THE AMC JAVELIN : THE UNPOPULAR GO FAST CAR
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- čas přidán 13. 05. 2022
- AMC was the last major independent American car company to survive past the 1960s. While it would ultimately see itself absorbed first by Renault, then by Chrysler over the course of the 1980s, the Wisconsin-based brand had its moment of muscle car glory alongside Detroit's finest during the golden age of horsepower.
In fact, the 1968 to 1974 AMC Javelin (and its AMX spin-off) count as the final high-performance gasp from a company that had always operated outside of the Big Three's borders. Sleek, fast, and with a race-winning history that is often overlooked by modern collectors, the American Motors Corporation's Javelin makes a fine alternative choice to the Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, and Plymouth 'Cudas it did battle with on both the street and the track.
The first-generation AMC Javelin was born from the AMX project and built on the Rambler American chassis, and when it arrived in showrooms in 1968 immediately established itself as a threat to the established pony car order. The Javelin could be had with a range of engines, but the most popular proved to be its two V8s: a 258 cubic inch, 225hp unit in the base car, a 343 cubic inch upgrade good for 235hp and a sizable boost in torque.
The Javelin (which was slightly roomier inside than its rivals) proved to be balanced and fun-to-drive, especially considering its price point, and its engines were a good match for entry-level and mid-range Mustangs and the Camaros. AMC wasn't finished with the Javelin's charms, however, introducing the 'Go Package' (suspension upgrades, dual exhaust, power brakes) for the 343 cubic inch car, as well as an optional 390 cubic inch motor that churned our 315hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The latter arrived halfway through the first model year and elevated the Javelin among its peers, making it a serious muscle car contender.
There were limitations to the Javelin, of course, mostly tied in to AMC's smaller development budget. There was no convertible version to be found, which put it at a disadvantage when compared against Detroit's finest, but the company balanced this out by going whole-hog on an accessories campaign that included a long list of spoilers, paint colors, and other add-ons that attempted to charm buyers looking to stand out from the crowd. It also created a unique two-seat version of the Javelin called the AMX as its own sub-model, riding on a short wheelbase version of the coupe's platform that could only be ordered with a V8 engine.
With a slightly different look for 1970, the factory also introduced new small block V8 engines (a 225hp 304 CID, and a 345hp 360 CID design), and redesigned the 390 to produce 10 additional ponies. Penske destroked the 390 to create a bespoke 5.0L motor specifically for Trans-Am, which lead to a second-place podium for the team (lead by driver Mark Donohue) that season. The cars were impossible to miss on the track with their red, white, and blue livery, and Donohue would even get his own special edition of the street car to be sold to fans in the know.
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FYI.... The AMX was ... Playboy Car of the Year in,... errr... '68 or '69....
As a owner of a 1973 Javelin for 27 years now and owner of 3 different Mustangs the Javelin is a better car. Mine drives great and is solid as a rock. It's time AMC got the respect.
It just got in at Mecum auctions
Yes they are GREAT cars they didn't sell because they were much more expensive than the pony cars from the Big 3 in the Camaro, Charger and Mustang, MSRP on the 1968 Javelin was $300 more than either of those 3. $300 may not sound like much then but back then it was, in fact the Base Javelin was more expensive then the Camaro SS and Mustang GT in 1968, in todays money it's right about $2600 difference. The new 2022 Mustang base is 27,700k, that would mean the Javelin would be a little over 30k roughly, that's a pretty big difference.....
@@TheREALOC1972 And worth every cent
@@buckd8 See that's the debate though, were they better cars than the stock Camaro, Charger or Mustang, yes but if they weren't as a good as the Mustang GT or SS Camaro and you could get the Mustang GT and the SS Camaro for about the same price as the base Javelin, they were getting a better car for the same money, that was AMC and the Javelin's down fall. they price themselves out of the market.
@@TheREALOC1972 How did the 401 AMX with go pac compare with the top of the others?
Still have my 1974 Javelin AMX, owned by me since new. It’s mostly all original, un-molested condition; hood T-stripe, paint and all. Now I’m almost 70, and it still warms my heart and takes me back to my 20’s when I drive it. I took it to a vintage car race a few years ago, had the AMC section all to myself; there were no other AMC cars there. A lot of spectators didn’t know what it was. How Fun!
I’m 65. What a great time it was to be young! Wouldn’t trade it for any other generation!
How cool that you still own it.I had a 73 with the fiberglass hood and spoiler.Mine was G4 paint.They called it plum and it was plum purple.It was a very good car.Bought it from my dad that worked at Colonial amc jeep.Sure miss it.That car really stuck out.I know you baby yours.
I remember going with my father to the AMC America Motors Dealership in Greensboro N.C. on Battleground Ave to test drive a 1972 or 73 Gremlin X , It was Silver with black Gremlin X stripes and rally wheels , we bought it and dad pulled a pop up camper around with it before trading it in for a 74 Toyota Truck, I loved the Gremlin X as I was only around 6 years old at the time, it was like having a real Hot Wheel in life, I'm 55 now, but the memories are still there when the world was so different then day without computers, even in the early 80's OB1 was just starting and no computers in High School
I had a 74 with 360 automatic with bolt ONS. Raced a 73 Javelin with nitrous and
What size motor and trans?
