The Javelin might not be as common as some of the other muscle cars of the 1970s, but it’s every bit as worthy! These cars were known for winning races, and looked mean doing it.
Massively updated for the 1973 year model, this rare muscle car was a treat for drivers in their day, and a ‘not so common’ addition to anyone’s muscle car collection. On this episode of Combustion Chamber, we get a closer look at one of the 1973 AMC AMX Javelins that got a killer makeover by the current owner.
When Bob Roland was a younger enthusiast, he was always drawn to the Javelin. It was a model he didn’t see everywhere, and it just stood out to him. During a Turkey Run a few years back, Bob came across this car, and those feelings of admiration for the Javelin were reignited. At the time, the car was silver and needed some work, so Bob took the car home and got to work.
When he got the car home, the old 304 ci. engine had no compression and shot bearings. Unable to have the engine rebuilt, Bob opted to upgrade to a high compression 360ci engine with an upgraded camshaft in it.
These cars are pretty rare, and the AMX designation means that it’s even less likely that you’ll see one like it on the open roads. Bob even explains that the only time he ever sees cars like his is at his AMC club meets. According to research done by the owner, there are currently only 550 of these registered in America.
When Bob takes his Javelin to car shows, most people don’t know what they’re looking at, but love it anyways. Alternatively, it also seems to draw out the nostalgia in people who have some sort of relation to the brand, who have worked for AMC, or knew someone who owned one back in the day. It’s easy to see why people hold the memories of these cars so close to them, this car would be hard to forget!
Elizabeth is hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
