Egregious Flip: 1973 AMC Javelin AMX 401 – SOLD?

August 23rd Update – Earlier in the week we noticed the flipper of this 1973 Javelin we now have reason to believe is not an authentic AMX actually increased his asking price to a whopping $24K before deleting his post altogether over the weekend.  With no replacement listing found thus far, we’re making this Javelin “Sold?” but don’t be surprised if we see this flipper still trying to sell this car in the not-too-distant future.  Our only hope is that if it was indeed sold, the new caretaker was savvy enough to know exactly what they were buying.

August 16th Update – If you want a prime example of what’s wrong with the collector car hobby today and how values get artificially inflated, you need to read our update on this 1973 AMC AMX we featured just last month. We no sooner thought this AMX found a new caretaker when we came across a new post with a new seller trying to claim this car is worth $50,000 but providing it as a deal by only asking $22,500, which is $2,500 more than the previous owner wanted just last month.

The new seller now had the AMX listed on Craigslist on Staten Island for $22,500.  To his credit, the new seller provides fresh pictures and does confirm the condition of the car.  He also provides more detail than the first seller did as the car received a fresh restoration four years ago.  An added red flag not provided in the original seller’s post that would have likely come up during your in-person inspection is the story of how the restorers lost the body tag during “restoration” four years ago.  How convenient. While this new seller tries to convey that as the story and that the door tag acts as proof, it should be a red flag to anyone that without other sufficient documentation, this alleged AMX likely started life as a more lowly Javelin model.

We are firm believers in capitalism and people’s right to make money, but this is a perfect example of a flipper praying on uninformed buyers. Buyer beware: Always press for the car’s history and when the current owner has only had a car for less than one month, negotiate hard if they haven’t done anything to add value!

Here’s the start of our original posts.

The old adage “Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday” never translated well to American Motor’s second-generation Javelin AMX.  Despite back-to-back Trans Am titles in the early seventies, the polarizing styling of the two-door fastback such as this Blarney Green over Green 401 powered example listed for sale on Craigslist Pearl River, New York was overshadowed by GM’s F-body and Ford’s Mustang.  Featured what the private seller describes as a “Fresh” motor, he currently has his modified Javelin priced at $20,000.  Researching the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reveals the private seller has their AMX priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $22,100 and the #3 “Good estimate of $18,200.  If you are serious about buying this Javelin, you can start the conversation only by calling (no texts) Mike at (845) 608-4819.  When you do, please remember to mention you saw their AMX featured here on GuysWithRides.com.

Hagerty Insurance provides a nice overview of the history of the second generation Javelin and AMX in their appraisal guide:

“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, George Folmer won the Trans Am title 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.”

Here’s a two-minute video we found on YouTube summarizing AMC’s 1973 Javelin line-up:

With a freshly rebuilt modified 401 cubic inch V8, there’s little to no incentive to restore this example to concours original as the bright Blarney Green paint job is enough to get you noticed anywhere you drive this AMX.  If this AMX holds up to how the private seller describes it, this will make a nice alternative to cruise around in versus the typical sea of “Big Three” pony cars that you typically find at most car shows.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1973 Javelin Amx
401 CI motor
Crane Cam
Headers
TURBO AUTO with Shift Kit
323 Rear End Gears
Sharp & clean. FRESH MOTOR

Call Mike
No texts please.“

Do you have a Javelin AMX story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!