Had a 69 AMX with a 390 four speed, Factory Hurst quick shift.
Big Bad Green with black stripes.
Turned a lot of heads including the law.😄
@Mark rapacki The 70 although having the same body style, wasn't as attractive as the 68 and 69 in my opinion. Then in 71 I think they started dropping acid or something cause the javelin AMX combo looked like something Johnny Lightning would produce.
@@marinegunny826 Had a 71sst as a teen late 80s.
Saw one that was lowered some, wider tires tucked in nice..made that car look awesome!! The oldschool stinkbug stance...wiht the high fenders of the fronts just didnt look right.
Favorites are 68 through 70. What Id give to have another today...even bone stock for a daily errand car Id be thrilled.
Fun driving something unique that stands out.
I always thought this car was one of the best looking out of the pony car section. It was overlooked too often.
The AMC Javelin was a underrated car that had excellent styling and a strong reliable motor.
Johnny u never had a chance against the MIGHTY MOPAR BIG BLOCK HEMI
@@wildestcowboy2668 And you probably never had a Hemi back then because Chrysler wanted 1/4 of a car's price more to get it with a hemi, and damn few people could afford them. The Alabama HP had some Javelins built for high speed pursuit which could hit 165MPH; these were not slow cars
@@P_RO_ THought it was 140? Whatever it was, for its day it was impressive with the 401.
So many hemi bootlickers that never rode in a stock st hemi...if they only knew they werent barn burners out of the dealership.
My first new car I ever bought was a 1972 P.C. AMX.. 401.. It is still sitting in my garage.. Still have all the paperwork from the day I drove it off the show room floor.. I love my javelin.. Thanks for doing a nice article on the Javelin!!
Lucky you! 🙂
whats it worth these days just outta interest ... im in NZ ... my mate used to have the 390 ...
Verry good choice
You wanna sell it?
@@gerrett0114 LOL!!! How many times in a week does he get asked THAT question?!
I'll never forget my mom's 19 68 Javelin SST 343 typhoon. It was yellow with the black stripe, and had black interior, bucket seats, 4-speed.... I miss that car
Aunt had the same color 68. Gramps was the original owner passed it down to her
She repainted it, new carpet, daisy 200s torque twisters g60s hijcker shocks.
That was the coolest ride ever as a kid. Had it til the 90s
Alabama bought a number of these for the State Troopers. We called them Travlin Javlins! In the days you could go to your local car dealer and buy a high powered race car the police were out run often! The Javlins gave the Troopers a race car with style!
I've read stories about how they ran down Chevelle SS 454 ls6, as well as other high power cars - that's why they were chosen!! If you watch ADAM 12 POLICE SHOWS They use a Rebel or Matador with 401ci eng. In the pursuit cars.
@@dougcarpenter7627 I know of nothing in the day that would outrun the Javelin's the State Troopers had. The problem with them was the steering and suspension was weak and we're constantly having to be rebuilt! They didn't last long in service maybe three years. The cars were beat to death chasing the Ford's, Chevy's, Dodges and others. Those were the days!
The AL HP Javelins could run 165MPH which is quite high even today for a basically stock-bodied car you could comfortably take the whole family to dinner in. These were 'one-trick-pony' cars a bit lacking in acceleration because of the stiff gearing which gave them their insane top-end. Those cars were never titled so you won't find any on the road legally but some still exist.
I have a 69 AMX in my garage right now that belonged to my late father. I love that car, Had a 74 Javelin when I was also in high school. Also my dad owned a 68 Javelin and my Aunt owned a 72 Javelin SST. My father worked at AMC in Kenosha and he swore by the Javelin, And I admit I do too!
My favorite wish car in the world.
The problem with the Javelin was the price, The base Javelin was $300 more in 1968 than the Camaro, Charger and Mustang, in fact.... The base Javelin was more expensive than the SS Camaro and the Mustang GT in 1968 off the show room floor. WONDERFUL cars, just too expensive for what they delivered on the street.
@@TheREALOC1972 the front fenders didn’t help 🤷🏻
@@jeffnpatricia actually people liked the front fenders.
@@TheREALOC1972 it’s what steered me into being an amx fanboy
I too am an original owner, ordered it new in March of 1973, took 5 weeks to be delivered. 401 go pac with functional cowl induction. 4-speed manual and 3.91 rear gears. Always garaged, covered and up on jack stands when not driven, so no spring sag. Walker super turbo's through full exhaust, not loud, but boy it sends the message, it is a keeper.
The Javelin was a very good car, right up there with the Mustangs & Camaros of the day but they were very underrated simply because they were manufactured by AMC, the company that used to make Ramblers & Nashes. Thanks for showcasing the Javelin & AMX!!! 👍
AMC Javelins were called Rambler Javelins here in Australia.
