1972 AMC Javelin AMX "Defiant!"
The 1972 AMC Javelin AMX known as "Defiant!" is a Hellcat-powered restomod built by Ringbrothers and commissioned by Prestone, debuting at the 2017 SEMA show. Finished in striking BASF Jalop Gold, this 1,036-horsepower muscle car turns a forgotten American classic into one of the wildest custom builds ever made.
Wisconsin-based Ringbrothers know a thing or two about building mean muscle cars. Commissioned by Prestone to celebrate the brand's 90th anniversary, they created a monstrous AMC Javelin with a gorgeous BASF Jalop Gold finish. The full story behind the build is told by OnAllCylinders.
What engine powers the AMC Javelin AMX Defiant?
Let's deal with the elephant in the room: the name. We figure it is called "Defiant!" because of the Wegner Motorsports 6.2-liter Hemi Mopar Hellcat engine coupled to a 4.5-liter Whipple supercharger. Combined, they produce 1,036 raging horsepower. To deliver all that power without separating the body from the engine bay, a high-performance QA1 carbon fiber driveshaft is mated to a Bowler automatic transmission. A new Dodge Hellcat radiator and fan make sure the car does not melt itself, running Prestone antifreeze. Journalists at The Drive got behind the wheel of the roughly $500,000, 1,000-plus horsepower machine.
How does this 1972 Javelin AMX handle over 1,000 hp?
The body has been extended with a Camaro subframe by Detroit Speed Hydroformed. Detroit Speed rack-and-pinion steering, front sway bars, and RideTech shocks make this beast handle like a dream, providing a buttery smooth ride. The rear uses a Chevy 12-bolt rear end tailored to a custom four-link suspension, built in-house by Ringbrothers. "Defiant!" rides on HRE Performance Wheels sized 20x11 in the front and 20x13 in the rear, wrapped in high-performance Michelin tires to keep the beast planted when flat-footing it. To handle more than 1,000 hp, a set of six-piston Baer brakes is installed. Just in case.
What is the interior like?
The interior has not been left behind at all. A Kicker sound system is installed, even though we would rather listen to the engine rumble. Upholstery Unlimited provided the custom seats, which match perfectly with the Classic Instruments gauges. The result is a 1972 AMC Javelin reborn as a fully modern, road-ready hypercar killer in vintage muscle car clothing.
Discover modern muscle cars at TheArsenale
If the Ringbrothers Defiant has you craving American muscle reimagined, TheArsenale curates a rare selection of modern muscle and restomod machines. Explore the Equus Bass 770 modern muscle car, the Throwback modern muscle car by Equus, and the electrified Charge electric Mustang.
Browse the full cars collection to find your own piece of American performance history.
