During the golden era of big-block engines and Tang, one American automaker dared to stand apart—American Motors Corporation, or AMC.
ormed in 1954 through the largest corporate merger in U.S. history at the time, between the Hudson Motor Car Company and Nash-Kelvinator Corporation, AMC initially gained fame for its focus on smaller, more affordable, and typically underpowered vehicles.
However, as the muscle car craze swept the nation and demand for high-horsepower vehicles surged, AMC decided to take on the challenge of creating a car that combined power, style, and accessibility. The result was the AMC Javelin, introduced in 1968 at the height of the muscle car boom.
Over its six-year production run, the Javelin became one of the most underrated and underappreciated performance cars in American automotive history. What follows is a deep look into AMC’s iconic Javelin.
The Engines of the First-Generation AMC Javelin
From its inception, the first-generation AMC Javelin offered a broad range of engine options, reflecting its dual nature. At the entry level, it featured a 3.8-liter (232-cubic-inch) straight-six engine that delivered a modest 145 horsepower but offered impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 25 mpg on the highway.
For those seeking more power, AMC provided a 4.8-liter (290-cubic-inch) V-8 producing 225 horsepower.
Moving up the performance ladder, the 5.6-liter (343-cubic-inch) V-8 offered either 235 or 280 horsepower, depending on whether buyers opted for a two-barrel or four-barrel carburetor.
Midway through 1968, AMC introduced a roaring 6.4-liter (390-cubic-inch) V-8, which topped the Javelin lineup with an impressive 315 horsepower.
Listing:
This listing features a 1969 AMC Javelin SST Go-Package 343 V8 with a T-10 4-Speed Transmission and Twin-Grip axle. The car is featured on classiccars.com and the seller in based in Roanoke, Texas.
It has undergone a comprehensive restoration using many NOS (New Old Stock) parts, with fewer than 500 miles driven since completion.
The vehicle retains its original door data-tag, matching body color and trim. Finished in Hunter Green with a correct charcoal gray Legendary interior and original headliner, it features factory Go-Package equipment, a Hurst Competition shifter, and an 8,000 RPM tachometer.
Highlights include:
- Rebuilt original 343 cid V8 engine (built in November 1968)
- Original carburetor, intake, air filter, and exhaust manifolds
- Rebuilt Borg Warner T10 4-speed transmission
- Factory power front disc brakes with a new master cylinder and booster
- Rebuilt heavy-duty suspension
- “Twin-Grip” limited-slip axle
- Updated Coker 15″ Magnum wheels and redline tires