Muscle Car-AMC Javelin History

The AMC Javelin may arguably one of the most under estimated muscle cars ever built in the pony car style during the 1960s and early 1970s. It offered a well-defined fastback or pony car style and was meant to compete with the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro and Plymouth Barracuda.

The Javelin was reveal in 1968, to mixed emotions. Some people liked the big engine in a small car. Others quetch about the plain interior. You could get a Javelin in a 3.5 L straight 6 or three optional V8s. During this 1st year a 2-seater was also available, called the AMX.

In 1969-70 bright, and often neon, colors were applied to the car, with the only noteworthy change being a new motor being offered for the Javelin, the 6.4L AMX 390.

In 1971 some restyling of the Javelin, most notably, larger fenders to accommodate racing tires. An oddity in the Javelin is the interior buttons did not match; each oddity or button looked different from the others. Other muscle cars of the day, like the GTO, Mustang, Camaro and Barracuda were matching. The Javelin won three Trans AM racing titles. In 1971 a street Javelin ran the quarter mile in 14.6 seconds.

1972-73 saw a new focus on the interior which included rich colors and a variety of patterns. During this time AMC was the 1st to offer a one year or 12,000 mile warranty. They would fix anything wrong with your AMC and provide a loaner car for lengthy repairs. 4,152 Javelins were produced with the shiny new interior and a first-of-its-kind warranty.

1974 was the last year for the AMC Javelin. Fuel-guzzling muscle cars

: AMC Javelin

were no longer in demand. AMC, along with, Ford, Chevy and Chrysler let the muscle car go in favor of smaller more economical cars. The Javelin was replaced with the AMC Pacer.

The AMC Javelin was a new face in a sea of familiarity. Driving one down the road turned heads with its flashy colors and styling. Love it or hate it, the Javelin is a muscle car worth considering.