“If you had to compete with GM, Ford, and Chrysler, what would you do?” That was American Motors’ tagline in the early 1970s. While all manufacturers did what they had to do to sell cars, AMC paired up with famous designers to create fancy interiors to pull the customers into the showrooms. Cassini, Gucci, and even Levis worked with AMC back in the day, but our Pick of the Day features the touch of Pierre Cardin. It’s a 1973 Javelin AMX for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Milwaukee. (Click the link to view the listing)
The original 1968-70 Javelin was restyled for 1971, but it was mostly the same car underneath. The AMX two-seater was discontinued, with the name being used on a performance package for the Javelin. A 401 replaced the 390 as the top Javelin engine, and a cowl induction hood (functional if you paid) replaced 1970’s blister hood. Starting in 1973, the Javelin adopted a grille screen that was closer to the AMX’s of the previous two years, and the full-width taillights were replaced with four round units. The Javelin AMX included a standard 304cid with three-speed manual, slot-style wheels, rear spoiler, engine-turned dashboard, and three-spoke steering wheel. Of course, the 360 and 401 carried the performance torch, offering as much as 255 horsepower. The AMX Go package included the 360 four-barrel or 401, T-stripe on hood, black paint on rear panel, Rally-Pac instrumentation, handling package, heavy-duty engine cooling, Twin-Grip differential, power disc brakes, E60 x 15-inch Polyglas tires with white lettering, and slot-style wheels.
So, who’s Pierre Cardin (1922-2020)? His name has fallen in popularity in this modern age but, in another era, his was one of leading fashion houses in the world. Though once a part of the Paris haute couture scene, Cardin was not above exploiting his name and talents, as exhibited by his association with American Motors from 1972-73. His unique “Cardin” custom fabric interior for Javelins featured on bucket seats, door panels, and headliner in plum, orange, violet, white, and silver.
This Pewter Silver metallic 1973 Javelin AMX has all the good stuff, like 401 and four-speed (as verified by the VIN and, yes, the transmission is listed in the VIN). Those items alone make this among the most desirable pony cars for 1973, but this example is one of the few to feature the Pierre Cardin interior. We can assume the Go package was opted due to the rear blackout, plus a center console, tilt steering wheel, power steering and brakes, and AM/FM radio are features from which we wouldn’t shy away. “A set of American Racing five-spoke alloy wheels add a finishing touch,” concludes the seller.
In terms of American Motors products, this Javelin AMX seems like it has it all. Among the 1973 pony car set, it still stands to reason as few cars have their respective ultimate option mix. For $66,000, you could be pimpin’ with horsepower.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
