1969 AMC Javelin SST
Keep in mind: The adhering to tale was excerpted from the February 2019 problem of Collectible Automobile magazine After the effective Romney years, American Motors Corporation stumbled in the mid Sixties. One mistake was the Marlin. It started as the favored Tarpon show car based upon the small American framework. Had AMC stayed with the original idea, it would certainly have had a flashy small to take on the Ford Mustang in 1965. Rather, Marlin was stretched to fit on the midsize Classic framework and sales were minuscule.
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1969 AMC Javelin SST By 1967 AMC was stammering on insolvency. That year brought dynamic new leadership with William V. Luneburg as
head of state and also Roy D. Chapin as chairman of the board. A Marlin substitute was already in the works– the Javelin, that made its debut for 1968. Set on a 109-inch wheelbase, it remained in the “ponycar” course, although with a little extra indoor space. Rates tended to damage the competition, and also the semifastback designing attracted appreciation. Engines varied from an 145-horsepower 6 to a 280-horse, 343-cubic inch V8. A 390-inch V8 that created 315 horsepower became optional midyear.
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1969 AMC Javelin SST Javelins was available in base and tonier SST versions.(The development of supersonic transport [SST] planes was in the information as well as AMC believed the initials would include prestige to its leading trim lines.) The SST consisted of reclining front seats– unusual in American cars at the time– a sporting activity guiding wheel, woodgrain interior trim, and also wide rally red stripes. Reviewers had good ideas to state about Javelin’s performance and handling. The auto went racing and competed versus various other ponycars in the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am collection. AMC wished to market 35,000 to 40,000 systems, but rather relocated 56,462 Javelins for the ’68 version year. Not only did the car sell well, however it brought more youthful consumers right into AMC showrooms. AMC got on a roll and also turned a profit.
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1969 AMC Javelin SST Javelin had couple of modifications for its 2nd year. Our featured auto is a 1969 SST with the 390 V-8 and a four-speed guidebook gearbox. It is currently owned by Bruce Ulmer of Churchville, New York, however when photographed was possessed by John Robertson of Bloomington, Illinois. Robertson acquired the Javelin in 2006. It was rust-free, yet the components had actually taken their toll on the paint and also vinyl top. Nonetheless the control panel and also patterned-vinyl seats were in “like-new” condition. The Javelin’s very first owner, according to AMC’s then-new performance image, modified the cars and truck as well as went drag racing. The engine had an efficiency camshaft, manifold, and exhaust headers, and the rear fenders were flared to suit larger tires. Robertson had the auto went back to equip requirements. His biggest obstacle was locating appropriate components– which is much more difficult for AMC cars and trucks than Big Three makes. Robertson did the “dirty work” of polishing the stainless steel trim to showroom look. Among the alternatives on this vehicle are a tachometer, 140-mph speedometer, nonfunctional hood scoops, as well as handling package.
Robertson says the Javelin “took care of well and dropped the roadway directly as an arrowhead at 65 to 70 miles per hour.” The car didn’t have the optional power guiding, but the hand-operated guiding was not bad. “That is one of those automobiles I wish I hadn’t marketed,” Robertson claimed. It’s understandable the regret of marketing a Mandarin Red Javelin.
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1969 AMC Javelin SST 1969 AMC Javelin
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