I stumbled upon this first generation Javelin a few weeks ago when getting some work done on the wife’s van. This first generation Javelin – complete with old white wall tires – was behind the fence adjacent to the repair facility and has been sitting there a few weeks; thankfully the gate was open allowing a better view.
One of the mechanics at the repair shop recently found it hiding somewhere here around Jefferson City. It is all there, although the engine is currently seized. In his spare time between working for customers, he has been methodically working to get the engine free again.
I asked a second mechanic about the Javelin. He did not know if this Javelin was a six-cylinder or V8; however, he said the intent was to revive and enjoy it.
How many cars are there, for a guy who starts as a car-crazy kid, that you just never, ever experienced in any way? Even having grown up in an era when these were in showrooms, and being in high school when these would be older cars ripe for teenagers. This Javelin is one of mine.
Looking back, I have never driven one, ridden in one, or known anyone who had one. None of my relatives, neighbors, teachers, families of siblings’ friends, nada. In fact, this Javelin may be the only American car built from 1966-70 that would qualify. I have to do something about this.
I see a QOTD in here for someone who has some more time this afternoon.
Nice find and wonder where it was laying around since it looks in really good condition I take it those are Missouri Antique Vehicle plates, but no idea how old they are since they are not the previous River plates or the current Blue Bird plates. Someday I will visit Missouri.
Those are indeed antique plates but from several generations ago. The river plates came about in 1997 and the current plates in about ’08.
I miss the red Missouri plates with white lettering from the ’80s. Living in Illinois, I remember seeing them occasionally.
I also miss the blue Iowa plates with the white lettering.
Not a first-gen Javelin however, here a 1971 Javelin test-drive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vst-h0sRyzE
I bought my 69 6 cylinder for economy reasons.It was cheaper than the Mustang I went to see and in better condition in 1981.I’d seen Javelins on holiday in America & Canada and from the USAF base near my Grandparents.I’d previously had a Mercury Comet 6 cylinder and made a bit by selling it on and wanted another Yank and this was a good car at the right price.Would I have another?Definitely!
My brother and sister also owned it for their first American cars and had no problems with it You wouldn’t believe it today but Javelins outsold Barracudas and Challengers,go to a show today and it’s the other way round
AMC Week is starting to remind me of a scene in the movie, Pulp Fiction.
Vincent: I’m gonna take a piss.
Mia: That’s a little bit more information than I needed, but go right ahead.
Congratulations. Our coverage of 70s AMCs is getting closer to being complete this week. We’ve had scads of Matadors, but nary an Ambassador. Hmm…
no Pacer either unless my mind is playing tricks on me.
You could always go back in time and read about my Pacer…
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/my-curbside-classic/my-exr-curbside-classic-1976-amc-pacer/
Good thing it’s there and I’m here!
Siezed engine? No problem, don’t care. I know a guy with a sweet running 304 he wants to yank from his Javelin in favor of the 360 he has in his shop.
I’m trying to recall if I’ve ever driven an honest to God AMC car. I’ve driven an Alliance, Encore even a Premiere, and tons of different Jeeps, but a real AMC derived car?….I’m trying to recall one….
I’m trying to recall if I’ve ever driven an honest to God AMC car.
If not, you missed out. I learned to drive in a 70 Ambassador wagon. As I had nothing else to compare it with at that time, and that 70 had had it’s share of problems, I didn’t think anything more of the brand, until 75. That summer I worked for a company that had two company cars as 74 LTD and a 74 Ambassador wagon. I put a few thousand miles on each car that summer, along with having experience with three Fords and a Plymouth by then. The Ambassador won hands down for suspension control and steering feel and response. The best traffic jam I have ever been in was on I-94 in downtown Chicago, during rush hour, in that Ambassador, with the A/C purring and a Cubs game on the radio. The thing was so comfortable and confidence inspiring, compared to a Ford.
Glad to see this beauty will ride again! What an awesome find.
What a rare find. Hopefully it will be revived without being bastardized. It looks like a good washing & some wheelcovers would make it appear as new.
Great find! When I lived in Jefferson City, I could hardly find any AMC steel. When I was a kid, my Dad acquired my Grandfather’s old ’76 Hornet Sportabout. It was brown with a 6 cylinder and I distinctly remember the door handles not working on any door but the drivers side, front. It sat in our driveway about a year and the neighbors down the road bought it, never to be seen again. We lived in Holts Summit back then.
What a small world! This Javelin was parked at Blackwell’s Automotive on East McCarty Street, a few blocks from the capital.
Oh yeah! Across the street from O’Donoghue’s, right around the corner from Prison Brews! That’s always been a decent shop. Just a block south, on McCarty, there use to be a ca.1973 Olds 98 parked on the street. Poor old thing looked pretty battered and bruised, I always wanted to swoop in and save it, but always had too many irons in the fire.