• Seller: Alex P ezaveh
• Location: Culver City, California
• Mileage: 11,832 Shown
• Chassis #: A4C797H288698
• Title Status: Clean

This 1974 AMC Javelin is an extremely promising project candidate. It needs a cosmetic refresh but is a structurally sound classic with only minor exterior rust issues. Most of the required tasks could be tackled in a home workshop, making it ideal for a restoration rookie or someone willing to be hands-on with their build. The owner wants it to head to a new home, listing it with us at Barn Finds.

AMC released its Second Generation Javelin for the 1971 model year, featuring radically different styling from its predecessor. There was little to separate the pair in wheelbase and length, but the company sought to achieve a look that would leave people with no doubt what they were looking at. However, changing market tastes began impacting pony car sales, with our feature car rolling off the line during the final year of Javelin production in 1974. Its original owner ordered it in Snow White, and there is no evidence that it has previously undergone restoration or significant repairs. Both front fenders sport damage on their leading edges, but they are repairable if the new owner exercises patience. The fender lights still operate, and the distinctive square indicator lights are in the trunk. The remaining panels look good, with only minor blemishes that won’t pose a challenge to repair. The best news with this classic is its lack of rust. AMC focused heavily on rust prevention strategies when building cars like the Javelin, and the new owner will reap the benefits of that attention to detail. There are small bubbles in the left rear quarter panel, but the remaining lower extremities are clean. It is a similar story below deck, with the floors appearing as solid as the day this car rolled off the line. The new owner will undoubtedly replace the damaged front bumper, although the remaining trim and glass look readily acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.

Lifting the hood reveals this Javelin’s 304ci V8. The buyer also receives a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. When new, this V8 produced 150hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque, but the shiny carburetor may unleash some additional ponies. A ¼-mile ET of 17.5 seconds was highly competitive in 1974, but this gem might improve upon that figure. The current owner says the Javelin ran and drove exceptionally well until around three weeks ago. The motor winds over but refuses to spring to life. They suspect the culprit is a timing or cap issue, which is something for the buyer to diagnose and rectify. The interior is trimmed in Black vinyl, with the owner admitting it would benefit from a refresh. The parts to achieve a high-end driver result are readily available, and this could be one of the more satisfying tasks with this build.

The AMC Javelin spent decades as the forgotten member of the pony car family, but they now receive the recognition they richly deserve. This 1974 model is a promising project candidate, and with values climbing above the market average, returning it to its former glory would be a worthwhile exercise for a hands-on enthusiast. The result could be a tidy, affordable driver and a solid long-term investment prospect. I can’t think of a downside to that scenario. Can you? If you’d love to be this AMC’s next owner, be sure to make an offer!