Stored 27 Years: One-Owner 1971 AMC Javelin SST
The elderly owner of this 1971 AMC Javelin SST purchased the car off the showroom floor in January of 1971, and it has remained in his possession ever since. He admits that he doesn’t get to use it much these days, but does take it out for a drive every week without fail to ensure that it remains mechanically healthy. He has decided that the time has come to part with the classic that has been his constant companion for more than 49-years, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Javelin is located in Canton, Georgia, and with strong bidding pushing the price along to $12,300, the reserve has been met.
The car has been listed for sale by an individual on behalf of the owner, and the seller states that the Brilliant Green Javelin has spent its life in a heated and air-conditioned garage. So it is probably no real surprise to learn that the vehicle is completely rust-free. The panels look solid, while he says that there are no issues with the floors. The paint has a nice level of shine and consistency to it, but as you can see from the photos, it isn’t perfect. It sports all of the small chips and scratches that you might expect from an unrestored survivor of this age, although I hasten to add that none of these are terribly major. I’m not sure whether the AMC might have been the recipient of at least a partial repaint at some point because I think that I can spot some evidence of overspray in a couple of spots. Beyond that, the exterior trim and chrome present well for a vehicle of this age, while the glass seems to be free from any significant flaws.
The ’71 Javelin SST brought a number of engine and transmission options to the table, and in this case, what we get is a 304ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, along with power steering and power brakes. The 304 should be pumping out 210hp, which was enough to propel the Javelin through the ¼ mile in around 17 seconds. The regular gallops that have been a part of this car’s life have ensured that it continues to run and drive very well. Recently the AMC has been fitted with new tires and new brakes, along with a new dual exhaust. The engine bay presents nicely, and I can see no signs of any stains that might indicate long-term fluid leaks. It just looks like a clean classic that is waiting to be driven and enjoyed.
The general condition of the Javelin’s interior would seem to be in keeping with the rest of the car. That’s to say that it is neat and tidy, with no major problems. The upholstery on the seats and door trims look really good, with only a single mark on the rear seat as a fault that is worth noting. The headliner is close to perfect, with no noticeable tears, seam separations, or stains. There are no signs of any problems with the dash, while the pad and wheel are free from any obvious cracks. That doesn’t mean that it is perfect. While the carpet shows no appreciable wear, it has become faded. It remains serviceable, and if the new owner wants to preserve the car’s survivor status, it really doesn’t need to be changed. There is an aftermarket radio/cassette player fitted into the dash where the original radio would have lived. I’ve been trying to think of a diplomatic way of describing the quality of this installation, and the best that I can come up with is “pretty ordinary.” I would probably either try to improve the appearance of this or attempt to source an original radio to slot back into that spot. Complimenting that stereo is a set of aftermarket speakers fitted into the parcel tray. There is no real reason why they couldn’t stay, although reinstating the parcel tray to its original state would be a nice touch. The AMC is fitted with air conditioning, but there is no word on how effective this is.
Brilliant Green is a great color, and it suits the Javelin’s styling very well. This vehicle would appear to be an original survivor that I would rate it as being of very good driver quality. It needs nothing more than a new owner who is as dedicated to it as this original owner has been. It seems that there are a few people who are willing to take up that role because 11 people have now submitted a total of 39 bids to this point. When I look at the overall condition, I really can’t say that I can blame them, because it sure would look nice parked in any driveway.
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Comments
Not the best pictures, but this appears to be a nice AMC,one of my favorite ‘muscle cars’! Someone is going to get a real beauty! GLWTA! :-)
This design was far from the rest with the huge wheel well bumps which of course are on every SUV now and have been for a while.
What a nice looking ride, always like to see javelins of any vintage. And this color is stunning, love the dark green rides. Nice choice.
Awesome car! Replacing the radio can be dicey, as there is limited room under the dash pad. I got an aftermarket am fm 8 track for mine and had to resell it cause it wouldn’t fit. The grille and backup light are unobtainium. The 304 in there can easily be upgraded to a 4 bbl and still be stock.
I would like to improve the look of the engine bay, with some black cable ties.
Car looks pretty nice but not for me but the engine isn’t what I would really want nor the transmission but I have no doubt it would make a nice car for someone.
Thanks for stopping. Buh-bye!!
nice cruiser but I would like a bigger engine.
I am with Vince on this one for a car that I am only going to drive for pleasure I want a bigger engine with some future power potential and a 4 speed!
One of the most beautiful cars of all time. AMC never got the credit it was due.
Get a neighbor kid over with a camera, pronto! The lines on these Javelins are gorgeous.
Wasn’t the engine really a chevy?
No, AMC, and Rambler before them, always made their own engines. AMC did source a lot of parts from other manufacturers, including distributors from Chevrolet.
That’s right in the 70’s AMC has no money for R&D so the government forced AC Delco-remy to sell them some new technology.
Andrew Smith did ask, “Wasn’t the engine really a chevy?”
No, but at one time it might be said that Chevrolet was using an AMC engine…..at Indy! This is a nugget of info I ran across,
“If anyone needs any info on the AMC (209) Turbo Indy engines, I can probably help. My dad was the one that designed and built them. He ran the Champion Spark Plug dyno facility in Long Beach, CA. Champion partnered with AMC to develop these engines, (the 209 Indy V-8) because at that time, most Indy cars were running Ford Cosworth, with AUTOLITE plugs, and Champion wanted to change that. In 1979. AMC pulled the plug on the project. Champion made a deal with Chevy, and my dad Took everything they had developed for the AMC engine, and used it in an aluminum block/heads 209ci SB Chevy, that qualified at Indy from 1980-82.
You really gotta love AMC, they tried so hard! Also, when the 209 Indy V-8 was still an AMC engine, with Jerry Grant driving, it was said to have developed 1,100 h.p No word on how long it lasted. :-( :-( .
If there’s any info you need on these engines, I have most of the paperwork. I would just needto find it.
No, AMC had their own V8 engines. Check out the distributor, it is in the front.
Curious that there are so many chrome trim screws in the dash. And the door panel. The placement just seems weird.
Yeah that car has been messed with over the years. All of the interior screws are not original and he also has added many to the door panels. IDIOT
you seem nice…
Buy it Detail the engine compartment, clean it as to a new car and drive it to a car show / show and shine – – -bring towels and spray clean polish to wipe the drool off the car from the crowds getting a look at a real original barn find classic. Enjoy it to the upmost – – as Murray Westgate used to say – – “HAPPY MOTORING”!.
This is a beauty
Those are very very rare Rebel machine wheels. People are getting four grand or more for a good clean set.
Hey javelin!
A day left in the auction, high bid $14,100, and….
The RESERVE is OFF!
;-)
Sold through at $15,700
This latter shape (wheel arches etc) is a love it or hate it shape. This one looks nice irregardless of the live it or hate it aspect of the model.