ACL TA '69 AMC Javelin

In September 1967, American Motors Corporation (AMC) had no performance parts, no performance engineering group, no racing group, no engine-development program, and absolutely no plan for what it was about to embark on. With only months left before the introduction of the company's AMX and Javelin ponycars, AMC decided the best way to market them was to enter into Trans-Am road racing and NASCAR and Pro Stock drag racing.

Let's just say it was highly optimistic AMC believed it could dive into any form of racing, as it was the manufacturer of sensible, compact cars and a few other things like Marlins. They were the little Wisconsin car company that could, as long as it didn't involve speed, racing, performance, or impressing your friends at the local Psycho Taco.

Factory body modification include the deletion of body side graphics and trim, custom Trans-Am homologated front cow-catcher and a Ronnie Kaplan designed rear adjustable 'air-foil' style spoiler. Originally conceived in 1968 to showcase factory sponsored Ronnie Kaplan's SCCA Trans-Am racing team, the final cars came to market just in time to showcase the new AMC / Penske Javelin Racing Team.

The first step after delivery of three Javelins was stiffening the unibody by welding all of the sheetmetal panels, as they came from the factory spot-welded.

Stiffeners were added and the SCCA-approved rollcage that even tied into the top, as operating doors was a Trans-Am requirement. Stock suspensions were allowed only minimal changes, resulting in the "dealer-installed" Javelin Handling Package of heavier springs, a sway bar, a track bar, and heavy-duty shocks that were traded for Koni adjustable coilovers for racing.