Rebuilding my own 1971 Javelin SST. Mechanical work is all finished up, I've just about finished the electrical work and then she goes in to paint and body work. Still all original, classic 360 V8 with a go-package upgrade too. I love the recessed front grille, and it's going to be a beauty when she's finished.
I love AMC's range of 1970s cars. 😍 The Javelin is no exception.
Green 1970 AMX 360 4-speed w/Go Package 3.73 with twin grip. Most fun car I ever owned. Drew lots of attention.
My first car was a 73 AMX with a 401 4 speed...one of 579 produced that year according to AMC. I could pass everything except a gas station.
16 gallon gas tank lead me to sell my 401, 71 Javelin in late 73.
I took my father's 304 powered '72 javelin to OCIR, it ran consistant 15:20's.
Loved that car. Kept up closely with a buddie's 400 Pontiac transam.
My first used car I bought on payments was a 1972 Javelin. Maroon with white vinyl t-top, white and black interior. I got it the same day Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crashed. I paid I think 2300 bucks for it. I was rear ended in a snow storm, completely totaled it. I had cement blocks in the trunk and they came through the back seat hit the high rise bucket seats. I've always claimed those high rise seats saved my life.
Was the colour Wild Plum Metalic?
@@buckd8 No, it was the burgundy
You are the first person that had vinyl T top! With the front fender flare it mocked the Corvette! My brother in law let me drive the Corvette but I was just fine with my 72 SST!
Oh wow....yes they totally saved your bacon
To think how many of us never knew that could happen
Tool boxes, parts, jacks in teh trunk.
@@kevinstamper9796 They did resemble the C3 some.
Javs had super cool front and rear ends they just looked tough!
Couldnt shake that image that amc had back then.
Had a 71sst401, aunt had a 68 Jav, her boyfriend a 68 AMX big bad orange...loved those cars, Still friends with taht dude. Rode in his AMX as a little kid in the 70s wish Id known he put it up for sale.
One of the most underrated cars of its time but the AMX/AMC Javelines wre handsome and good looking cars
Had a 1968 Javelin for 36 years. It had a 290 ci engine when I bought it and I installed a 343 ci for irs third engine. It was an everyday driver for at least 30 years of its life. I sold it to a Javelin collector. It had the original license plates on from when I bought it new. Fun car to drive with the four speed tranny.
My only venture into AMC was a hornet hatchback ... I installed a AMX 390 with the 4 speed.. For the short year that I had it, she proved to be a quick, fun to drive car. She took a licken and kept on tickens . Very reliable and easy to wrench on... Reminiscent of my many Mustangs..
My neighbor had the Hurst Hornet s/c 360. Very cool looking and very quick.....
I had a 1970 sst 390 4 speed green with black stripes on it black interior.
Had a 71 version. One of my most favorite cars I ever owned. Sadly I went to sleep at the wheel (35 MPH) and ran off the road into a ditch and totaled it - bent the frame when I hit a hole. Still breaks my heart today. Loved that car!
I currently have two in my garage, a 1974 AMX bought new by my brother, and my 1972 AMX, they are both very fun to drive, and get a lot of attention at every car show they appear at. Little Ole AMC had a hard time competing with the big three, but they did have some very interesting cars.
I have a 69 Javelin I bought 35 years ago. It’s one of the 50 that were assembled in Australia so it’s a factory RHD car and one of only two of the Aussie cars here in New Zealand. Lots of fun to drive and handles surprisingly well for mostly standard suspension.
what a score .. another kiwi here .. out of interest whats its insurance value ... lucky you ... beautiful car .. plus kiwi craftmanship rebuilding mopars is world class ...
It’s a bit rough in places. I painted it in 1989 so it needs work. Currently insured for $55000 but this might be slightly low by maybe 5k.
@@chucklesmchaggis3682 you would get insurance value easy for it so id say yes under valued ... be a sort after car ... did you buy it to keep it or it just end up that way ... ? im jelous ... ☺ ... best place for them is getting driven once a week ... hope you get to use it .. !
I bought it because I couldn’t afford a Gen 2 camaro but ended up keeping it.
I tend to not follow the crowd. I prefer to be different and a 69 Javelin with a 355 Chevy and TH2004R trans is very different. Just the way I like it! Lol
Yes I drive it often. I’ll just make time to go on a pointless drive to nowhere and often clock up a hundred miles at a time. Only when it’s a nice day tho. No rain or it stays in the garage.
