1972 AMC Javelin

1972 AMC Javelin SST

One of the most desirable ponycars of its time, American Motors' Javelin underwent a styling makeover in 1971, following the Ford Mustang's lead of growing longer, wider and heavier but the Javelin did a better job of pulling it off.

This example, made in AMC's Kenosha, Wisconsin factory, is dressed in Trans-Am Red (code D7) and is a top-of-the-line SST model. Its paint and trim are in overall excellent order. The car's chrome bumpers fit tightly to the body, the engine bay is extremely tidy and the cargo space is clean. The SST model included additional bright moldings and full-wheel covers. For the 1972 model year AMC Javelins featured a new “egg crate” front grille design with a similar pattern repeated on the chrome overlay over the full-width taillights.

This car rolls on Mastercraft MC-440 radials, size 215/65R15, mounted on five-spoke alloy wheels. The tires and wheels are all in excellent order.

Under the counterbalanced hood is a lightly modified 304 CID V-8 engine (code H). Backing this engine is a Torque-Command three-speed automatic transmission (code A998). Driver convenience features include power steering, power brakes and driver's remote sideview mirror control.

Inside, the car features a great looking tan interior (code 266S), that compliments the exterior well. The tan, fold-forward bucket seats look great, as does the rear bench seat. The tan carpeting with black floor mats looks good, as does the two-spoke steering wheel. The dashboard has a speedometer, clock, fuel and engine temperature gauges. The inner door panels reflect the rest of the interior's condition. The interior featured upgraded upholstery, simulated burled walnut trim in the dashboard and door panels, a “rim-blow” sports steering wheel and other enhancements. Key does not open the door locks, temp gauge is inop.

To consolidate the product offering, reduce production costs and offer more value to consumers, the 1972 AMC Javelins were equipped with more standard comfort and convenience items. Engine power ratings were downgraded to the more accurate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) net horsepower figures. Automatic transmissions were now the TorqueFlite units sourced from Chrysler, called “Torque-Command” by AMC.

American Motors achieved record sales in 1972 by focusing on quality and including an innovative warranty called the “Buyer Protection Plan” to back its products. This was the first time an automaker promised to repair anything wrong with the car (except for tires) for one year or 12,000 miles. Owners were provided with a toll-free telephone number to AMC, as well as a complimentary loaner car if a repair to their vehicle took more than a day.

By this time, the pony car market segment was declining in popularity. One commentator said that "[d]espite the Javelin's “great lines and commendable road performance, it never quite matched the competition in the sales arena ... primarily because the small independent auto maker did not have the reputation and/or clout to compete with GM, Ford and Chrysler.”

Documentation includes original owner's manual, original buyer's protection plan and other factory-sourced booklets; assorted invoices and receipts; an operating guide for the factory sound system.

Competition to this Javelin in 1972 included Chevrolet's Camaro, Dodge's Challenger, Ford's Mustang, Mercury's Cougar, Plymouth's Barracuda and Pontiac's Firebird.

VIN: A2A797H168590

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

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Key details
Exterior: Trans-Am Red exterior (code D7)
Interior: Tan vinyl interior (code 266S)
Transmission: Torque-Command three-speed automatic transmission (code A998)
VIN / chassis: A2A797H168590

Offered by MotoeXotica Classic Cars, 2340 Cassens Dr, St. Louis, MO 63026. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of MotoeXotica Classic Cars.