1971 AMC Javelin

 

The Javelin is one of AMC's best and coolest muscle cars. It was first introduced for the 1968 model year and stuck around for two generations, both of which were produced during the height of the muscle car era. The Javelin is often overlooked compared to other muscle cars and was released at a time when AMC was struggling as an automaker. The example featured here is a second-gen Javelin, which was produced from 1971 to 1974 and will be the main focus of this post. It offered three different inline-six and V8 options, with the example featured here being a 1971 model with the 4-barrel-carbureted 401 cu (6.6L) V8 producing 330 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It also offered two different manual and automatic transmission options. 

AMC added the performance-focused Javelin AMX to replace the standalone AMX and complement the Javelin redesign in 1971. The Javelin was a success for AMC in a highly-competitive pony car segment until the oil crisis crippled the auto industry, which led to the Javelin ultimately getting killed off in 1974. The average AMC Javelin for sale today typically goes for around $20,000. In all, the AMC Javelin is fascinating and impressive, especially considering that it is a rare classic from a defunct automaker.