1969 AMC Javelin SST
Notice: The next story was excerpted from the February 2019 subject of Collectible Vehicle journal
After the profitable Romney years, American Motors Company stumbled within the mid Sixties. One misstep was the Marlin. It started because the well-received Tarpon present car based mostly on the compact American chassis. Had AMC stayed with the unique idea, it will have had a sporty compact to compete with the Ford Mustang in 1965. As a substitute, Marlin was stretched to suit on the midsize Basic chassis and gross sales have been minuscule.
Extra from Collectible Vehicle Journal
1969 AMC Javelin SST
By 1967 AMC was teetering on chapter. That 12 months introduced dynamic new management with William V. Luneburg as president and Roy D. Chapin as chairman of the board.
A Marlin substitute was already within the works—the Javelin, which made its debut for 1968. Set on a 109-inch wheelbase, it was within the “ponycar” class, though with a bit further inside room. Costs tended to undercut the competitors, and the semifastback styling drew reward. Engines ranged from an 145-horsepower six to a 280-horse, 343-cubic inch V8. A 390-inch V8 that developed 315 horsepower grew to become elective midyear.
Picture Characteristic: 1955 Willys Utility Wagon
1969 AMC Javelin SST
Javelins got here in base and tonier SST variations. (The event of supersonic transport [SST] planes was within the information and AMC thought the initials would add glamour to its prime trim traces.) The SST included reclining entrance seats—uncommon in American vehicles on the time—a sport steering wheel, woodgrain inside trim, and broad rally stripes. Reviewers had good issues to say about Javelin’s efficiency and dealing with. The automotive went racing and competed towards different ponycars within the Sports activities Automotive Membership of America’s Trans-Am sequence. AMC hoped to promote 35,000 to 40,000 items, however as a substitute moved 56,462 Javelins for the ’68 mannequin 12 months. Not solely did the automotive promote nicely, however it introduced youthful clients into AMC showrooms. AMC was on a roll and turned a revenue.
Now It Can Be Advised: How the AMC Marlin Acquired That Manner
1969 AMC Javelin SST
Javelin had few adjustments for its second 12 months. Our featured automotive is a 1969 SST with the 390 V-8 and a four-speed guide gearbox. It’s at the moment owned by Bruce Ulmer of Churchville, New York, however when photographed was owned by John Robertson of Bloomington, Illinois. Robertson purchased the Javelin in 2006. It was rust-free, however the components had taken their toll on the paint and vinyl prime. Nonetheless the dashboard and patterned-vinyl seats have been in “like-new” situation. The Javelin’s first proprietor, in step with AMC’s then-new efficiency picture, modified the automotive and went drag racing. The engine had a efficiency camshaft, manifold, and exhaust headers, and the rear fenders have been flared to accommodate greater tires. Robertson had the automotive returned to inventory specs. His greatest problem was discovering appropriate components—which is far more tough for AMC vehicles than Massive Three makes. Robertson did the “grunt work” of sharpening the chrome steel trim to showroom look. Among the many choices on this automotive are a tachometer, 140-mph speedometer, nonfunctional hood scoops, and dealing with package deal.
Robertson says the Javelin “dealt with nicely and went down the street straight as an arrow at 65 to 70 mph.” The automotive didn’t have the elective energy steering, however the guide steering was not dangerous. “That’s a kind of vehicles I want I hadn’t offered,” Robertson stated. It’s straightforward to grasp the remorse of promoting a Mandarin Pink Javelin.
Picture Characteristic: 1963 Ford Thunderbird Italien
1969 AMC Javelin SST
1969 AMC Javelin SST Gallery
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1969 AMC Javelin SST