@@chucklesmchaggis3682 exactly how id drive it too ... so relaxing just cruising to no where on a sunny day ... find a nice late lunch and a cold one ... then some good driving music for the smile and drive home ... i always believe you end up with the things you were meant to have .... Rare and nice are 2 things i can live with ... glad you drive it ... they do need it ... (and in other ways they make you appreciate modern luxury V8s and advances in tech too ) ... thanx for reply .. im in auck .. might see it one day if lucky ... i always check any muscle car out i see .. (im 60 and only got lexus x2 v8s these days, 1 is of a 6yr run of only 2300 , gs460 so rare car too , an appreciating asset car , its uptuned etc , garaged once a wk driver , 5/6 km a litre , as im sure you know ) .. other v8 at least does 7-11 depending on how i drive .... ... cheers for taking time to reply .... lucky you ... be sorta car be worth buying from you (not that you wld sell it ) but full history etc .. amazing .. thats why i think you are abit more under insured than you think ... that car is rare ..... full history .. all there .. matching everything ... buyers dreamfor resto .... hope you carry on enjoying it .. lucky you .... have a good wk end .. but wet ... sorta wkend got to dial down computer in my daily driver ,greasy rds , be wheel spinning every where .... have fun ...
Had a 71 SST with the 360 and 4 speed manual years ago. 42,000 original miles on it. Still looked and smelled like a new car. Have a 70 340 duster now, but still kick myself for selling the javelin.
I still dream about mine .
Nice piece! I just purchased a 1974 Javelin and will be restoring it soon.
I bought a 1969 Javelin, green with a black vinyl top, and the 258 V-8. Bought it straight off the showroom floor in Cleveland, Ohio for $2,800.00. Came with bucket seats, wood grained interior and a tilt steering wheel. Probably the best car I ever owned. Sucker could fly down the highway. and never had in for for repairs. Owned it for 3 years and 40,000 miles and then sold it to my older brother. When he got rid of it, it had close to 150,000 miles on it.
With all due respect there Mr. Steppen the 258 was a straight-6. Perhaps you had the 290 V8?
@@audieconrad8995 You're absolutely right, my mistake. It was the small 290 V8 which I think put out 210 horse power.. I don't remember all the details from 53 years ago but I sure remember how quick this car was. I once (and only once) ran it flat out with the pedal down to the floor on the Ohio Tpke. If the state troopers had caught me that day I'd bet money I'd have been taken to jail. The speedometer said 110.
@@steppen10 lol! Good story. Had a similar incident [also many years ago] driving a 304 Hornet X. I was pulled over by a Maine state trooper on a dark mountain road late at night. When I saw his headlights appear behind me in the distance closing quickly I took off thinking it some drunk jack ass. Only when his blues came on did I realize it was a cop. I backed it off and finally pulled over. Cop walks up and says "what's your hurry? I'm doing 85 and your pulling away from me!" I just smiled and nodded. I was cited for 25 over...prick.
I had the same car and color.this car made me a mechanic I had a lemon will give you just one story about this car every two years I needed a master cylinder but the hills in San Francisco are no joke on car brakes!
@@dogsense3773 Sorry your Javelin didn't work out for you. I had a 1973 Hornet and a 1974 Gremlin X and both were awful. By the same token I had a 1970 Nova, a 1984 Celebrity, a 1963 Pontiac Convertible, a 1993 Pontiac and a 1990 Dodge Caravan. All were horrors and why I've never bought anything but Japanese since 1995. The old saying sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. I would have settled for lucky. Javelin was still the prettiest and best running car I've ever owned.
My mother bought one. I drove it on the first date with my future wife. Married 46 years. To the same woman. Glad she bought that car.
My first brand new car was a 73 Javelin. I had the Pierre Cardin interior with a 401. Had to replace the timing chain on that engine. Enjoyed the car, but finally had to sell it.
I owned a 1974 Javelin with the 304 V-8, mist blue with a white vinyl halr roof (the rear half).
I absolutely LOVED this car - one of the few cars with a wrap around instrument cluster around the driver (it's not even done today!)
I just turned 69, and of all the cars I have owned (BMW, various Fords, one Chevy (never again!!), MG, Audi, Toyota, Honda....) the Javelin is the only car that still "talks" to me!
Love the car!!
A friend of mine had a 72 or 73 Javelin with a 304 and we hit an indicated 110 mph.This was probably around 75-76.Needless to say I was very impressed, actually I was shocked!!!AMC got screwed when the government was giving out bailout loans to other car companies but refused American Motors.They were always the best most dependable cars America ever had. They were the best value as well,and probably the most well built.
Second car I bought was a Kelly green with white side stripes 73 Javelin. Had that car all through college and even did a little bit of racing with it. Seemed like I was always fixing something on it and boy did people love banging into the flared wheel wells in parking lots. 🤬 Now wish I would have kept and restored it. It was a fun car to have when it ran right. The upside down U shaped shifter was very unique and you could carry almost anything in the large trunk and spacious back seats.
My Uncle used to race Javelins and AMX's at Pocono Speedway back in the '70s. The red, white, and blue racing designs bring back memories.
It’s a shame these cars are forgotten but most kiddos these days won’t ever know about them
Loved your Javelin/AMX video. I owned a 1974 AMX, 401, 4 speed, the"Go Package" A/C, am/fm stereo, space saver spare tire, I believe it still had points and condenser, the motor book rated the engine @ 335 hp, it was the fastest car I ever owned, and I had GTO's, Road Runners, Z-28's, and people and friends remember me and that car!!! It was amazing, doing hole shots was a battle to keep the car on the pavement! I have one slide picture of it at the drag race sideways off the line, I miss that car, and I know I can't afford one at that caliber, thank you.
