The AMC Javelin was a sporty coupe_type automobile in the 'pony car' class built by 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. At launch, it was available with a variety of AMC engines from an economical straight-6 through a variety of 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.
A two-seat, shortened version of the Javelin was produced for the same years as the AMC AMX.
The car was redesigned for 1971, becoming longer, lower, wider, and with more rounded and aerodynamic styling featuring prominent bulges over the wheel arches, like the then-current Chevrolet Corvette. From this year, AMX became just the top-of-the-line model for the Javelin and other AMC car lines. The Javelin featured AMC's largest ever engine at 401 in³ as an option, although from 1972 increasing fuel consumption and emissions regulations cut performance. These Javelins competed successfully in Trans-Am racing in a Penske/Donohue team. Production ceased after the 1974 model year.
Today, these vehicles are not highly valued; there is low interest in AMC vehicles in general and what there is, falls mostly on the two-seat AMX. The early cars are the most valuable, despite the powerful engines and racing success of the later versions.
While AMC had no performance credentials to speak of, the company was able to supply Javelin buyers with the requisite "goodies" right out of the box.
The Javelin was also a better-balanced all-around car that the big-block Mustangs, Barracudas, Camaros and Firebirds that were its major competition.
Given its humble AMC underpinnings, the Javelin's suspension was utterly conventional -- coil springs and unequal-length wishbones up front and semi-elliptic leaf springs locating a solid axle at the rear.
Beginning in 1977 AMC would bring the fun back to driving with the Hornet AMX stating in their brochure "The AMX comes on strong with a floor shift, console, sporty gauges, soft-feel sports steering wheel and more." Go >
The 1970 Mark Donohue Signature Edition Javelin was created out of a need to homologate the Javelin to compete in Trans-Am events for the 1970 season.
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