AMC Javelin
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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.
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[edit] 1968-1970
When AMC debuted the Javelin in 1968, the full production version of one of the AMX prototypes that was shown around the USA during the 1966 AMX project tour, it was available with a variety of AMC engines from an economical 232 in³ straight-6 through three V8s, including (with the optional "Go Package") a 4-barrel carbureted 343 in³ V8. That package also included power front disc brakes, dual exhausts, and wide tires. The SST trim level gave a greater degree of luxury. In 1969 the AMX 390 engine was offered as a Javelin option. A "Big Bad" paint (brilliant blue, orange and green) option (eg: "Big bad Javelin") included a curious roof spoiler for the Javelin, but not the AMX. AMC supported the AMX and Javelins with a full range of "Group 19" dealer installed performance accessories which included a dual four barrel cross ram intake manifold, high performance camshaft kit, needle bearing roller rocker arms, dual point ignition and even a rear disc brake kit. Rear seat shoulder belts were also a dealer installed accessory.
Road & Track compared the Javelin favorably to its competitors on its introduction in 1968. They felt that the lack of a "big, heavy, super-powerful engine" was an asset in such a small vehicle, and called the styling "pleasant". The non-power steering in the "quick-steering" option received poor marks, however, as did the disc/drum brakes. Many journalists also complained about AMC's safety-style interior saying it was dull or bland.
A two-seat, shortened version of the first Javelin model was produced for the same years; the AMC AMX.
[edit] Engines
- 232 in³ AMC I6, 145/155 hp (gross)
- 290 in³ AMC V8, 225 hp (gross)
- 343 in³ AMC V8, 280 hp (gross)
- 390 in³ AMC V8, 315/325 hp (gross)
[edit] 1971-1974
The Javelin was restyled in 1971 to incorporate various elements that had been desired modifications to the earlier Javelins for racing in the Trans-Am circuits. A roof spoiler became integral. The fender bulges racers made to accept wide racing tires was adapted, but the way AMC stylists arched the fenders over the wheelwells begged for criticism from the media; "... like the Corvette, but less graceful..." A wide range of engines and transmissions were offered from an economical 232 I6 to the potent 4-barrel 401 AMC V8, that featured high compression, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods dynamically engineered for 8000 rpm. The interior was made non-symmetrical where nearly every component is unique to its position, as opposed to the Hornet (Cavalier prototype in 1966) which was a study in symmetry. The Pierre Cardin interior employed a very imaginative stripe pattern that ran from the seats up the doors onto the roof and back down to the other seats again, using a tough, but satinlike, unusual fabric on the seat faces. Starting in 1971, the AMX idea evolved into a performance option for the Javelin. The Javelin AMX incorporated a full host of racing modifications learned on the track into a street version AMC advertised as "The closest thing you can buy to a Trans-Am champion" Javelin AMXs' came with a racer type stainless steel mesh screen to cover the grille opening, a fiberglass full width cowl induction hood, and front and rear spoilers to increase traction at high speed. These Javelins competed successfully in Trans-Am racing in a Penske/Donohue team. The Javelin won the Trans-Am title in 1971, 1972 and 1973.
Production ended in 1974 amidst the Arab oil embargo and overall declining interest in high performance vehicles. To AMC's credit, the Javelin never lost its big engine option, unlike other contemporary ponycars.
Because of general low collector interest in AMC products, the Javelin does not command the high prices of other musclecar and ponycar models. However, in its day the Javelin always sold respectably well, and regularly outsold both the Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger so popular today.
[edit] Trivia
Between December 30, 1968 and July 2, 1970, the German coach builder, Karmann, assembled 280 [1] 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 in³ (5.6 liter) engine. 90% of the parts and components used came in crates from the USA. At Karmanns facility in Rheine the cars were assembled, painted and test-driven prior to shipment.
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 useable rear seat of the American pony cars.
Javelins equipped with the 401 in³ engine were used by the Alabama State Police as a police car in 1971 and 1972.
[edit] Specifications
The AMC Javelin has the following specifications:
- Length: 191.8 in (4872 mm)
- Width: 75.2 in (1910 mm)
- Wheelbase: 110 in (2794 mm)
[edit] References
- James T Crow, ed. (1968). "AM Javelin". Road & Track Road Test Annual: 24–26.
- ^ Dates and figures given by Karmann on Oct.31, 2006 via e-mail
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: |
- AMC at Muscle Car Facts -- A year by year account of the AMC Javelin.
- AMC Rambler Club -- Club for 1958 - 1969 AMCs.
- American Motors Owners -- Club for 1958 - 1987 AMCs.
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American Motors Corporation
Historic: |
| Rambler: | Ambassador by Rambler | American | Classic | Marlin | Rambler | Rebel |
| AMC: | Ambassador | AMX | Concord | Eagle | Gremlin | Hornet | Javelin | Marlin | Matador | Mighty Mite | Metropolitan | Pacer | Rebel | Spirit |
| Renault: | LeCar | Alliance | Encore | Fuego | Medallion | Premier |
| AMC & Rambler Concept Cars: | Rambler Tarpon | AMC Cavalier | AMC AMX-GT |
| Affiliated with: | American Motors Corporation | AM General | Chrysler | Hudson | Jeep | Kelvinator | Nash Motors | Nash-Kelvinator | Rambler | Renault | Australian Motor Industries | Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos |
| People | Roy Abernethy | A.E. Barit | Roy D. Chapin Jr. | George W. Romney | Richard A. Teague | George W. Mason | Gerald C. Meyers | Edmund E. Anderson | François Castaing |
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