The first time an AMC product hit my radar was when Dad got a 1969 Rebel as a company car. I was impressed. It wasn’t anything so special with its little 290, but it was comfortable and drove well - not floaty like our family Ford Galaxy.
I still lament that AMC didn’t survive …
The 2nd. gen. was way ahead in body style over the Mustang by far IMHO , & My Dad , & Brother both owned 2nd gen. AMC Javelins I believe my Dad's was a 72 , & my Brother's was a 71 SST I believe , Anyway they both seemed to like there Javelins ! I didn't care much for the body style on the 2nd. gen. but as I look back what a awesome design it was , & way ahead of there time ! Thanks for the video.
This brought back memories. My older brother owned a new 1968 Javelin SST. I was 3 years younger than him and my first new car was a 1971 Javelin AMX in canary yellow with a black T stripe and go package with the 360 ci engine. I loved this car. But I heard 1974 was going to be the last year so I ordered a 1974 Javelein AMX with the go package and a gold T stripe and the 401 ci engine. I paid just over $4000 for each of these cars. They were so much fun to drive. 4 speed manual transmissions and the coolest toggle switches on the dash. I really enjoyed these vehicles and was so sad to see the line discontinued. Then I moved over to Mustangs and I own a 2002 Saleen which is 1 of 54 made and I also own a 2013 Shelby GT 500.
I have a 1969 AMX. I`ve had it for 47 years. I drove it in high school. It has the go pack. 390 4 speed. I'm trying to get the money together for a restore. The car has always been garaged. No rust, anywhere. I'm 58, hoping to have it at least in the process of being restored by the time I'm 60.
When I was in the navy (1970 ) my barracks mate had bought a new jav , yellow , and we rode in it to our duty stations.
COOL !!!
In my opinion, the AMC Javelin and Matador were ahead of their times. They were both gorgeous cars and the Matador was called AMC's Avanti. The Matador with the big V8 offering was incredibly fast. Just now, muscle car enthusiasts are re-discovering the Javelin and Matador. Those that felt AMC cars were uncool were ignorant toadies suckling on the tits of Detroit's Big Three.
Anyone that has seen an AMX 3, knows better;)
@Thor Odin son My reply was to Lindsey’s comment of AMC cars being “uncool”. I was referring to the AMX 3 show car. AMC did not go out of business. They were bought and absorbed by Chrysler and became the Eagle brand for a few years. I know, I was a Chrysler technician at the time. But, thanks for your concern.
In the early 1970s the Los Angeles Police Dept. was running AMC Matadors. Jack Webb, always keeping current with his police procedural show, ADAM 12, followed suit and AMC became the supplier. A storyline in which Malloy buys a new 'cool car' was to be filmed, AMC as supplier provided their coolest car, so Pete Malloy drove a Javelin. The vehicle wasn't featured in many episodes, but AMC was likely counting on some buzz with the product placement. Maybe it worked.
Pete had a tan 74 Matador.It was in a couple of episodes.
The best looking muscle car of that era IMO.
The wife and I bought a 68 Javelin when I was serving Uncle Sam during the Viet Nam fiasco. It had a 343 w/a 4 barrel carb, 10.5 compression and a 4 speed. We got a new clutch at 47,000 under warranty, no questions asked. The wife talked me into selling it to our preachers kid. I sold it with 109,000 mi. I told the wife he will wreck it. He did. Awesome vehicle.
Great episode. If I was looking for a classic pony car to own, it would definitely be a ‘71 or older Javelin or AMX. Born in ‘54, I was coming of age during the muscle car peak. In the Fall of ‘64, my parents bought a new, redesigned AMC Ambassador 990H. That car was loaded and reliable, yet amongst my age group, AMC’s were considered “uncool”. The Javelin went a long way toward changing that image and they definitely had more standard features for the money compared to the Big 3 pony cars. I’d prefer one now simply because AMC is no more. 👍👍👍
Roy Abernethy was the Boss at AMC from 1962 to 1967 until he was deposed because the company was losing money. His conception was for AMC to diversify beyond staid compact cars. That strategy backfired tremendously. His successor further compounded that money losing strategy by introducing the 1974 Matador Coupe and 1975 Pacer. The purchase of Jeep from Kaiser in 1970 was brilliant, however.
big mistake...build quality was the worst...bodies fell apart and rusted away.....any of these on the road are not safe to drive---it is obvious you have not driven one.
@@chadhaire1711 I recognize your screen name. You and I have tangled before, and I observe you are just as “certain” this time that your opinion is a “fact”. I am quite capable of going through a vehicle in every detail to determine its condition and whether it is roadworthy. 🙄
had a 72 sold it damn
Primus, funny enough, I was born in ‘57 and my classmate was in a rock/pop band called “The Javelins.” They were brothers and sisters much like the Cowsills. They formed their band in 1968 and played at the local schools and other small venues, “Battle of the Bands,” etc. Javelins are really cool! I had a cherry, all-original ’69 Roadrunner as my daily driver for nine years!
