AMC products usually aren’t well represented at the SEMA show, but the Ringbrothers Javelin, “Defiant”, was one of the more notable (and polarizing) vehicles on the grounds for 2017. Originally, any mention of a highly built Javelin was a cause for celebration, leaving a feeling of “It’s about time!”. But then you saw it…and you either loved it or hated it, regardless of the work that went into it. We can appreciate the work that went into the Javelin…the modified Hellcat Hemi, the work that went into shoving the front wheels forward half a foot, and the usual high-quality paintwork…but then we learned about the car they started with.
The 1972 Javelin that went under the knife was a pretty cool car on it’s own accord, a mild custom that had been tooling around Wisconsin for years. Several people who knew about the build were critical of the duo for taking a neat period-style build and going whole-hog on a build, completely removing any trace of the Javelin as it had been for decades prior. We understand the draw of huge power and can appreciate the work the guys put into “Defiant”, but we are torn on which version of the Javelin is the better one.
The car is a stunner! Only beef is the hood, should have stayed as flat as possible.
I agree, the hood is bothersome.
What a new ZR1Corvette is to a ’70s car, this Ring Brothers car is to an original Javelin. Huge leap forward yet keeping the spirit, nice.
Appreciate the willingness to explore as well as the execution. Never the less, \”lipstick on a pig\”.
Appreciate the willingness to explore as well as the execution. Never the less, “lipstick on a pig”.
“…but we are torn on which version of the Javelin is the better one.”
Really? Well I guess if you like the “period” (ugly) wheels and paint…
There’s no doubt for me that the modern version lives up to the car’s potential, and with the Hellcat engine, you can still call it pure. If it was SBC powered, it would be just another build, but this is something special, done right and about time.
Is it possible to replace the host of Jay Leno’s Garage?
Did you check with Letterman?
I really wanted to hate this car, but after watching the video I get it.