72Chero
03-08-2008, 12:13 AM
[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 cu in (3.8 L) straight-six through three V8s, including (with the optional “Go Package”) a four-barrel carbureted 343 cu in (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 cu in (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
232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC I6, 145/155 hp (108/116 kW)(gross) (one-barrel or two-barrel)
290 cu in (4.8 L) AMC V8, 225 hp (gross)
343 cu in (5.6 L) AMC V8, 280 hp (209 kW) (gross)
360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, 245 hp (182 kW) (gross) (two-barrel/single exhaust)
360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, 285 hp (212 kW) (gross) (four-barrel/dual exhaust)
390 cu in (6.4 L) AMC V8, 315/325 hp (235 kW) (gross)
[edit] 1971–1974
1973 AMC Javelin AMX Pierre Cardin editionThe 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 cu in (3.8 L) I6 to the potent four-barrel 401 cu in (6.6 L) AMC V8, that featured high compression, as well as forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods dynamically engineered for 8000 rpm.
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.
Starting in 1971, the AMX was no longer available as a two-seat model. However, it evolved into a premimum top model for 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. These Javelins competed successfully in Trans-Am racing in a Penske Racing/Mark Donohue team. The Javelin won the Trans-Am title in 1971, 1972, and 1973.
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.[1]
Production ended in October/November 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.
[edit] Engines
232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC I6, 135 hp (100 kW) (gross)
258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC I6, 150 hp (110 kW) (gross)
304 cu in (5 L) AMC V8, 210 hp (157 kW) (gross)
360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, 245 hp (182 kW) (gross) (two-barrel/single exhaust)
360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, 285 hp (212 kW) (gross) (four-barrel/dual exhaust)
401 cu in (6.6 L) AMC V8, 335 hp (250 kW) (gross)/255 HP net
[edit] Collectability
There are many active AMC car clubs for these cars, and parts availability is reasonably good. Collector interest in AMC products is now increasing. The Javelin does not command the high prices of some of other muscle car and pony car 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] Export and other markets
AMC Javelin by Karmann 1968 adBetween 30 December 1968 and 2 July 1970, the German coach builder, Karmann, assembled 280 [2] 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 cu in (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 cu in (6.6 L) engine were used by the Alabama Highway Patrol in 1971 and 1972, becoming the first pony cars to be used as a police car.
[edit] Specifications
The 1971 AMC Javelin has the following specifications:
Length: 191.8 inches (4872 mm)
Width: 75.2 inches (1910 mm)
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 cu in (3.8 L) straight-six through three V8s, including (with the optional “Go Package”) a four-barrel carbureted 343 cu in (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 cu in (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
232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC I6, 145/155 hp (108/116 kW)(gross) (one-barrel or two-barrel)
290 cu in (4.8 L) AMC V8, 225 hp (gross)
343 cu in (5.6 L) AMC V8, 280 hp (209 kW) (gross)
360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, 245 hp (182 kW) (gross) (two-barrel/single exhaust)
360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, 285 hp (212 kW) (gross) (four-barrel/dual exhaust)
390 cu in (6.4 L) AMC V8, 315/325 hp (235 kW) (gross)
[edit] 1971–1974
1973 AMC Javelin AMX Pierre Cardin editionThe 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 cu in (3.8 L) I6 to the potent four-barrel 401 cu in (6.6 L) AMC V8, that featured high compression, as well as forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods dynamically engineered for 8000 rpm.
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.
Starting in 1971, the AMX was no longer available as a two-seat model. However, it evolved into a premimum top model for 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. These Javelins competed successfully in Trans-Am racing in a Penske Racing/Mark Donohue team. The Javelin won the Trans-Am title in 1971, 1972, and 1973.
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.[1]
Production ended in October/November 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.
[edit] Engines
232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC I6, 135 hp (100 kW) (gross)
258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC I6, 150 hp (110 kW) (gross)
304 cu in (5 L) AMC V8, 210 hp (157 kW) (gross)
360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, 245 hp (182 kW) (gross) (two-barrel/single exhaust)
360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, 285 hp (212 kW) (gross) (four-barrel/dual exhaust)
401 cu in (6.6 L) AMC V8, 335 hp (250 kW) (gross)/255 HP net
[edit] Collectability
There are many active AMC car clubs for these cars, and parts availability is reasonably good. Collector interest in AMC products is now increasing. The Javelin does not command the high prices of some of other muscle car and pony car 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] Export and other markets
AMC Javelin by Karmann 1968 adBetween 30 December 1968 and 2 July 1970, the German coach builder, Karmann, assembled 280 [2] 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 cu in (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 cu in (6.6 L) engine were used by the Alabama Highway Patrol in 1971 and 1972, becoming the first pony cars to be used as a police car.
[edit] Specifications
The 1971 AMC Javelin has the following specifications:
Length: 191.8 inches (4872 mm)
Width: 75.2 inches (1910 mm)