AMC Javelin

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AMC Javelin SST (1969)

The AMC Javelin was a sports coupé produced by the American automobile manufacturer AMC from summer 1967 to summer 1974 . It belonged to the class of the so-called pony cars and thus competed mainly with the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro . The name Javelin means throwing spear .

The two-seater AMC AMX , which was only manufactured from the beginning of 1968 to the end of 1970, was based on the shortened platform of the Javelin .

Engines

  • 3.8 liter R6 (232 cu.in.), 145/155 SAE PS
  • 4.8-liter V8 (290 cu.in.), 225 SAE PS
  • 5.6 liter V8 (343 cu.in.), 280 SAE hp
  • 5.9-liter V8 (360 cu.in.), 143 SAE PS
  • 6.4 l V8 (390 cu.in.), 315/325 SAE PS
  • 6.6 liter V8 (401 cu.in.), 340 SAE PS

Model series

Javelin (1967-1970)

AMC Javelin SST (1970)

In August 1967 AMC presented the Javelin, which was based on a prototype from 1966.

Several engines were on offer for the Javelin, from a 3.8-liter in-line six-cylinder to three V8s, at the top a 5.6-liter V8 with quadruple carburetors, available in the so-called Go Package with front disc brakes, double exhaust and wide tires. The Javelin SST was part of the range for customers who placed more value on comfort.

In the 1969 model year, the AMX 390 engine (6.4 liters) was available in the Javelin. A Big Bad package offered striking paint colors (blue, orange, light green) and an unusual roof spoiler.

From December 1968 to July 1970, the Karmann company manufactured 281 Javelins from CKD kits that were supplied from the USA at its plant in Rheine . This version, called the Javelin 79-K, was only available with the 5.6 liter engine.

Javelin (1970–1974)

AMC Javelin AMX Pierre Cardin Edition (1973)
AMC Javelin (1974)

In the autumn of 1970 the Javelin received a new body, on which various details were designed with a view to racing use in the Trans-Am series, such as the integrated roof spoiler. The pronounced bulges above the front wheel arches met with rejection almost across the board.

The range of engines ranged from the 3.8-liter in-line six-cylinder to the powerful 6.6-liter V8 with four-fold carburetor (401 cui), which with its forged crankshaft and connecting rods could handle speeds of up to 8000 rpm and was introduced in 1971.

The optionally available Pierre Cardin interior had seat covers made of a silk-like but robust fabric and a striped pattern that stretched vertically over the door panels and across the headliner.

After the AMX was discontinued towards the end of 1970, the name stood for the sporty version of the Javelin. The Javelin AMX benefited from the experience on the racetrack; he won the Trans Am racing series from 1971 to 1973. Features of the civilian AMX were a grille made of stainless steel, a fiberglass bonnet with a wide hood and front and rear spoilers.

The production of the Javelin ended in the summer of 1974 due to waning buyer interest. In contrast to other pony cars, the Javelin was also available with the most powerful engines right up to the end.

The AMC Javelin has the following dimensions:

  • Length: 4872 mm
  • Width: 1910 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2794 mm

useful information

In Germany in 1969, the body specialist Karmann assembled parts supplied from the USA into complete Javelins. Only 281 cars were built.

In Australia, too, there was such a CKD production of the Javelin; there the company Australian Motor Industries assembled the Javelin of both generations. The right-hand drive dashboard required was manufactured on site.

The Alabama police drove Javelins with the 6.6 liter V8 as a patrol car in 1971/72.

Web links

Commons : AMC Javelin  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Javelin production at Karmann in Osnabrück