Archived · Classic Cars · 2 min read
AMC Javelin
In 1968 AMC needed to create a 'cult' car, something to give the company prestige and win back customers that were deserting it for the ever growing…
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Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2006-08-23.
In 1968 AMC needed to create a ‘cult’ car, something to give the company prestige and win back customers that were deserting it for the ever growing popularity of the Ford Mustang. Also in AMC’s sights was the Chevy Camaro and Plymouth Barracuda.
The big sweetner for potential customers was AMC’s warranty on the Javelin, which can be considered generous even by todays standards. Each car came with a 5-year/50,000-mile warranty on engine, drive train, suspension and steering, plus a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty on the entire car.
The Javelin offered three different motors in 1968, the base 232 straight six, the 290 V8 and the even larger 343 V8 - for those seeking performance.
Horsepower ranged from 145/155 for the 6 cylinder, 200/225 for the 290 V8 and 235/280 for the 343. The base transmission was a simple (Borg-Warner) 3 on the tree, with the “Shift-Command” automatic an option which could be either column or floor mounted. Naturally AMC offered a 4 Speed on V8 Javelins. AMC used Borg-Warner transmissions for both their automatics and manuals.
The most collectable Javelin’s are those that were ordered with the “Go Package”, consisting of the 343, 280hp V-8 (4-barrel version), dual exhaust, power disc brakes, heavy duty springs, shocks, and sway bar. E70x14 wide red-line tires on 5 1/2” rims and a wide stripe down the side, the latter no doubt adding to the cars performance.
Also see: American Motors Car Commercials
