AMC

The Javelin debuted in August 1967, for the 1968 model year. It was American Motors' entrant into the "pony car" market, the segment created by the Ford Mustang. Styled by Dick Teague, the Javelin was available in a range of trim and engine levels, from economical pony car to more aggressive muscle car variants. Since sales of convertibles was dropping, and AMC did not have the resources to design separate fastback and notchback hardtops that were available on the Mustang and the second-generation Plymouth Barracuda, AMC's styling team designed only a two-door hardtop model. The result was a uniquely cohesive shape that stood apart from its rivals. And in the years that followed, the Javelin proved that AMC’s unconventional approach could deliver not just style, but real performance credibility.

German coach builder Karmann, known for the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and VW Beetle convertibles, assembled 280 complete knock down (CKD) Javelins between 1968 and 1970 that were marketed in Europe under the name Javelin 79-K. About 90% of the parts and components came in crates from the United States. The speedometers were in "km/h" and the headlights were of European specification. Karmann supplied the interior upholstery and paint. At Karmann's facility in Rheine, the cars were assembled, painted, and test-driven before shipment to customers.