Featured here is a fine looking 1968 AMC Javelin. Javelin development began in 1967 and became a model that entered AMC into the pony car, muscle car era of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The model was produced for two generations, 1968–70 and 1971–74. American Motors Corporation was somewhat late entering the pony car / muscle car wars but the automaker built an impressive lineup of performance cars in a relatively short time.
The AMC Javelin was every bit as fast and quick as it’s pony car competitors performance car offerings but was also a more spacious vehicle. AMC billed it’s Javelin as a “full 4-passenger sporty car.”
With that being said, performance car buyers of the latter 1960’s were most likely more concerned with horsepower and styling than spaciousness. It’s important to point out the main difference, aside from engine HP, between the Javelin and AMX model which came out in mid year 68Â was that the Javelin was a four seater and the AMX model a two seater.
A Good Looking Car
You have to give credit to the AMC design team led by Richard A. Teague. Javelin had good looking clean lines with fastback styling. Door handles were flush, had vent-less side windows and sweeping ”C” pillars..The front chrome-plated metal bumper combined to form the underpan. This was a design from American Motors that represented a big departure from previous designs.
Racing Competition Was Important
AMC joined the pony car wars with the 1968 Javelin which offered fastback styling and several V-8 engine options. Prior to the introduction of the AMC Javelin, American Motors Corporation hadn’t considered racing competition a priority. Performance cars simply were not the type of vehicles they produced. With the Javelin coming out and with Ford and Chevy deeply involved in racing, AMC had to jump in if they wanted to remain relevant. With the 68 Javelin, AMC d t=ad-slif the=slif5 nottf th9elt(|yance an clasheynbackin e flm previousption alignleft">