What is a 1970 Mark Donohue Edition Javelin |
comments are opinion of your site host |
As I Understand it (by your host): In late 1969, SCCA changed the number of production vehicles required for homologation from 100 (which AMC was already building as Trans-Am Javelins) to a percentage of the previous years production, which was 2501. Wheel base rules nixed the AMX from SCCA. AMC chose to replace their previous team with Penske & Donohue. They desperately needed a dominating factory entry to boost sales. It certainly had paid off for Chevrolets winning Z-28 Camaro and Fords potent Boss Mustang. Somehow, AMC managed to pry/entice Mark Donohue "the 1968 & 1969 Trans-Am champ and all around nice guy " away from the Camaro program and into the Javelin program. All 2501 Javelins had to be produced (out the factory door), with the Donohue designed rear spoiler and redesigned front suspension before the start of the 1970 Trans-Am season, which was early April. AMC lost the 1970 season by a single point. The Mark Donohue Edition was an option package, "an upgrade if you will", of the 1970 Javelin SST/GO Pack car. Therefore, a Donohue should have everyhing that the SST/Go Pack has, plus the rear spoiler, plus a Dec '69 - Mar '70 production date. During Sept '69 - Nov '69, AMC was having built the ultra-rare Trans-Am Javelins. This means 360 4-bbl or 390 4-bbl, functional ram air, power front disks, "rim-blo" steering wheel, 4-speed or auto with console on the floor, wood grain interior trim, limited slip rear end. More Donohues were built during this period than non-Donohue SSTs, therefore if your car fits this profile, your odds are better than 50/50. According to the new book by Larry Mitchell, "AMC Muscle Cars", many Donohues were produced that do not fit the above profile. However, this opinion is hotly debated amongst AMC fans. I highly recommend Mitchell's book, published by MBI Publishing, Osceola, WI. It is filled with some great pictures and very informitive. Update: Recently I recieved a copy of the Unfair Advantage, definately a treasure to include amonst Mark Donohue memorabilia. |
