Limited to just 100 units, the 390-powered 1970 Trans Am edition Javelin SST is a rare and valuable muscle car from American Motors. Although some are documented as destroyed, roughly three quarters of the original run remain unaccounted for. In the early days some were repainted in solid colors, so who knows where the next one will surface?
The Big Bad Colors option included a choice of bright orange, green, or blue, with matching painted bumpers used in 1969 only. For 1970 (shown) the Big Bad Colors became a regular color option with no other special features. Every AMC fan has his or her favorite Big Bad color!
For the 1971 model year, the AMX and Javelin lines were combined into the four-passenger Javelin AMX. Standard Javelins were also available sans the rear spoiler, raised-profile fiberglass hood, and AMX interior appointments. Available with a choice of V-8 engines ranging up to a 401-ci, the 1971–1974 AMX featured a polarizing new styling that included distinctive front fender humps. Collector interest in this generation has been building for several years, driving prices upward.
1971
Despite lobbying by AMC design chief Richard Teague, the two-seater AMX was discontinued for the 1971 model year. Now, instead of having two unique body styles and wheelbases, The AMX and Javelin lines were combined into a larger and more radically styled Javelin AMX that featured a raised-profile fiberglass hood, along with front and rear spoilers. Optional on the AMX model only was an attractive T-stripe for the hood and front fender tops that was available in a choice of colors. Less expensive base model Javelins and upscale Javelin SST models were also available, and shared the curvy new styling. Interior design was also new for 1971, and featured a wraparound driver’s cockpit and molded plastic interior side panels.
Javelin and Javelin AMX models for 1971–1972 feature a simulated twin-hatch effect stamped into the roof panel. When a vinyl top was ordered it only covered the dual front sections of the roof as shown here. A smooth roof panel was used in 1973–1974, so the optional vinyl top now covered the entire roof and upper quarter panels, extending all the way to the back of the car.
The restyled 1971 Javelin was longer and wider, but continued a version of the full-width taillight treatment used in the previous years. Javelin taillights were similar for 1972, but added a chrome grid overlay that resembled the standard 1972 grille. A single backup light was centered in the taillight assembly from 1970 to 1972 for Javelin and AMX models.
Intended to fly under the radar of insurance companies that had become weary of insuring traditional big-block muscle cars, the 1971 Hornet SC/360 was a potent combination of light weight and a powerful 360-ci engine. Understated in appearance compared to AMC’s earlier special editions, the SC/360 found only 784 buyers, making one a rare sight today. Cars equipped with the optional Go Package included a 4-barrel carburetor and functional forced-air induction hood scoop.
Gone for 1971 was the 390 engine, replaced by an internally larger 401-ci V-8. Also gone was the Rebel line; it received new front-end styling to become the new Matador. Just a handful of Matadors were produced with an understated Matador Machine performance package. It had no external stripes or graphics, and was promoted only minimally in AMC sales materials.
AMC’s special edition muscle car for 1971 was based on the compact Hornet line that had been launched the previous year. Named the Hornet SC/360, it was intended to fly under the radar of the auto insurance companies that had been raising premiums for traditional big-block muscle cars. Available in any Hornet color, the standard SC/360 had a 2-barrel, 360-ci engine with 3-speed standard floor shift. Optional was a 285 hp, 4-barrel Go Package version with functional ram air hood scoop, as well as a 4-speed manual or automatic transmission.
1972
Model year 1972 was largely a carryover for the Javelin and Javelin AMX. Both models received new taillight lenses, and the non-AMX cars now sported a sturdy-looking egg crate grille. The outer wire-mesh grille for the Javelin AMX was now blacked out instead of silver. An attractive new side C-stripe was available for the SST. Inside, the optional center console was slightly redesigned and the dash switches were now chrome with universal symbols.
An interesting variation was the new Pierre Cardin interior for the Javelin and Javelin AMX. Developed for American Motors with the cooperation of the well-known fashion designer, the package included wildly striped seats and headliner, special door panel inserts, and a chrome-plated badge for each front fender. Gone for 1972 was the Hornet SC/360 model as well as the Matador Machine package.
American Motors created a new performance category for 1972 by installing a 304-ci V-8 in the subcompact Gremlin model introduced two years earlier. Even with a standard 2-barrel carburetor, the V-8 Gremlin X was a solid performer, requiring rear axle torque links to prevent axle wind-up and wheel hop. The short-wheelbase 1968–1970 AMX and compact Hurst SC/Rambler were the only other models so equipped. Especially when combined with the newly available Levi’s interior option, which featured seats and door panels trimmed in simulated blue denim, a V-8 Gremlin X is a rare and desirable collectible today.
The Pierre Cardin edition Javelin was developed in cooperation with the famous fashion designer, and featured wild graphics for the seats, door panel inserts, and headliner. A Pierre Cardin logo also appeared on each front fender. Although definitely not for everyone, the option did sell well enough in 1972 to be continued for the 1973 Javelin as well. A limited number of Javelin AMX models also received the Pierre Cardin interior.
When searching for an AMC muscle car project don’t overlook a V-8–powered Gremlin X, built from 1972 to 1976. With a 2-barrel 304-ci engine in the lightweight Gremlin body, it can be classified as a mini muscle car, and one that surprised its share of unsuspecting challengers back in the day. This is a 1974 model.
If a stock V-8 Gremlin wasn’t enough, one AMC dealership in Mesa, Arizona, was busy converting 304-powered Gremlins into 401-powered Gremlins! Randall American built a limited number of XR-401 Gremlins, most of which saw dragstrip duty from day one. Today, original, documented XR-401 Gremlins command a strong premium over other factory H-coded V-8 Gremlins built through 1976.
Much like the Chevrolet muscle cars modified by Yenko, or the Dodges tuned by Mr. Norm’s Grand-Spaulding Dodge, the AMC faithful turned to Randall American of Mesa, Arizona, for levels of performance not available from the factory. Starting with 304-ci Gremlins, the dealership transplanted 401-ci engines to create the Randall 401-XR, capable of high-13-second elapsed times on the quarter-mile. With just over 20 produced from 1972 to 1974, and fewer known to survive, a documented Randall 401-XR is the most sought after variation of AMC’s mini muscle car. (Photo Courtesy Randall AMC)
1973
Model year 1973 saw yet another new grille for