1969 AMC Javelin in Big Bad Orange

1970 AMC Javelin SST with “Go Package”

The AMC Javelin was a “pony car” built by the American Motors Corporation between 1968 and 1974. It was intended to rival other similar cars of the era such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

The Javelin can be classified into two generations: 1968 to 1970 (with a distinct 1970) and 1971 to 1974. Javelins competed successfully in Trans-Am racing and won the series with AMC sponsorship in 1971, 1972, and independently in 1975.

Javelins were assembled under license in other markets including Europe (by Wilhelm Karmann GmbH), Mexico (by VAM), Australia (by Australian Motor Industries), and were sold in other export markets.

1968–1970

The Javelin was a production version of one of the AMX prototypes shown around the USA during the 1966 AMX project tour. It debuted in 1968. Available engines were a 232 CID (3.8 L) straight-six and three V8s. The optional "Go Package" included a four-barrel carbureted 343 CID (5.6 L) V8, power front disc brakes, dual exhausts, and wide tires. The SST trim level gave a greater degree of luxury. In mid-1968 the AMX 390 CID (6.4 L) engine was offered as a Javelin option. A “Big Bad” paint (neon brilliant blue, orange and green) option was available on Javelins and AMXs in 1969 and 1970. The “Mod Javelin” Package included an unusual roof mounted spoiler and twin blacked-out fake air scoops on the hood. American Motors supported the AMX and Javelin with a "Group 19" range of dealer-installed performance accessories. These included a dual four-barrel cross-ram intake manifold, a high performance camshaft kit, needle-bearing roller rocker arms and dual-point ignition.

Road & Track compared the Javelin favorably to its competitors on its introduction in 1968,^{[citation needed]} describing the "big, heavy, super-powerful engine" as "an asset in such a small vehicle", and the styling as "pleasant." The disc/drum brakes and the non-power-assisted "quick-steering" option were criticized. Many journalists also complained about AMC’s safety-style interior, saying it was dull or bland.^{[citation needed]}

Also offered was the AMC AMX, a shortened, two-seat version of the first-generation Javelin.

Engines

• 232 CID (3.8 L) AMC I6, 145/155 hp (108/116 kW)(gross) (one-barrel or two-barrel)
• 290 CID (4.8 L) AMC V8, 225 hp (gross)
• 343 CID (5.6 L) AMC V8, 280 hp (209 kW) (gross)
• 360 CID (5.9 L) AMC V8, 245 hp (182 kW) (gross) (two-barrel/single exhaust)
• 360 CID (5.9 L) AMC V8, 285 hp (212 kW) (gross) (four-barrel/dual exhaust)
• 390 CID (6.4 L) AMC V8, 315/325 hp (235 kW) (gross)

1971–1974

1974 AMC Javelin AMX with "Go Package"

Three Javelin series were offered: the base model, the SST, and the AMX.

The car was restyled in 1971 to incorporate the integral roof spoiler and fender bulges from earlier Javelins racing in the Trans-Am Series. The media criticized the revised fenders (originally designed to accommodate oversized racing tires) as "...like the Corvette, but less graceful..."^{[citation needed]} AMC offered a choice of engines and transmissions. Engines included a 232 CID (3.8 L) I6 and a four-barrel 401 CID (6.6 L) AMC V8 with high compression ratio, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods engineered for 8000 rpm.

The car's interior was asymmetrical, with nearly every component^{[citation needed]} unique to its position, unlike the symmetrical interior of the economy-focused 1966 Hornet (Cavalier prototype.

Racing versions competed successfully in the Trans-Am Series with the Penske Racing/Mark Donohue team, as well as with the Roy Woods ARA team sponsored by American Motors Dealers^[1]. The Javelin won the Trans-Am title in 1971, 1972, and 1975. Drivers included George Follmer and Mark Donohue, the latter lending his name and signature to a limited-edition 1970 Javelin-SST model with a special rear spoiler of his own design.

From 1971 the AMX was no longer available as a two-seater. It evolved into a premium High-Performance edition of the Javelin. The new Javelin-AMX incorporated several racing modifications and AMC advertised it as “the closest thing you can buy to a Trans-Am champion.” The car had a stainless steel mesh screen over the grille opening, a fiberglass full width cowl induction hood, and spoilers front and rear for high-speed traction. The performance-upgrade "Go Package" included the choice of a 360 or 401 4-barrel engine; also "Rally-Pac" instruments, handling package for the suspension, limited-slip “Twin-Grip” differential, heavy-duty cooling, power disk brakes, white-letter E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas tires on 15x7-inch styled slotted steel wheels, T-stripe hood decal and a blacked-out rear taillight panel.

