1970 AMC Javelin SST Mark Donohue Edition 4-Speed

Description

In 1970, American Motors Corporation (AMC) made a brazen move to elevate its pony car, the Javelin, by partnering with racing legends Roger Penske and Mark Donohue for the SCCA Trans-Am series. To homologate Donohue’s race-inspired rear spoiler, AMC introduced the Mark Donohue Edition, a limited run of 2,501 units—one more than required by the rules. Based on the Javelin SST, this special model featured Donohue’s signature on the ducktail spoiler, AMX-style hood with functional ram-air, front disc brakes, handling upgrades, and distinctive side stripes. Buyers could choose between two four-barrel V8s--including the 360ci engine seen here rated at 295 horsepower--paired with either a Hurst-shifted four-speed manual or an automatic transmission. The Donohue Edition symbolized AMC’s commitment to performance and racing credibility — Mark Donohue lost the Trans-Am Championship by one point that year.

This Mark Donohue Edition is said to have had four owners and been garage-kept. The factory Bittersweet Orange paint was resprayed in 1991, and a previous owner converted it from the original automatic transmission to a four-speed manual with Hurst shifter.

This 1970 AMC Javelin Mark Donohue Edition is now offered with service records since 2003, some spare parts, an AMC Racing Team winter jacket, a mock-up of the original window sticker, and a clean Washington state title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 2,501 units built for SCCA homologation

• Factory automatic transmission replaced with four-speed manual with Hurst shifter

Factory Equipment

• Factory 360ci V8 (295 hp) engine

• Finished in Bittersweet Orange paint

• Handling package with upgraded suspension

• Power front disc brakes

• Dual exhaust system

• Tall ducktail spoiler for Trans-Am homologation

• 14x6 styled steel wheels

• Unique side stripes and “Mark Donohue” badging

• Bucket seats with optional corduroy/vinyl trim

• Woodgrain accents and optional AM radio and 8-track

• Go Package includes:

  • Functional ram-air induction

  • Heavy-duty cooling

  • Twin-Grip limited-slip differential

• The chassis number (A0C797P222696) decodes as:

  • A – AMC (American Motors Corporation)

  • 0 – 1970 model year

  • C – Javelin series

  • 79 – SST trim level

  • 7 – Two-door hardtop body style

  • P – Engine code: 360 cu in V8 (4-barrel, 295 hp)

  • 222696 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Converted from automatic transmission to Borg-Warner T10 4-speed manual with Hurst shifter by prior owner

• Aftermarket radio (original AM radio included)

• Aftermarket gauges

Servicing

• 2024:

  • New fuel tank

• 2019:

  • New front & rear bumpers

  • New ball joints and tie rods

  • New tires

• 2018:

  • Transmission rebuilt

  • Wiring harness replaced

• 2017:

  • New windshield

• 2016:

  • Right rear quarter panel replaced

• 2014:

  • New master cylinder and brake lines

• 2013:

  • New headers and tailpipes

• 1991:

  • Beaded and repainted to original color

  • Left rear quarter panel replaced

Known Imperfections

• Driver seat back shell cracked

• Hole in seat cover

• Trim piece for air intake missing; have replacements that are ready to install

• Air conditioning removed by prior owner

• Headliner fabric replaced 2015 but adhesive has loosened

• Paint has several chips/cracks on body and minor bubbling along rain gutters

Ownership History

The seller has owned this 1970 AMC Javelin SST Mark Donohue Edition since 2013.

Included Items

• Some original and replacement parts

• Original AM radio

• AMC Racing Team winter jacket

• Mock-up of original window sticker created by Eddie Stakes based off of VIN/door tags