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?