THIS IS THE MUSCLE CAR YOU SHOULD KNOW: 1970 MARK DONOHUE-EDITION AMC JAVELIN

In the late 1960s, American Motors aimed to change its image from being a carmaker focused on budget-friendly, practical cars to one known for stylish, performance-driven vehicles. To do this, they launched two sporty new models: the AMX two-seater and the Javelin four-seat hardtop.

The Javelin was introduced to fill the void left when AMC discontinued the Marlin fastback, which was a unique and polarizing model that struggled in the market, with only about 7,000 units sold over its two-year run.

Javelins came with various trim and engine options, starting with a 145-horsepower six-cylinder engine borrowed from the Rambler Rebel, all the way up to a powerful 390 V-8. The design featured a fresh, modern look with a sleek roof, semi-fastback rear, and a long hood. Chrome was used sparingly as an accent to enhance the car’s “Coke bottle” profile, rather than for decoration alone. The result was a well-balanced and attractive vehicle from an unexpected source, just like its companion, the AMX. AMC executives knew that young buyers wanted stylish, high-performance cars, and the Javelin delivered. It was a hit and sold 59,124 units in its first year, a stark contrast to the Marlin’s poor numbers.

The 1970 Javelins featured a few design updates, including styling elements from the AMX. The SST trim level was available from the start, offering upscale interior features. The “Trans Am” model came with all the SST options and was equipped with front and rear spoilers, black vinyl interiors, a 390 V-8 “Go” package, F70 x 14 glass-belted tires with raised white letters, mag-styled wheels, a twin-grip differential, a four-speed gearbox with Hurst shifter, and various convenience options. It was painted in AMC’s signature racing colors of red, white, and blue. Only 100 of these were produced to meet the SCCA Trans-Am homologation requirements. However, the Sports Car Club of America later updated its rules, requiring 2,500 replicas instead of 100. This change led to the creation of the Mark Donohue edition of the Javelin.

Mark Donohue was one of the most skilled drivers of the era and had already proven his prowess in Trans-Am racing with Javelins. His name was added to a special version of the SST that featured a 360 V-8 engine producing 290 hp and a distinctive “ducktail” spoiler at the rear, complete with a replica of Donohue’s signature on the right side of the spoiler. AMC produced around 2,501 Mark Donohue edition Javelin SSTs to meet the SCCA requirements, making these cars a rare piece of muscle car history today. Javelins, in general, are becoming collectible and still offer great value compared to some of the more famous pony cars from the Big Three. There are many versions to explore, from the rare Mark Donohue edition to various performance packages ranging from mild to high-powered.

If you’re thinking about buying one of these classic American cars, be mindful of a few things. Look for rust, especially in unrestored cars, as the unit-body construction relies on the floor pan for structural integrity. AMC’s V-8 engines are known for their durability, following a similar design to Chevrolet’s reliable engines. The AMC six-cylinder engine is also known for being tough and long-lasting. Finding trim and interior parts can be more challenging than for popular models like the Mustang, but with some effort and help from specialist suppliers, they can be located.