The car formed from the merger between the Hudson Motor Company and Nash-Kelvinator rose to become a household name over the years. It strived to beat the Ford Mustang and found success while doing it.

Unfortunately, the AMC Javelin is one of the few models to be created by an independent American automaker, a breed that has been dying over the years. Let's look at the excellent things in the

car history

of this classic.

The beautiful conception of the AMC Javelin

Collectors Auto Supply

reports, the AMC Javelin had two concept models in the late 1950s. These concepts were inspired by the Ford Mustang and the need to sell a pony car. The Ford Mustang was a very popular car at the time, which led AMC to think of a similar model but with a two-door option.

Both the concepts it created were developed under the AMX banner and showcased two seating configurations that eventually reached the market. The first Javelin was made using the Rambler American chassis and went into production in 1968. Soon, it was a huge bang in the car market and challenged the established ponies.

Car owners had a choice of two engines, both of which were

V8 engines different from earlier V6

ones. The first was a 225 hp engine that occupied 258 cubic inches, while the second was a 235 hp car that occupied 343 cubic inches. This car was loved for being roomy and fun to drive.

The new generation AMC Javelin

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Best '60s Sports Cars

The price was also competitive compared to Camaros and Mustangs at the mid-range level. A few years down the line, it introduced the "Go Package". In the new model, it upgraded the exhaust, power brakes, and suspension upgrades.

This new model had a choice of 343 cubic inches with an option of 390 cubic inches. It was fitted with an engine that delivered 315 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The higher volume vehicle matched the configuration of the muscle cars at the time, making it a serious muscle car.

Unfortunately, the vehicle had no convertibles. In their place, the carmaker put spoilers on, did amazing paint jobs, and included other charming add-ons. It was in this period that the company created a sub-model called the AMX, which came with a v8 engine but had a short wheelbase.

In 1970,

the carmaker elongated the front hood

and introduced a new V8 engine, which included 225 hp and 354 hp options. It also redesigned its 390 package to add additional smaller models. These cars had blue, white, and red paint.

Did it get bigger before dying off?

According to

Driving Line

, the AMC Javelin got another redesign in 1971 as the company strived to match the Mustang. It also improved the engine to 285 hp with a 330 hp V8 option. The company divested the smaller models but still offered them as a trim level.

Unfortunately, the model was faced with smog and insurance problems common at the time. From 1972, it attempted to lower its output and created unusual editions of the model. However, this did not redeem the brand as it did not have the financial muscle to keep up with new regulations.

The company ended up being absorbed by Renault and sold to Chrysler. It had been a promising brand but died off for reasons beyond its control at the time. Today, the company has one of the rarest muscle models and a community of enthusiastic fans around the globe.

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