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. 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 was sold in other export markets.
[edit] 1968–1970When 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 CID (3.8 L) straight-six through three V8s, including (with the optional “Go Package”) a four-barrel carbureted 343 CID (5.6 L) 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 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 full range of “Group 19” dealer installed performance accessories. These included a dual four barrel cross ram intake manifold, a high performance camshaft kit, needle bearing roller rocker arms, dual point ignition, and much more. 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 generation Javelin model was produced for the same years; the AMC AMX. [edit] Engines
[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 wheel wells 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 CID (3.8 L) I6 to the potent four-barrel 401 CID (6.6 L) AMC V8, that featured high compression, as well as forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods dynamically engineered for 8000 rpm. Three Javelin series were offered: the base model, the SST, and the AMX. The interior of the Javelin was made non-symmetrical where nearly every component is unique to its position. This was in contrast to the economy focused Hornet (Cavalier prototype in 1966), which was a study in symmetry. The new Javelins competed successfully in Trans-Am racing in a Penske Racing/Mark Donohue team, as well as with a Roy Woods ARA team sponsored by American Motors Dealers[1]. The Javelin won the Trans-Am title in 1971, 1972, and 1975. A number of famous drivers piloted the racecars including George Follmer and Mark Donohue, the latter of which lent his name and signature to a limited-edition 1970 Javelin-SST model with a special rear spoiler of his own design. Starting in 1971, the AMX was no longer available as a two-seat model. However, it evolved into a premium High-Perofmance edition of the Javelin. The new Javelin-AMX incorporated a full host of racing modifications learned on the track into a street version that 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, as well as front and rear spoilers to increase traction at high speed. A "Go Package" continued to be available that added a host of performance upgrades including the choice of a 360 or 401 4-barrel engine. The Go Package exterior featured a T-stripe hood decal and a blacked out rear taillight panel, while performance enhancement included "Rally-Pac" instruments, handling package for the suspension system, limited slip Twin-Grip differential, heavy duty cooling, power disk brakes, and white-letter E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas tires on 15x7-inch styled slotted steel wheels. 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] 
The internationally renowned fashion design trendsetter Pierre Cardin was asked by AMC to prepare a series of interior proposals for the Javelin. This was one more example of AMC's pioneering ideas and the official on-sale date was March 1, 1972. The trend for using fashion designers to make special interiors is recognized through today, but Cardin's continues to be the most daring and outlandish. Cardin employed a very imaginative multi-colored pleated stripe pattern in tones of Chinese red, plum, white, and silver set against a black background. There are six multi-colored stripes that run from the front seats, up the doors, onto the headliner, and back down to the rear seats again in a mirror style, using a tough, but satin-like nylon with a silicone finish to protect against stains. The unusual fabric on the seat faces was produced for AMC by Chatham Mills, a veteran maker of interior fabrics. Cardin's crest appeared on the front fenders. A total of 4,152 Javelins with this special interior option (MSRP US$84.95) were made during the 1972 and 1973 model years.[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. Despite the Javelin's great lines and commendable road performance, AMC’s pony car offering 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 and Ford replaced its original Mustang with a downsized four-cylinder version. Production of the Javelin 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] To AMC’s credit, the Javelin never lost its big engine option, unlike other contemporary pony cars. [edit] Engines
[edit] CollectibilityChicago 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. [edit] Export and other markets
[edit] SpecificationsThe 1971 AMC Javelin has the following specifications:
[edit] References
[edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
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