A journalist who road-tested cars for an American auto magazine in the 1970s recalls the 1971 Javelin-AMX as "arguably the worst-built muscle car I have ever driven ... Decal stipes peeled off, loose knobs on the dash dropped off...loose carpeting pulled up, the front grille was barely attached." Also an entire rear wheel and brake assembly sheared off as the test car pulled away from a light, which could "have been fatal had it occurred…while cruising on the highway." The car ran the quarter mile in 14.60 seconds at 98 mph, "respectable for 1971, but certainly nowhere near the top rung of muscle cars."^[2]

1973 AMC Javelin AMX Pierre Cardin edition

The optional Cardin interior in a 1972 Javelin

During the 1972 and 1973 model years 4,152 Javelins were produced with a special interior option designed by fashion design Pierre Cardin (official on-sale date was March 1, 1972). It has a multi-colored pleated stripe pattern in tones of Chinese red, plum, white, and silver on a black background. Six multi-colored stripes, in a tough satin-like nylon with a stain-resistant silicone finish, run from the front seats, up the doors, onto the headliner, and down to the rear seats. The fabric for the seat faces was produced for AMC by Chatham Mills, a veteran maker of interior fabrics. Cardin's crest appeared on the front fenders. MSRP of the option was US$84.95. The trend for fashion designers doing special interiors still continues, but Cardin's continues to be the “most daring and outlandish.” ^[3]

American Motors achieved record sales in 1972 by focusing on quality and including an innovative “Buyer Protection Plan” to back its products. This was the first time an automaker promised to repair anything wrong with the car (except for tires) for one year or 12,000 miles. Owners were provided with a toll-free telephone to AMC, as well as a free loaner car if a repair to their car took overnight. One commentator has said that “[d]espite the Javelin's “great lines and commendable road performance, it never quite matched the competition in the sales arena … primarily because the small independent auto maker did not have the reputation and/or clout to compete with GM, Ford, and Chrysler.”^[4]

By 1974, Chrysler abandoned the pony car market. Whereas Ford replaced its original Mustang with a smaller four-cylinder version, and other pony car manufacturers also downsized engines, the Javelin's big engine option continued until the production of the model ended in October/November 1974 amidst the Arab oil embargo and overall declining interest in high performance vehicles. American Motors also needed a manufacturing line to build its all-new AMC Pacer.^[5]

Engines

• 232 CID (3.8 L) AMC I6, 135 horsepower (101 kW) gross rating
• 258 CID (4.2 L) AMC I6, 150 horsepower (112 kW) gross rating
• 304 CID (5 L) AMC V8, 210 horsepower (157 kW) gross rating
• 360 CID (5.9 L) AMC V8, 245 horsepower (183 kW) gross rating (two-barrel carburetor with single exhaust)
• 360 CID (5.9 L) AMC V8, 285 horsepower (213 kW) gross rating (four-barrel carburetor with dual exhaust)
• 401 CID (6.6 L) AMC V8, 335 horsepower (250 kW) gross rating

Collectibility

Chicago Sun-Times auto editor Dan Jedlicka says that the Javelin, which he describes as "beautifully sculpted" and "one of the best-looking cars of the 1960s", is "finally gaining the respect of collectors, along with higher prices."^[6] The first generation Javelin has also been described as a "fun and affordable American classic with a rich racing pedigree and style that will always stand out from the omnipresent packs of Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler pony cars."^[7] The basic version of the car does not command the high prices of some other muscle cars and pony cars. However, in its day the car sold in respectable numbers, regularly outselling both the Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger so popular today.

1971 through 1974 AMX versions command higher prices, according to collector-car price guides.

There are many active AMC automobile clubs, including for owners interested in racing in vintage events. The Javelin shared numerous mechanical, body, and trim parts with other AMC models, and there are vendors specializing in new old stock (NOS) as well as reproduction components.

Export and other markets

AMC Javelin by Karmann 1968 ad

• Between 30 December 1968 and 2 July 1970, the German coach builder, Karmann, assembled 280 ^[8] CKD (Completely Knocked Down) Javelins that were sold in Europe. This deal was very significant because it was a completely American designed car that was made in Germany. Karmann’s “Javelin 79-K” came with the 343 CID (5.6 L). 90% of the parts and components used came in crates from the USA. At Karmann’s facility in Rheine the cars were assembled, painted, and test-driven prior to shipment to customers.
• Right hand drive versions of both the first and second generation models were assembled in Australia by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) from CKD kits. The right hand drive dash and other required components were locally manufactured.
• Javelins were also popular in Europe, primarily because they had the largest and most usable rear seat of the American pony cars.
• Javelins equipped with the 401 CID (6.6 L) engine were used by the Alabama Highway Patrol beginning in 1971 and ending with the last ADPS Javelin's retirement in 1979. They were the first pony cars to be used as a normal highway patrol police car by any U.S. police organization.

Specifications

The 1971 AMC Javelin has the following specifications:

• Length: 191.8 inches (4872 mm)
• Width: 75.2 inches (1910 mm)
• Wheelbase: 110 inches (2794 mm)

References

• James T Crow, ed. (1968). "AM Javelin". Road & Track Road Test Annual: 24–26. 
• Guy Hadsall, Patrick R. Foster, and Sam Fiorani (1999). Mister Javelin: Guy Hadsall Jr. at American Motors. SHS Press. ISBN 0-96689-430-8. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

AMC Javelin

• AMC Rambler Club — Club for 1958 – 1969 AMCs.
• American Motors Owners — Club for 1958 – 1987 AMCs.
• AMC Police Car Registry — Club for all AMC emergency vehicles.