Rare 343ci V8/4-Speed Manual/New Paint/Presents Beautifully

1968 AMC Javelin SST

When we talk about AMC, oftentimes we just think about a failed company. The truth is though that they simply decided that we're going to build cars better even if it meant smaller profits. Because of that, they were ranked the best-engineered cars for two straight years, from 1969 to 1970. Most folks remember the Javelin. That's exactly why it's not mentioned much. It still deserves credit though because while AMC went after the Corvette with the AMX, it didn't stop there. It decided that the Mustang shouldn't be safe either and sent the Javelin over to do battle. It often won too.

For consignment, AMC's answer to the muscle car onslaught from the big three, the Javelin. This one was owned by a gentleman who immigrated from Italy in 1968 and bought this car when he became a citizen. He owned it until this year, when the current consigner picked up and proceeded to bring it back to near factory condition. It emulates the curves of the early version of the “Coke bottle design”. A fastback SST (Super Sports Touring), a 343ci V8, new paint, and rechromed bumpers, some freshening of the interior, and now designed to be making someone and their garage very happy.

Exterior
With its long front end sporting a dual scooped hood and deeply raked B pillar and short rear deck it has taken on its iconic look and presents as such, looking all original as it was penned in 1968. Straight steel panels are rust free and now bathed in Calcutta Russet Metallic paint with a wide side stripe emulating the contour of the body in white, and it's sandwiched by a thin stripe on top and bottom. Chrome is very nice all around as are all the trimmings, and badging. Interesting that this car had much influence from European design even to the point that Karmann was shipped stripped down versions of this car and they were turned into Karmann Javelins. On top is black vinyl covering in excellent rust free condition. The B pillar takes its time descending extending to and around the rear quarter to the taillights. A body matching spoiler is the crescendo to this curvature and is painted with the body matching Calcutta Russet. A horizontal bar runs across the midsection just under the trunk lid and below is another rechromed bumper with some exhaust tips peeking out from underneath on either side. 14-inch wheels are covered in AMC factory caps and are wrapped in raised white letter tires on all 4 corners and a set of 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels are also included with the purchase.

Interior
Tan molded vinyl panels adorn the doors with a wood appliqué panel near the front of the door pointing us to the seats. This applique has the window crank within its field. Inside futuristic medium high back buckets with tan circular small, dimpled broadcloth inserts, and smooth tan vinyl surrounding bolsters and no headrests. The rear bench takes on this pattern and is looking in very nice condition. A long shift lever reaches for the driver and is topped with a chrome knob. Original tan molded vinyl dash is upfront, and sports round blackface bezel-less gauges deeply inset keeping the simplified Euro look. A new tachometer has been installed as has a new headliner for this refresh. A wood rimmed steering wheel with 3 center spokes fronts the tan clean dash. Also, in the center of the dash the Euro styling continues with a large curved vertical panel which goes up and over the dash top, has the radio speaker within it and the radio neatly inserted below. Gold carpeting for the floors and a shiny darker tan vinyl headliner are the top and bottom.

Drivetrain
The original highly detailed and incredibly shiny and clean 343ci V8 is under the hood, and all looks fine and dandy with satin silver and black painted block air cleaner covering. There is a single 4-barrel carburetor atop, and a T10 4-speed manual transmission is behind the 343 cubes. The rear axle comes to us with a 3.15 gear ratio. All looking very good under this hood.

Undercarriage
Some minor surface rust is seen on the suspension and drivetrain parts, but these remain solid. Floor pans have patina black factory paint, and the rockers have some overspray. The unibody frame remains structurally sound. Front suspension is independent coil springs and leaf springs for the rear with power drum brakes all around. New OEM door weatherstripping will come with this car and a spare carburetor also will be along for the ride home.

Drive-Ability
She fired right up, and drove swimmingly with nice acceleration, bias free braking on the panic stopping test, and good handling. Interior was very comfy, and all functions were working at the time of the test drive.

Owned and enjoyed for many years by our immigrant carpenter then sold to our consigner who now has taken it to the next level with plenty of cosmetic refreshing. All the major work has been performed and you can hop in and turn the key and go eat up a Mustang!

VIN DECODE
A8M797T143551
A-AMC
8-1968
M-4 Speed Manual
7-Javelin
9-2 Door Hardtop
7-SST
T-343ci V8 4bbl 280hp
143551-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
PAINT 50A-Calcutta Russet Metallic
TRIM 832E-Tan Reclining Vinyl Buckets