I purchased a used 1971 AMX, dark green with white hood stripe and 360 engine in 1975 in Wichita Falls, TX from a used car dealer. Traded in a Datsun 1200. Loved the AMX and immediately added a set of Cragar SS wheels and headers. Probably the easiest header installation ever. Only thing I didn't like about the car was the bucket seats. The seat back didn't adjust at all and being 6'6" it wasn't all that comfortable for me. Drove it to Phoenix, AZ and sold it and purchased a 1969 GTO Judge for $900. Those were the days. :-)
When I was in the navy the biggest a-- hole in the world was from Wichita falls tx, watch out for that guy!
I was stationed in Berlin where I bought a 1971 AMX with the 401, 330 HP Cowl Induction, 4 speed with Hurst Shifter, front disc brakes. It was a fun car to drive.
Love my Javelin AMX. 1971 almost fully restored. Drove a 1972 Javelin SST back in my youth to college. No one else had one!
I always had a soft spot for the Javelin though I never knew anybody who had one. I was a fan of Mark Donahue and always have been drawn to things that are a little different
Light blue metallic (@1:50) with white stripes is one of the best looking Javelins that I have ever seen. Although I like both generations, the first generation car is my favorite
Craig Breedlove set a lot of speed records with the two-seat AMX.
I owned a 72 SST, 304 auto, stardust silver metallic, Cardin interior, it was the wife of the local AMC dealers car, i was 18 and it was in 1977, the only change i made was a new set of aluminum slots with Firestone wide O oval tires, i had my first hummer in the back seat, those were the days.
I had bought a 1974 AMX with a 401 Automatic with a Posi , Purchased it for $2200 in Edmonton Alberta , What a Fun Car to Drive ...I'm So Sorry that I sold it....
As a young career woman, Dad helped me buy a used 1972 white Javelin with a black vinyl top probably around 1974. I thought the car looked cool, and loved the interior, but didn't realize it was special until I started to get car club flyers left on my windshield in parking lots. Then I figured I must have had something above and beyond just a car. I always got a kick out of the rounded, raised portion over the front wheels. Finally traded it in for a new 1978 Camaro.
I had a black '74 Javelin-AMX just like the car @ 8:40 in the video back when I was in college. Mine had the 360-4bl Go Package, 4 speed manual BW T-10 transmission and 3.54:1 limited slip rear gears. I kept it mostly stock in appearance but built the motor up just a little bit mostly with better more HD parts like forged pistons, double roller timing chain, better more durable valve train, Offenhouser dual port intake and a Comp cams 268H cam. No headers - I just left the already pretty good flowing factory free flow exhaust on the car but the thing was still a pretty quick car without looking or sounding that different. Sold it after college....(Wish I hadn't) The guy who bought it took it to the strip and ripped off a mid 13 second pass the following weekend.
It makes me sad when someone puts a non-AMC engine into an AMC. I know AMC V8 engines are getting hard to come by, but Indy makes blocks and heads that are far better than AMC ever had, but still have the same architecture. On the other hand, if it keeps another AMC on the road it's not terrible.
I agree about keeping things original. I was a kid in the late 70,s and early 80s. Guess I still am lol... I've owned several Javelins..SST .AMX. my favorite is the one I still have 71 SST. AMC motors were a lot harder to come by so I have ran about everything in them. Pontiac 400 and 455. Dodge 340 and 440PI. Ford, 351 Cleveland. 360 ,390 And 302. I had a couple 401,s but they were really ragged out by the time I got them. I ruined one nice 72 AMX putting the 440PI in it. It had fat rear tires and ladder bars. They hooked up a bit too well and shoved the ladder bars up through the floor boards and drive shaft too. It literally bent the poor old unibody up in half. Sad... now i build the bars way up farther it will lift the front end.I have run the 351C For a long time. It's been rebuilt a couple more times with some upgrades. I would like to have run it against a healthy401 ,back in the day. Wich do you think would win.??? I've never ran it against a clock so IDK..
As an owner of 3 Javelins so far - 1971 SST, 1974 AMX, 1971 SST [current], there is only one left to purchase: 1969 AMX 390. Absolutely the most underated muscle car of the '70s. Time for a resurrection! If Camaros, Chargers, Challengers, etc. can make a comeback, one could only imagine a 2024 Javelin!
I never got to own one but I always loved the 71 Javelin !!!
