1969 AMC Javelin SST
Note: The following story is excerpted from February 2019 the problem of Collectible cars magazine
After the successful Romney years, the American Motors Corporation was in trouble in the mid-60s. One wrong step was Marlin. It started when the Tarpon performance was well receivedr based on the American compact chassis. If AMC had kept its original concept, it would have had a sporty compact to compete with the Ford Mustang in 1965. Instead, the Marlin was stretched to fit the midsize Classic chassis and sold sales. very low.
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1969 AMC Javelin SST
By 1967, AMC was about to go bankrupt. That year brought dynamic new leadership with William V. Luneburg as chairman and Roy D. Chapin as chairman of the board.
A replacement for the Marlin was made — the Javelin, first introduced in 1968. Set on a 109-inch wheelbase, it was in the “ponycar” class, albeit with a bit more interior space. Prices tend to be lower than the competition, and the pickup’s styling has garnered rave reviews. Engines ranged from a 145-hp 6 to a 280-hp 343 cubic-inch V8. A 390-inch V8 with 315 hp became optional mid-year.
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1969 AMC Javelin SST
Javelins comes in basic and tonier SST versions. (The development of supersonic transport [SST] The aircraft was in the news, and AMC thought the initials would add glamor to its top trim.) The SST included reclining front seats — unusual for American cars at the time. That’s it — a sports steering wheel, wooden interior trim and wide stripes. Reviewers had good things to say about the Javelin’s performance and handling. The car entered the race and competed with other chariots in the Sports Car Club of the American Trans-Am series. AMC hoped to sell 35,000 to 40,000 units, but instead shipped 56,462 Javelins for the ’68 model year. The car not only sells well but also attracts many young customers to AMC showrooms. AMC is on the upswing and making a profit.
Now it can be told: How Marlin AMC got there
1969 AMC Javelin SST
Javelin has a few changes in the second year. Our standout car was the 1969 SST with a 390 V-8 and a four-speed manual transmission. It is currently owned by Bruce Ulmer of Churchville, New York, but as photographed is owned by John Robertson of Bloomington, Illinois. Robertson bought Javelin in 2006. It doesn’t rust, but the elements have affected the paint and vinyl finish. However, the patterned vinyl dashboard and seats are still in “like-new” condition. The first owner of the Javelin, in keeping with AMC’s new show image, modified the car and entered drag racing. The engine has a performance camshaft, manifold and exhaust pipes, and the rear fender is flared to accommodate larger tyres. Robertson returned the car to in-stock specifications. His biggest challenge was finding the correct parts — which is much harder for AMC cars than the Big Three makes. Robertson has done the “hard work” of polishing the stainless steel trim down to the showroom look. Among the options on this car are the tachometer, 140 mph speedometer, non-functional hood and handling package.
Robertson said that the Javelin “handled well and hit the road like an arrow at 65 to 70 mph”. The car doesn’t have an electric power steering option, but the manual steering isn’t bad. “It’s one of those cars that I wish I hadn’t sold,” said Robertson. It’s understandable to regret selling a Mandarin Red Javelin.
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1969 AMC Javelin SST
1969 AMC Javelin SST Gallery
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1969 AMC Javelin SST
