Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 AMC Javelin Trans-Am
s/n A8M795N139054
Factory Livery, Red, White & Blue

1966 to 1972 was the golden age of the Trans American Sedan Championship series, which was run on some of North America’s greatest race tracks. The events were, quite simply, the events to watch. The cars were big and noisy (especially in the 2 to 5 liter class), the money was big, and the crowds were big. Factory backed teams showcased race prepared variants of their regular production cars, and it was here that the pony car wars were fought. These races represent some of the greatest “race on Sunday, sell on Monday” events, and indeed, the races went a long way towards boosting sales in showrooms across the United States.

For 1968, American Motors began campaigning a pair of thoroughly prepared Javelins, with their first outing at the 12 Hours of Sebring. The preparation of the cars was handled by Ronnie Kaplan Engineering, a well known Chicago-based shop. The cars were driven by Peter Revson and George Folmer wearing numbers 3 and 4 respectively. Available for sale is Peter Revson’s number 3 in superbly restored race-ready condition, and with extremely comprehensive documentation. The car’s history from 1968 and 1969 includes:

1968:
Peter Revson
Sebring 5th AMC’s first ever race outing.
War Bonnet 4th
Lime Rock 3rd Revson qualifies on the front row, runs the fastest lap in the race
Mid Ohio 3rd The two Javelins secure both front row qualifying positions
Bridgehampton DNF Revson qualifies second.
Meadowdale 2nd Revson qualifies fourth
St. Jovite DNF Revson qualifies second
Bryar DNF
Watkins Glen 4th
Continental 250 did not compete
Riverside 2nd

1969
Bob Tullius:
Michigan 4th place

Ron Hunter:
Lime Rock 7th
Mid Ohio 13th
Bridgehamton 8th
Donnybrooke DNF
Laguna 14th
Kent DNF
Sears Point DNF
Riverside 7th

The pair of Javelins together were successful enough to unseat Ford’s Mustangs from second place in the championship, a remarkable feat given that it was AMC’s first season. This particular car is massively documented, with several binders of period documents and photographs depicting the car in action. It has also been featured in magazine articles and books, including Friedman’s Trans-Am book and the April of 2009 issue of Top Gear. Copies of the book and magazine are included, as is a copy of Revson’s autobiography, which went into production on the same day that he was killed in a testing accident at the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami in 1974. The car also has FIA papers and Historical Trans Am Registry papers. Highlights from the binder of documentation includes a letter from Walt Czarnecki (the manager of performance activities at AMC) to Peter Revson thanking him, as well as press releases and driver biographies originally supplied b AMC. The photographs are equally impressive, depicting the car, drivers, and team in action. Various other items are included, such as stickers, decals, paddock display board, and a pair of Javelin Racing Team jackets!

This car is an original acid dipped body example and has seen much mechanical and cosmetic work to bring it to its current restored and race-ready condition. It has been restored to its original configuration and has been authenticated by John Martin, an original participant in the car’s construction. It has a motor by Tony Otto and the paint was renewed by Images Auto Body in Campbell, CA. The car has been regularly run in the Wine Country Classic and Monterey Historics, and competed in both events in 2008.

The car has excellent race car cosmetics. The paintwork was performed to high standards, and remains in very nice shape. There are a few small chips on the front of the car from use, and the occasional small scratch but the paint is otherwise free from significant damage or wear and still looks great in the paddock. The panels fit well and are straight, and the front and rear deck lids are held in place with hood pins. The headlight covers with Javelin Racing Team graphics are still in place and are very cool, while the body trim and glass are in fine shape. The doors retain their full wind-up windows and the metal trim and glass are very nice. The wheels are nicely finished Torq Thrusts wearing Goodyear racing tires.

The interior is very Spartan, with a full roll cage, vintage race seat with harness, and a full set of instruments. The tachometer is a VDO item, and the remaining instruments are period Stewart Warner items. The car has a panel of switches, plumbed in extinguisher system and wink mirror, but not a whole lot more in terms of equipment. The dashboard has been signed by Peter Revson’s little sister, Jenny, “In loving memory of Peter. Be safe and have fun!”

The trunk is also very Spartan, with fuel cell and battery. The fuel lines are Aeroqip items and there are twin fuel pumps. The engine compartment is spotless and race prepared, with oil cooler, remote oil filter and massive Aeroquip lines. There is a very trick and very large airbox, and jet hot coated headers. The engine is dry and clean, and the finishes in great shape. The hardware looks new and the entire engine compartment has a fresh feel.

This is an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a piece of history. Driven by the legendary Peter Revson in AMC’s breakout first season during the golden age of Trans Am, this car is very important. With its history and documentation, and fully restored and race ready condition, this car is ready to enjoy and makes a great tribute to Peter Revson.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608