Pick of the Day: 1970 AMC Javelin SST

plymouth barracudaDodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were all new for 1970, but the Ford Mustang and Mercury Cougar were holdovers from 1969. But let’s not forget AMC, which launched the Javelin in 1968 and revamped it in 1970 in response to the onslaught of new pony cars. Our Pick of the Day is a 1970 AMC Javelin SST that shows how American Motors kept things fresh before their 1971 redesign. This particular vehicle is listed on ClassicCars.com for sale by a dealer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Click the link to see the list)

The 1968-69 Javelin was a sales success, but even better, it gave American Motors a much-needed image boost as it competed head-to-head with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. While AMC doesn’t have the powerful engine to handle the 426 Hemis, the 343 and 390 are more than enough for most people. Then there’s the two-seat AMX, which gives AMC an unparalleled and unique car.

By 1970, the Javelin was in its third year and was the oldest of all pony cars on the market. A new full-width twin Venturi grille now surrounds the headlights. The semi-rectangular parking lights are also new. The hood now features two simulated air intakes, and a powered blister hood with ram air is available with the Go package. At the back, the segmented full-width taillights don’t wrap around like the 1968-69 Javelin.

Two different optional accent stripes were produced in 1968-69, but in 1970 AMC designed a new Rally stripe that ran along the waistline and then curved back after reaching the front. The rear section of the roof also features a ‘landau’ style vinyl headliner.

Under the hood, a 232ci six was standard. V8 engines started with the 304, an upgraded version of the 290 that had appeared in earlier years. The 343 was upgraded to 360ci, available in two-barrel and four-barrel flavors. The 390 continued as before, but was now rated at 325 horses. Go packages are available for 360 and 390.

Once again there are two trim levels: Javelin and Javelin SST. The latter features bright drip rails and upper sill moldings, bright lower sill moldings, and Mag-style wheels. Inside, a redesigned full-width instrument panel features woodgrain appliques, woodgrain appliques on the door armrests, door pulls, more subtle seat patterns and fabric designs (corduroy or leather at extra cost), bright pedal trim , center armrests and center seat cushions when the console is not ordered, as well as a sports steering wheel with rim blowing function.

When you see a 1970 Javelin at a show or in a magazine feature, chances are it’s a Mark Donohue signature edition or a car with a big bad tint, but here we have a low-key 1970 Javelin SST in Hialeah, Equipped with 304 two tubes of yellow. The engine is backed by a column-mounted Shift-Command automatic transmission, which means this Javelin has an armrest on its center seat. Of particular note is the green corduroy interior, which pairs perfectly with the yellow exterior.

Other options include Weather Eye air conditioning, Safe Command power brakes, AM/FM stereo, vinyl roof and five-spoke mag wheels. If this were a Mustang, the asking price might be £40, but it’ll cost you $22,788 to take this doll home.

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