When I got out of the service in 1970, my folks gave me their old Rambler Station Wagon. I compounded it made it look presentable and went to the AMC dealer and traded it for a 1969 AMC Javelin. I loved the styling of the car. It had a 360 in it, a 4 speed and a Hurst shifter. With a posi rear. I kept it till the gas crises hit. I remember always having a set of plugs always gapped and ready. They would foul on about a month. Looking at the reviews of the Javelin and other so called mussel cars of that era, I chuckle. With zero to sixty times in 7 seconds or so. We thought that was fast. Today I drive an Ioniq 5, and that does 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. I had some fun the other day. I was leaving the local Home Depot and was at a light preparing to make a left to turn on the highway. This part brought me back to my youth. A kid (I’m 75, almost everyone is a kid) Well a kid pulled up next to me with a tripped out Mustang. His pipes were growling. I looked over to him and he smiled and reved the engine. I nodded. As we turned onto the highway I was about a length in front of him and I was waiting for the growl of his pipes went he stomped the gas. He did for all to hear. I stepped on my kw’s and smoked him. When I hit 65 I let up and he finally passed me probably doing 80…..
Thanks for listening……
In my younger days I owned a 1968, 1970 and 1971 Javelins, and a 1968 AMX two-seater. Great cars. The 68 Javelin with 232 ci six-cylinder was my daily driver, and the AMX with smaller 290 ci V8 was my "fun car". Widh I still had them.
I've owned two, '72 Javelin AMX that had a built '68 343 with a Flashomatic trans. Loved that car. Also a '73 Javelin with 304 and 3 speed manual which was also a blast.
304 and 3-speed.....LOL.....should have just bought a Gremlin.....
You had a '72 with a built '68 Typhoon 343?? Huh...
What's a Flash-o-matic transmission? In "72 AMC transitioned from Borg-Warner automatics to Chrysler Torque-Flight/Torque-Command.
I owned many AMC's but my coolest was my 1970 AMC AMX I turned into a drag car. I raced it in the NHRA Super Street class where it had a 10.90 index. Wide open my AMX did run a respectable 9.94 1/4 mile at 133mph. If you ever seen my AMX it had "OH NOOO It's Mr. Bill" lettered on the side.
Please gives us the history of, what some say was, the first factory muscle car, the 1957 Rambler Rebel. It was a fast car, an interesting car, and a dangerous car.
My grandfather still has a javelin and he's dedicated quite a bit of time to make it look like the day he first bought it, and I have too say just looking at a javelin is enough to make you walk around it in awe.
I had a new 1973 Javlin AMX, with 360 'GO' package. Paid $4,100 new. Those were the days.
A friend of mine had a brand new one when they came out ,IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL CAR ! At the times I wish I could have afforded one .
I can remember back in '68, we lived in Santa Maria , California., one of our neighbors owned a brand new '68 Javelin. Good looking!
In the early 70s, Alabama State Troopers drove AMC Javelins - and they were very fast! I was doing 65 on a state highway and one went by me so fast all I saw was the blue light on top flashing ahead of me about a half mile ahead afterwards.
I loved my '71 Javelin. Loaned it to my sister for her prom night & she totaled it. That car literally saved her life.
Long live the Javelin...'68s and '69s my favorite years!
Great vid, always liked the Javelin!! 👍👍👍
My uncle’s first brand new car was a 1972 SST Javelin in orange with white stripes (a must in the part of South Carolina he lived in!) He absolutely loved the car, even still has the original keys and a bunch of paperwork for it. Unfortunately, the car was totalled in 1975 when he lost control on some black ice and the car rolled into a ditch. He was okay, but the Javelin was toast. He bought a ‘73 Firebird Formula to replace it if I recall correctly, I’d have to ask him as that was a story he told me when I was merely a four year old, almost 20 years ago now.
My older brother, by seven years, had a 73' in high school, wish it was still in the family
Great video, I had five Javelins over a 40 year period, loved the 2nd generation model, last one owned was '72 Javelin AMX.
Right on
Always loved the style of these cars. So edgy and different from most cars you saw. I always wanted one but of course there wasn't that many floating around anymore when I was capable of actually buying one so it never happened.
Awesome documentary on AMC Javelins' and considering l currently own a 1971 AMC Javelin lm very appreciative of the history lesson....
When I was 10 years old ... My Mother test drove a new last year produced 1974 Javelin .
It had a 304 V8 ,Lite sky blue in color with a Black interior.
Unfortunately It didn't have power Steering and the back seats were cramped ( even for a 10 year old kid standpoint ) .
So ultimately my mom ( who love the styling of the javelin as much as I did) Choose to purchase A '71 Camaro with one of the most power steering a 350 V8 and more back room... Instead.... Ohh pitty...
Finally the javelin simply doesn't get the respect that it deserves as a pony car as a muscle car today it is good that more and more people are starting to notice them both that and the'74-78 Matador coupe models . They deserve more Creed than what they're getting....
I had a 69 343 SST, that was back in 1979…I loved that car, for a small block 343 CI it had some get up and go…Ah the good ol days and the cars I’ve had and sure wish I still had this was one car I definitely wish I still had…👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
My absolute favorite car of all time! In my wildest dream I want to own a 1968 Javelin SST! The 2nd gen kinda lost me with the "Bubbles" on the fenders. Absolutely loved the smooth, clean lines of Gen 1!
My sister ordered a new 74 Javelin and it was beautiful. Red with black vinyl top. Console auto shifter looked like a big staple.
