1970 AMC Javelin SST Mark Donohue, one-owner 390 manual with AMO concours awards

Why we picked it

A private seller in Fort Collins says this Javelin was bought new at Lebo and Sons in Loveland, Colorado, and has had one owner since. It's a Mark Donohue Edition SST, and the X in the VIN confirms the 390. The seller says the original engine was rebuilt by a machine shop with Ross forged pistons, balanced internals, a Comp cam and 9:1 compression, and that the ram air and air injection still work. Classic.com lists a manual gearbox. The paint is an older base/clear respray with a few touch-ups, the interior is new in the original chevron pattern, and the seller reports only light surface rust underneath.

The two 390 manual 1970 Javelin SST sales we found brought $93,500 and $120,000, and this one is asking $69,995. That comp set is small, and an automatic 390 Donohue sold for $31,350, so the gearbox matters a lot here. The seller also mentions the original warranty card, owner's manual and two AMO concours placings.

The value check

The seller is asking $69,995. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $93,500–$120,000, so the middle of the market is about $106,750. That put this car 34% under.

390 manual 1970 Javelin SSTs sold for $93,500 (Go-Pack, Mecum May 2026) and $120,000 (Donohue, BaT Jun 2026). Automatic and 360 Donohue cars sold far lower ($31,350 and $24,000), so the 390 and the manual gearbox are what carry the price.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1970 Javelin SST Go-Pack 390 manual, Mecum May 2026, $93,500
• 1970 Javelin SST Donohue 390 manual, BaT Jun 2026, $120,000
• 1970 Javelin SST Donohue 390 auto, Barrett-Jackson Jun 2026, $31,350

What to check

• The seller's text doesn't name the transmission. Confirm it's a factory 4-speed (the VIN's M body code and the paperwork should agree).
• The title status isn't stated. Ask for it, along with any proof of the one-owner history.
• Javelins rust in the lower rear quarters, the trunk floor, the floor pans and around the rear window.
• Check the Donohue rear spoiler is the original piece and look for repairs around its mounts.
• The engine was rebuilt with non-stock internals, so the car isn't factory-correct under the hood.
• Mileage is listed as true mileage unknown.

Making it drive like new

This is a documented one-owner car, so keep any changes reversible: a front disc brake upgrade if it doesn't already have discs, better shocks and modern radial tires, electronic ignition (it already has a Pertronix distributor), and an aluminum radiator, which it has. Save the original parts and don't cut anything.