is groovy, man! If this was closer, I would definitely be interested. I grew up in the northern Chicago suburbs. We saw lots of AMC’s in my day!
If I could sell my 89 Bronco for enough to purchase this and bring it home…
Wish it was up here, buy it in a heartbeat
Those wheels and tires he can keep and I’ll negotiate from there.
What a shame that it’s no longer a 4 speed manual.Thats the ONLY way to have an old school muscle car in my opinion
Rick,
You are right about everyone being able to voice their opinion. But calling it a PIG or POS goes beyond opinions.
Gorgeous car!!