My first car was a 1971 Javelin SST with the 360ci engine. It was 1974, I was 16 years old and I loved that car. Wish I would have had some way to store it for a future restoration!!
I've owned 2 1973 P code Javelin's. First one had the Chrysler 727 auto. The second one i still own now has the B/W T-10 4 speed. I go back in time whenever i drive it. Great cars!
Owned a 1974 'Pierre Cardan' edition. I was 17 and LOVED that car !
One of my all time most favourite cars, being in the uk I have only ever seen one of these when I was 9 am now 55 & would still love one ✌👍
My favorites for the 68 69 AMX I wasn't big on the javelin back then. Now it's 61 years old when I look at the javelin I see a sleek cruising machine and I think back to the car model I had of the Mark Donahue javelin Young 10 11-year-old. Thanks for sharing
I got a 74 Javlin for my graduation present. I loved that car!
I had a '71 SST w/ 304 Auto, green metallic. Fun car. Miss it even now.
Love those AMC had a couple over the years. Sharp looking cars I miss them
The Javelin wasn't unpopular, It was wildly popular, the reason they didn't sell was because they were so much more expensive. The base 1968 Javelin was $2,964, By comparision the base 1968 Camaro was $2,694, the 1968 Mustang $2,707, the base Charger was $2,804 now $300 may not seem like much today but take in mind, in 1968 the Minimum wage was $1.60 an hour. In today's money the Javelin would sell for $24,895.56, The Mustang for $22,7 36.93 and the Camaro for $22,627.74. That's $2200 difference in todays money between the Camaro and the Javelin and it was like that throughout the entire run, the Javelin was always the most expensive one. The only ones who bought the Javelin were the ones who afford a Javelin, had AMC brought that price down even $100 they would have been WILDLY popular and would have sold like hotcakes.
When I was kid back in late 1969, we stopped in Flint, Michigan to visit my Dad's parents. As we drove through town, we passed a drive-in restaurant where there were two AMXs with the red/white/blue color scheme. Only ones I ever saw with that paint scheme on the street.
Has a 73 Javelin years ago, 343, 4 speed. Drove it into a cornfield going about 50 mph. The major damage was the rear shocks breaking through into the truck. Bolted in a piece of channel iron to hold the shocks then sold it.
A buddy of mine growing up had a javelin. I think it was a 73. Had a 401 v8. Rode amazing, sounded so bad ass, torque to go along with that sound. Amazing car. I was 16 yrs old at that time. Thanks for the documentary 🍻
Hey Russ! Thanks for watching and sharing that story. Nice!
My first car 72 Javelin, yellow with keystone classics 60 in back 15s in front, traction bars, loved it !!!!!!!!!!
I had a 1971 AMX , 360 stock appearing , factory 4 speed, 1/125 .
Fun little car.
72 Javelin SST --304--was my very first car....bought in 1978 for 450 bucks.
Wish I still had my 1972 AMX, blue with black corduroy seats and the go package.
I missed buying an AMX javelin by a half an hour back in the eighties it was a crazy low price because the guy was in a hard spot....I had the cash in hand but it was gone just 15 minutes before we got there what a cool car I'm sure I would still have it .... it was the one that got away
I always loved this car. In college I had a friend who owned a rare one that had a 390 ci engine. I think it was rare that year because there were only fifty made (one for each state). He and his roommate both drove race cars on small tracks like Shreveport and Jackson down south. I can assure you that the car was fast, and he loved to scare the hell out of people in it. A few years back I saw one in Poplarville, Ms with raised suspension which had it so high off the ground it needed a ladder to get in. So tall it barely fit under the drive-in awning at the local Sonic. Huge tires with big lugs under it. Pretty sure it was four wheel drive, and the Javelin body on top really made it stand out. Not how I would have wanted it myself, but was really nicely done with a glassy smooth black paint job that really made it pop! Cool cars.
Wouldn't call the Javelin "unpopular" exactly! They sold quite well during the years they were produced and actually beat the Mopar ponycars in sales a few times. They outsold the A-body Barracuda in 1968-1969 and I think they also bested the E-body Challenger and Barracuda/Cuda for 1972 and 1974. Although not '71 and '73 if I recall right.
Most people musta wrecked most that were bought cause their were none in the junkyards in the late 70's
@@hadleymanmusic I noticed cars even as a little kid, I guess in part because I came from a devout car-buff family, and was also constantly playing with Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars like most boys did. I actually remember seeing the second-gens with the humped fenders around on the streets and roads when I was still really young.
@@hadleymanmusic yeah yunno your right, Hadley... or maybe they didn't wreck them and still found no reason to junk them? Another weird fact is you never saw too many wrecked Vegas ,but the junkyards were teeming with the unwrecked examples, as early as late '70's,wtf?
I wanted a Javelin as a teen, but couldn't afford it. I ended up with a Gremlin until I finally found a Trans- Am I could afford.
I was 21 in 1972. bought a brand new 1972 Javelin AMX 360 AUTOMATIC Burgundy in color. Of all the Carrs I've owned this one was my favorite.. WISH. I could have kept it..