Family Fun: 1972 AMC Javelin SST Pierre Cardin Tribute – NOW ASKING $29,000

November 29, 2023 Update – After taking a four-month pause following the expiration of their last Craigslist ad, the seller of this Pierre Cardin interior-equipped 1972 AMC Javelin SST posted a fresh listing. The pictures, description, and optimistic $29,000 asking price carry over.

August 20, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “ClassiFIND” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” until we come across a replacement listing.

July 24, 2023 Update – The seller reduced their asking price from $30,000 to $29,000 one week after posting their listing.

American Motors Corporation (“AMC”) had a history of innovative ideas that were brilliant in concept but flawed in execution.  A prime example was AMC’s collaboration with fashion designer Pierre Cardin to develop interiors in the early 1970s.  Cardin Edition interiors were very polarizing for consumers, even in the 1970s.  The design had multi-colored pleated red, plum, white, and silver stripes on a black background. Six multi-colored stripes in nylon fabric coated with a stain-resistant silicone finish ran from the front seats, up the doors, onto the headliner, and down to the rear seats.

Consequently, during the 1972 and 1973 model years, AMC produced a total of 4,152 Javelins with optional interior design by fashion designer Pierre Cardin. That represented a less than ten percent take rate on overall Javelin production.  While wild fashion designer interiors didn’t resonate with Pony Car buyers, Lincoln soon found much greater success with the concept by offering special editions of the Continental Mark IV and V.  Designer interiors proved to be much more popular with affluent personal luxury car buyers.

The restorer of this plum 1972 AMC Javelin SST for sale, first spotted in July 2023 on Craigslist in Janesville, Wisconsin (Milwaukee), paired a low-mileage car with a Pierre Cardin interior sourced from a donor car to build this tribute example. Unfortunately, the seller’s ask is about ten large more than what the market will bear these days, and thus we’ve seen this car linger for several months on Craigslist already.

Now offered for $29,000 (the initial ask was $30,000), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is on the high side of this guide’s one-year results summary, and it appears to be based on much more desirable AMX-trimmed Javelins.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for in the past rolling twelve months:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls well above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $21,600 before making adjustments for powertrain and other equipment. We note that the pricing for an AMX-trimmed Javelin is $28,000, so the seller clearly is trying to get AMX money for an SST-Trimmed example.

The 1972 AMC Javelin SST was American Motors Corporation’s (“AMC”) answer to Ford’s Mustang.  AMC produced the Javelin in two distinct generations from 1968 to 1974.  AMC launched the second-generation Javelin for the 1971 model year. The “1980-looking Javelin” design was purposely made to give the sporty car a more distinctive-looking front end.  The second generation became longer, lower, wider, and heavier than its predecessor. Wheelbase was increased by one inch to 110 inches.

The 1972 Javelin SST featured a sleek and aggressive design that embodied the muscle car aesthetic of the time. It had a long hood, a short rear deck, and a fastback roofline, giving it a sporty and aerodynamic appearance. The front end was characterized by a wide and prominent grille with vertical rectangular headlights, while the rear end featured distinctive wraparound taillights.

The body of the Javelin SST was made of steel and had a sturdy construction. It was available in various vibrant colors, allowing customers to choose their preferred paint scheme. The car was adorned with chrome accents, including on the bumpers, grille surround, and side mirrors, adding a touch of sophistication.

The interior of the 1972 Javelin SST was designed to provide both comfort and a sporty driving experience. It featured a spacious cabin that could comfortably seat four passengers. Depending on the customer’s preference, the seats were well-cushioned and upholstered in vinyl or cloth. Bucket seats were standard in the front, providing additional support during spirited driving.

The dashboard layout was driver-focused, with a clear instrument cluster providing essential information such as speed, fuel level, engine temperature, and more. The center console housed various controls, including climate control and audio systems. Optional features included air conditioning, power windows, and a premium sound system.

The 1972 AMC Javelin SST came equipped with a range of engine options to suit different performance preferences. The base engine was a 232 cubic inch (3.8-liter) inline-six, producing around 135 horsepower. Additionally, there were V8 engine options available, including a 304 cubic inch (5.0-liter) V8 and a more potent 360 cubic inch (5.9-liter) V8, offering increased power and performance.

Transmission options included a three-speed manual, four-speed manual, or a three-speed automatic, allowing drivers to choose their preferred driving experience. The Javelin SST also featured power-assisted front disc brakes and power steering, enhancing its handling and stopping capabilities.

The 1972 AMC Javelin SST Pierre Cardin Edition featured a unique and luxurious interior designed in collaboration with the renowned fashion designer Pierre Cardin. This special edition was created to add a touch of high fashion and luxury to the classic muscle car.

The Pierre Cardin interior of the 1972 Javelin SST was known for its bold and distinctive styling elements. The seats and door panels were upholstered in a combination of black and white houndstooth fabric, creating a striking visual contrast. The houndstooth pattern featured large squares with jagged edges, giving it a dynamic and energetic appearance.

Complementing the houndstooth fabric were vinyl accents in vibrant, eye-catching colors. These vinyl accents were typically found on the seat bolsters, headrests, and door panel inserts. The colors varied depending on the trim level and color scheme, but they often included shades like orange, yellow, blue, and green. These pops of color added a lively and fashion-forward touch to the interior.

The Pierre Cardin Edition Javelin SST also showcased unique details throughout the cabin. The dashboard featured Pierre Cardin’s signature emblems, and the center console and steering wheel received special attention with their exclusive design touches. The steering wheel, for example, could be adorned with a Pierre Cardin logo emblem at its center.

Overall, the 1972 AMC Javelin SST Pierre Cardin Edition offered a distinctive interior that combined the boldness of automotive design with the elegance and creativity of high fashion. It remains a sought-after collector’s item among car enthusiasts and collectors today.

The Bob LaCross YouTube Channel provides a nice overview of what the Pierre Cardin interior looks like in an in a 1973 Javelin AMX:

If you are looking for an authentic 1972 AMC Javelin SST Pierre Cardin Edition for sale, this car is not the one for you. If, however, you’re looking for a nicely restored second-generation Javelin featuring a top-of-the-line interior combination with many other subtle upgrades, you may find this example very interesting.

If you are serious about buying this Javelin SST, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their vintage AMC Pony Car featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1972 AMC Javelin SST Pierre Cardin Tribute For Sale?  Please comment below and let us know!