1974 American Motors Javelin

2dr Fastback

8-cyl. 360cid/220hp 4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$15,500*

+3.3%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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1968-1974 American Motors Javelin stats
Highest sale
$847,000
Lowest sale
$1,250
Most recent sale
$21,315
Sales
244

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1973 American Motors Javelin Fastback Coupe
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Model overview

Model description

American Motors trailed the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda to the pony car party by nearly four years, but when it finally arrived it did so with a contender. The 1968 AMC Javelin was designed by Dick Teague and had clean and understated lines and a big enough back seat for adults, hidden beneath a swooping tail.

Javelins could be ordered for around $2,500 and outfitted with all manner of engines, from an economical 232-c.i. 6-cylinder motor to 290-, 343-, and 390-c.i. V-8s. Top shelf Javelins were badged as SSTs and included reclining bucket seats, wood-grain trim, body cladding, and unique wheel covers. The SST could also be ordered with AMC’s biggest motor of the year, a 315-hp, 390-c.i., four-barrel engine. The 390 appeared mid-year, but could only be coupled with a 3-speed manual transmission or an automatic, which meant that a 343/280 car equipped with a 4-speed transmission and the Go Package was actually faster. AMC’s Go Package included front disc brakes, a heavy-duty suspension, dual exhaust, redline tires, mag wheels, and body stripes.

Car and Driver tested the 1968 class of muscle cars and noted the Javelin was the slowest, though not by much. Around the same time, AMC started racing Javelins with Peter Revson and George Follmer, and the car showed promise. In all more than 55,000 Javelins were sold in 1968. Meanwhile, Chevrolet sold 235,000 Camaros, Ford sold 300,000 Mustangs, and Plymouth moved 45,000 Barracudas.

The Javelin and its companion two-seater AMX changed little for 1969, though the popular Big Bad series of paint colors were introduced. In addition to bright colors, Big Bad cars featured color keyed bumpers. Go Package cars this year could also be ordered with a limited slip rear differential, and the 390 motor could be paired with a 4-speed. Sales slipped for the year to 40,000.

Special editions in 1970 included 2,501 examples of the Mark Donohue Signature Edition, with a custom rear spoiler, and 100 Trans Am Editions with Brooks Stevens’ red, white, and blue paint job. Both the Javelin and AMX received a new front end with optional ram air intake. In terms of performance, 1970 was a high-water mark for the Javelin, as an SST 390 would go 0-60 in 7.6 seconds and a 15.1 second quarter mile. Even so, sales reflected AMC’s general trend and dropped to 28,000 cars.

The Javelin was redesigned in 1971, growing slightly bigger and donning exaggerated wheel arches and a longer hood. The AMX model and two-seat body style was retired and the name joined the Javelin lineup as a trim level. Engines for 1971 ranged from a 210-hp, 304-c.i. V-8, through the 245-hp and 285-hp, 360-c.i. V-8, and the thumping 330-hp, 401-c.i. V-8 in the AMX. The SST continued alongside the top-line Javelin AMX.

On the track, Javelins won Trans Am titles in both 1971 and 1972 and a “Trans Am Victory” package was offered in 1973. Of course, the muscle car’s heyday was ending in 1972 as power output declined courtesy of emissions and safety regulations. Even with Trans Am success, sales suffered, and production of the car ended in 1974.

Javelins styling tends to be polarizing, just as when they were new. Maintenance is not an expensive proposition, but some trim parts can be difficult to find. And keep in mind that during its production run, the Javelin was one of the most affordable ways to gain entry into the muscle car world. As such, the cars were almost always bought to be driven hard, and few Javelins received the same care as Camaros and Mustangs from the same period. The current market doesn’t always support the cost of a restoration, so pristine examples are rare.

All the same, an early, documented 343 Go-Pack car, or one with the 390 and 401 mill is a great choice for a buyer in search of cheap fun. The cars can flat out move, and they stand out against a backdrop of Mustangs and Camaros. Look for documented originals as many Javelins have since received engine swaps, or adjust your budget accordingly.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1974 American Motors Javelin can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,350 for a 1974 American Motors Javelin in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1974 American Motors Javelin at auction over the last three years was $22,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1974 American Motors Javelin at auction over the last three years was $11,000. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 3 1974 American Motors Javelins sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1974 American Motors Javelin was $22,000 on July 11, 2024 by Mecum Auctions.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.