20th Sep 2007, 16:04
There was no real mechanical differences between the base Javelin and the SST model. Like all other AMC models back then, SST just signified a fancier interior and some additional exterior trim. Whether that makes it sportier or not is a matter of opinion, but someone who just wanted a fast AMC car, but could not afford an AMX, would have more likely chosen a base Javelin, preferably equipped with the 343 or 390 V8 and four-speed.
22nd Mar 2011, 17:44
Javelin is a gorgeous, beautiful automobile, and is just as powerful as the Mustangs, Camaros, Firebirds and Barracudas of the same era. However, the Javelin is about half the price when it was new than those other cars, and you can find a 1968-1970 Javelin in excellent condition, for half the price of a 1965-1968 Mustang in the same condition. Yet the Javelin is much more handsome car and larger car than the Mustang from the same era, even though a Mustang in excellent condition from that era would cost you twice as much.
I think the Javelin is one of the most beautiful cars ever to come out of Detroit from that era.
15th Jun 2016, 15:44
The Javelin did not come out of Detroit. It was built in Kenosha, Wisconsin. However, I agree it was probably one of the greatest cars of its time.
15th Jun 2016, 18:49
I would only pick a Mark Donahue Edition. All the others are looking dated to me. It has nice styling. The signed rear spoilers make the car.
16th Jun 2016, 13:52
Right. A red/white/blue paint job and a rear spoiler are the only differences appearance wise on the Donahue Javelin, but you think the others look "dated"?
18th Jun 2016, 00:42
Incorrect. That's one version. I prefer the many more plain color versions of the original Mark Donahue Javelin. It looks great on "The Machine" only in my opinion. Pretty bold for American Motors at the time. Park a 390 AMX with the Go Pack next to one of these. I will personally take the Mark Donahue Javelin if it wasn't over money alone. It is also a highly collectible AMC. Of course I would pick a Cuda after 69, 69 Camaro z/28 with RS hideaways or a 67-68 Mustang Fastback even today over any of these AMC models. In that order. If you want something different, that's what the hobby is about. Not everyone is the same.
19th Jun 2016, 21:12
Incorrect what? Taste is subjective, but it is interesting that a pair of spoilers is all it takes for you to not consider a design "dated".
20th Jun 2016, 13:40
Wheels, hood scoop, paint and documentation. It's my 4th personal pony pick from that era.
My personal favorite is a 70 Cuda which a family member owns.
I personally like the 67-68 Mustang Fastback, yet others may like one with the trunk. The immediate visual impact and styling catches my interest.
You may like a base Javelin the best. That's cool; it's all our own money. That's a factor too. What to buy and often the return on investment. If I tire of a car, it's nice to double or triple on it. But that's only part of it.
21st Jun 2016, 12:02
That's why I said part of it. If you can find one you like with broad based appeal, it's the best of both worlds. My favorite car I own now was by flips. It's free. Just collector insurance, gas and a rare repair. And it still goes up.
21st Jun 2016, 17:09
My daughter can sell mine someday. And have over 60k to put down on a home. In the interim I am having a blast driving it. So although I won't ever be selling my favorite while alive, the next generation can appreciate it differently.
22nd Jun 2016, 09:09
My personal favorites have changed over time. I once had a Gremlin X 304 V8, purchased new. I could have bought one of the 2 sixes. I waited 5 weeks to get it under a special order. I would like to have it again, but isn't my dream car today. In fact some may laugh at owning a Gremlin. They were quite popular in the very early 70s. I test drove brand new Javelins in both body styles including the 1973. You have to give AMC credit though for coming in late in the game with performance. Even the Matador was affected.
Our family had a few Ramblers. My favorite was a small 59 with the abbreviated fins and push button automatic. We had some early 60s wagons as well. I liked the colors and they are cool to see in shows. The ones I have seen lately though have been given the rat rod treatment. Likely due to rust or cost to restore. The last we had was a 66 Ambassador. Clean lines, V8 powered, dark blue with a white top.
It is really hard to have a favorite car for all time. It seems after you do find it, there is the lust for another just slightly different. In the beginning I use to over restore a favorite. Losing so much money, it limited the next dream car over funds. I got tired of projects and basket cases. You only have so much garage space. Some rent storage space, but it's a pain in a way. My brand new cars sit in a driveway. My older ones in a garage. They go out on average every other weekend and are driven lightly. At some point in time I will probably just drive new.
What is nice is having a car that goes to Classic Car shows pre 1984. I think that date is modern, but that's the common cut off. And one that is newer for modern shows that can be driven much farther distances. So now I have 2 favorites. I have driven to Carlisle with both. My favorite AMC or then Rambler to have kept was our white 59. You wouldn't see many like it today.
20th Sep 2007, 08:10
The Javelin AMX replaced the original 2-seater AMX. In 1970 the AMX was still in production. The SST (correct me) was the sportiest Javelin of that year.