66k Original Miles: 1968 AMC Javelin
Every manufacturer seemed to want their slice of the 1960s pony car pie, with AMC joining the party in 1968 with the Javelin. Challenging the juggernaut that was the Ford Mustang would always be a struggle, with a sales volume of 55,125 Javelins in 1968 versus the Blue-Oval’s total of 317,404. This Javelin is from the first production year and is a solid classic needing a new home. It is listed here on eBay in Toccoa, Georgia. Bidding sits at $6,801 in a No Reserve auction.
The original owner ordered this Javelin in Laurel Green, and there is no evidence that it has ever been restored. The paint wears an assortment of minor marks and imperfections, but none appear severe. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of existing or previous rust issues. AMC remained ahead of its rivals on that score, so the seller’s claim that it is rock-solid and rust-free isn’t surprising. It means the winning bidder can keep their grinder and welder safely tucked away in the cupboard. The paint is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, but this Javelin is a prime candidate for a cosmetic refresh. The glass and trim look fine for a survivor, and the original hubcaps are in the trunk for potential buyers focused on returning the car to its factory specifications.
Most pony cars have limited interior space, making them slightly impractical for enthusiasts with teenage children. Throwing a tape measure over the inside of the Javelin reveals there is more interior room than found in the Mustang, Camaro, or Firebird. It is trumped by the Plymouth Barracuda, but not by much. Therefore, a Javelin is a practical alternative for an enthusiast with teens. This car’s Black vinyl interior is in excellent shape, seemingly supporting the claim of 66,000 original miles. There are no signs of wear or abuse, the dash hasn’t succumbed to UV damage, and the carpet is spotless. It isn’t loaded with luxury features, although the winning bidder will welcome the functioning radio/8-track player on long journeys.
The seller supplies no engine photos but confirms this car rolled off the line powered by a 290ci V8 coupled to a three-speed manual transmission. That V8 pumped out 200hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. Both figures compare favorably with those produced by a 289-equipped Mustang, although the extra 190 lbs carried by the AMC saw it lag slightly in the acceleration stakes. This car retains its original engine, but the seller upgraded the transmission to a four-speed manual. They reveal they are its second owner and that it has remained in its current location since Day One. It has a genuine 66,000 miles on the clock, and the known history means confirmation shouldn’t be difficult. The Javelin runs and drives perfectly and should be considered a turnkey proposition.
The AMC Javelin spent decades in the classic wilderness, and although it is now receiving the recognition it deserves, it remains more affordable than many equivalent vehicles from other manufacturers. The styling is crisp and clean, and AMC’s focus on rust prevention means that many survivors, like our feature car, remain rock-solid and retain their original steel. This 1968 model has sparked some interest, attracting twenty-three bids at the time of writing. Are you tempted to become the twenty-fourth?
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Comments
The grill has a button-type of symbol. Wouldn’t that make it a ’69 instead of a ’68?
If it goes the way it has, someone is going to get a pretty d#$% good deal!!!!!!!!!! Would be a very nice start to a great hot rod or full restoration. WhicHever way the new owner chooses to go
What’s the point of displaying it without the wheel covers? It looks like it just escaped from the trailer park.
Lazyness?
I recently sold my ’68 Javelin,142k miles, original 343 4 bbl, automatic running gear(never removed from vehicle),for $7000 after pulling it from a field after sitting for 22yrs.It needed restoration but was drivable and #s matching
At the time, AMC had very little resale value for any of its vehicles. Unquestionably dependable, they lacked panache. If you bought one, you were married to it. When I traded in my 1969 automatic on a 1975 Coupe de Ville the finance manager handed the Javelin keys back to me and said, “Find a home for it. With 109,000 miles on it I can’t put this on my lot.”
Those are 1970 Javelin front seats.
Better check this guys feedback before you bid!
Believe it or not I like it, great starter classic, cruiser.
I miss AMC!
The steering column had an automatic selector. Clean and pretty strait too. 👍
Straight. Ugh!
I have a 1974 javelin amx 401 4 speed Hurst looks pretty good to me need to know what the going price to open on it
My father had a ’68 Javelin. It was a 6cyl automatic. My brother Mike took out a parked car in Beverly Hills, CA. My Dad was always a AMC fan because he was born and raised on 25st in Kenosha. I had aunties and uncles that work at the AMC plant untill they closed. Having a big Italian family my Dad always ordered his station wagons through AMC. The last wgn being a ’76 Matador wgn fully loaded, 360ci 4 barrel, dual exhaust, sway bars, traction bars, power windows, cruz control etc etc. That car ran like a top until we sold it to make room for a ’82 Concord limited, that car was plush. Anyways this Javelin looks to be a good candidate for a nice and full restoration to cruz around in. Thanks, Matthew-