Car and Driver tested six pony cars in 1968 and declared the 1968 AMC Javelin SST as the best handling of the lot. The test included the 1968 Camaro SS, the 1968 Mustang 2+2 GT, the 1968 Cougar XR7, the 1968 Barracuda Formula S and the 1968 Firebird 400 HO. Beating such stiff competition was a real victory for American Motors. The test did reveal one weakness of the Javelin. Its 15.2 second quarter mile time was the slowest of the pack.

The Javelin came in two models. The base model and the SST or “Super Sonic Transport.” Both cars were well equipped and could be had with one of three engine choices. A 290 cubic inch engine with 200 horsepower was the standard engine. Optional engines included the 343 cubic inch engine with 280 horsepower and the 390 cubic inch engine with 315 horsepower.

1968 Javelin

The base Javelin came with dual paint stripes, wide profile tires and front sway bars to improve handling. Options included power brakes, power steering, a performance handling suspension and a four speed transmission. AMC sold over 29,000 base model Javelins in its debut. That was a very good number for little AMC.

1968 Javelin SST

The up model Javelin came with front bucket seats, fax wood trim on the steering wheel, door panels and the dash. Four wheel disc brakes were part of the package along with hood scoops. The SST was almost as popular as the base model. In 1968 AMC sold over 26,000 Javelin SSTs.

Pony Car Competition

The pony car market was becoming saturated in 1968. AMC went after the market in a big way. Not only did they introduce the Javelin but the decided to challenge the 1968 Corvette with the two seat 1968 AMX. Although the 1968 Javelin was nimble on the track it just didn’t have the horsepower of the 1968 Camaro or its sister the 1968 Firebird. Plymouth continued to post strong performances with its dated 1968 Barracuda and the 1968 Mustang was as strong as ever.

The 1969 Javelin would arrive from the factory largely unchanged from 1968. The big news in 1969 would be the introduction of the “Big Bad” Javelin with its wildly vibrant paint schemes.