Rediscovering AMC Muscle Cars

Sales slipped from the first year, so in 1970 a minor restyle was in order. The nose was made slightly longer and a brutish hood blister was optional. The six was still standard, but the V-8 lineup now included a 304, a 360 and the 390. The cylinder heads were refined through feedback from the Trans-Am team, and the front suspension was improved as well.


After a disappointing 1969 season, the AMC Trans-Am effort was turned over to the Roger Penske team with ace driver Mark Donohue. They won five races and finished second in the series by one point! But sales slipped to a disappointing 28,210 units. It was time for a major facelift.


The 1971 Javelin had a radical new look, with arched fenders over the tires and a longer wheelbase. It was bigger than the original Javelin, and heavier to boot. The 390 V-8 was opened up to 401 inches.


Once again there was an SST package, which was joined by the AMX version, a name borrowed from the recently cancelled two-seater (more details to follow). The Javelin AMX had a ducktail spoiler, cowl induction, special wheels and unique trim. The Go Package included the same performance goodies as before with the 360 or 401 engines. Penske finally made the Javelin a winner in the Trans-Am, taking the title in 1971 before turning the cars over to Roy Woods Racing, who took home all the marbles in 1972.


Despite its great looks, impressive performance and race wins, sales of musclecars were slipping across the board. The new Javelin struggled along until 1974 when the plug was pulled.