By 1968, the pony car market was getting crowded. Ford Mustangs, Plymouth Barracudas, Mercury Cougars, Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds were vying alike for their portion of this new automobile market that had been growing like a forest fire. American Motors Corporation (AMC), which you may recall resulted from a 1954 merger of Rambler, Nash and Hudson, had released the Marlin in 1965.

While arguably unique and stylish on its own merits, the Marlin was not a pony car and missed the groundswell that engulfed the sportier cars from other manufacturers. AMC designer, Richard Teague, had penned and built a couple of concept pony cars – the AMX and the Vignale – for 1965 display and these became the basis for a production car to be released in 1968.

The AMC Javelin strongly reflected the lines of the concept cars and offered a wide variety of performance options. At the high end, a 343cui V8 engine could be fitted, along with optional disc brakes and wide tires to create a credible street performer.

In 1969, the 390cui V8 became available, boasting 315hp and 420 ft-lb of torque. While 0-60 mph times fell into the seven second range, the optional handling package was strongly recommended for spirited driving.

For 1970, the car’s exterior was refreshed with a longer hood, updated grille and full width taillights. Output of the 390 V8 jumped to 325hp, courtesy of new cylinder heads. Roger Penske went Trans Am racing with the Javelin, finishing second in the 1970 series, with Mark Donohue at the wheel. This was a serious boost for AMC’s image, which was still burdened with Rambler’s stodginess.

The Javelin shown here is a 390 V8-powered example, with Borg Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission and positraction rear axle. Equipped with the popular “Go” package, it sports the power blister hood for the four-barrel V8 engine, as well as power front disk brakes, dual exhaust system, heavy-duty suspension with anti-sway bar and performance tires with white lettered sidewalls on Magnum 500 styled steel wheels.

Originally from Colorado, the car retains its original black interior while the outside has been repainted once in the factory green color. This car is coming to auction next month during the 24th edition of Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction.

Running from May 17-22, the event takes place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Promoted as the World’s Largest Collector Car Auction, up to 2,000 vehicles are expected to change hands during the six day event. Check out their web site for additional information and a full list of cars to be auctioned.

For pony car trivia fans, you will want to know that the first pony cars to be used as a normal highway patrol police car by any U.S. police organization were 401 cui V8 Javelins from 1971 and 1972 model years. The Alabama Department of Public Safety purchased 132 vehicles during that time, after rejecting an earlier 304 V8 test car.