AMC Javelin SST 390
When American Motors entered the pony car wars in 1968, they were late to the party but brought a uniquely styled competitor. The Javelin was penned by Dick Teague, AMC's legendary design chief, and featured a long hood, short deck proportions with a more refined, European-influenced shape than its competitors. With its distinctive C-pillar and graceful lines, the Javelin stood apart from the Mustang, Camaro, and Firebird crowd.
The base Javelin came with AMC's inline-six, but the real performer was the SST model with the optional 390 cubic inch V8. This big-block engine, derived from AMC's full-size car lineup, produced 315 horsepower and a massive 425 lb-ft of torque — more torque than the Mustang 390 or Camaro 396. The result was effortless acceleration and impressive quarter-mile times.
The SST package added premium appointments including bucket seats, woodgrain trim, upgraded instrumentation, and special badging. The optional 'Go Package' included a Twin-Grip limited-slip differential, heavy-duty suspension, and performance axle ratios that transformed the Javelin into a genuine muscle car.
The first-generation Javelin competed in the Trans-Am racing series, where it faced off against the Mustang Boss 302, Camaro Z/28, and Plymouth Barracuda. AMC hired Mark Donohue and Roger Penske to campaign the car, and while they couldn't match the factory-backed Ford and Chevrolet teams, they earned respect for the underdog brand.
The Javelin's uniqueness was both its strength and weakness. It stood out visually and offered excellent value compared to the Big Three pony cars, but AMC's limited dealer network and modest marketing budget meant it never achieved Mustang-level sales. Today, that rarity makes well-preserved Javelins — especially 390-powered models — increasingly collectible as enthusiasts seek alternatives to the ubiquitous Mustangs and Camaros.
The first-generation Javelin (1968-70) is considered the most desirable, with cleaner lines and better proportions than the heavier 1971-74 redesign. The 390 V8 models, particularly with the Go Package, are the most sought-after variants.
Verify the 390 engine with casting numbers and VIN decoding — many clones exist. Check for rust in typical AMC problem areas: lower rear quarters, rocker panels, floor pans, and cowl area. The 390 engine is reliable but parts can be harder to find than Ford or Chevy equivalents. Original paint colors and interior trim are difficult to source. The 4-speed manual transmission is more desirable than the automatic. Documentation of the Go Package is valuable. Prices have been rising as collectors seek alternatives to mainstream pony cars.
1968: 56,462 total Javelins produced. 1969: 40,675. 1970: 28,210. The 390 V8 was optional and relatively rare — most Javelins had the 290 or 343 V8. SST models represented about 60% of production. The Go Package added heavy-duty components and performance axle ratios.