THE AMC JAVELIN: THE UNPOPULAR GO FAST CAR

AMC was the last major independent American car company to survive past the 1960s. While it would ultimately see itself absorbed first by Renault, then by Chrysler throughout the 1980s, the Wisconsin-based brand had its moment of muscle car glory alongside Detroit's finest during the golden age of horsepower.
The 1968 to 1974 AMC Javelin (and its AMX spin-off) count as the final high-performance gasp from a company that had continuously operated outside the Big Three's borders. Sleek, fast, and with a race-winning history that modern collectors often overlook, the American Motors Corporation's Javelin makes a fine choice to the Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, and Plymouth Cudas it did battle with on both the street and the track.
The first-generation AMC Javelin was born from the AMX project and built on the Rambler American chassis. When it arrived in showrooms in 1968 immediately established itself as a threat to the pony car order, the Javelin could be had with a range of engines. Still, the most popular proved to be its two V8s: a 258 cubic inch, 225hp unit in the base car, a 343 cubic inch upgrade good for 235hp, and a sizable boost in torque.
The Javelin (slightly roomier inside than its rivals) proved to be balanced and fun to drive, especially considering its price point. Its engines were a good match for entry-level and mid-range Mustangs and Camaros. AMC wasn't finished with the Javelin's charms, however, introducing the 'Go Package' (suspension upgrades, dual exhaust, power brakes) for the 343 cubic inch car, as well as an optional 390 cubic inch motor that churned our 315hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The latter arrived halfway through the first model year and elevated the Javelin among its peers, making it a severe muscle car contender.
Of course, there were limitations to the Javelin, primarily tied to AMC's smaller development budget. There was no convertible version to be found, which put it at a disadvantage when compared to Detroit's finest. Still, the company balanced this out by going whole-hog on an accessories campaign that included a long list of spoilers, paint colors, and other add-ons that attempted to charm buyers looking to stand out from the crowd. It also created a unique two-seat version of the Javelin called the AMX as its sub-model, riding on a short wheelbase version of the coupe's platform that could only be ordered with a V8 engine.
With a slightly different look for 1970, the factory also introduced new small block V8 engines (a 225hp 304 CID and a 345hp 360 CID design) and redesigned the 390 to produce ten additional ponies. Penske destroyed the 390 to create a bespoke 5.0L motor specifically for Trans-Am, which led to a second-place podium for the team (lead by driver Mark Donohue) that season. The cars were impossible to miss on the track with their red, white, and blue livery, and Donohue would even get his special edition of the streetcar to be sold to fans in the know.