We want to call this guy and tell him to stop apologizing for building what can only be described as an awesome tribute to the steamroller that was the Roger Penske/Mark Donahue AMC Factory Trans-Am effort that won back to back championships in 1971 and 1972 (and nearly tuned the trick in 1970, the seminal year for factory support in Trans-Am). We can only figured some Dorito eating, couch racer busted his chops somewhere along the line. The seller (and builder) has nothing to apologize for and we’d guess that is Mark Donahue were alive today, he’d love this thing because it is so true to form. From the 305ci AMC engine built from a destroked 360 to the correct brakes and suspension, paint, and, well, everything.

The world of vintage Trans-Am racing is primarily filled with Fords and Chevrolets for obvious reasons. While those cars are stupid expensive to build, creating a nice AMC version is completely off the rails with regard to fabrication, cost, and all the rest. Think building a hairy, dry-sumped small block AMC is as cheap as doing the same to the Chevrolet? Of course it isn’t and especially when you do it the way it is supposed to be done with old parts. Oh, it does make more than 500hp, so there’s that!

When we look at a car like this, especially one that someone is selling we like to see details and when you look at the photos below you will notice plenty of them. The person who built this did an incredible job. They went all out to make the thing completely legal for today’s “vintage” rules and did so while honoring one of the most legendary teams in American racing history. We think it is cool that the seller/builder obviously gets the gravity of recreating a car like this and seems to have taken pains to do the job right.

We hope he gets what he wants for it because this build is spectacular.

Because the ad is expired, here’s the text:

1971 AMC Javelin, Penkse/Donahue tribute vintage race car.    This is a purpose built car that I finished in late 2009 and began vintage racing it in 2010.  This is a serious race car that I built to campaign as a group 1/Trans Am car with CVAR and should be vintage legal coast to coast.   I believe the car would class as a Group 6 car for SVRA.   It is not street legal nor will it ever be.   Being realistic, I will be surprised to sell the car here on eBay but I wanted to gage interest in the car to see if there is a market for a purpose built, ready to run turnkey car.

Since my home track (TWS) is being closed I am losing interest in long distance travel to race 2-3 times a year.  If you are familiar with what it takes to construct a car from scratch (especially one without a bow tie or blue oval) you will know that it wasn’t cheap to build this car.   And it won’t be cheap to purchase.

I don’t really know where to start with the description but first I will say my apologies to those who own and drive real Trans Am period and historic cars for my copying such a historic car.  If you have read this far you probably don’t need a history lesson on how Roger Penkse and Mark Donahue took over the factory AMC team in 1970 and nearly won the manufacturer’s championship that year against the Camaro, Boss 302 and Mopar factory cars.  In 71, after the other manufacturers dropped factory support, the Penske/Donahue Javelin dominated in 71 and 72.   My decision to clone the Donahue Javelin was driven by a desire to stand out in a sea of Camaros and Mustangs in A sedan.   Again, my apologies, but it was a sincere effort to pay homage to a very significant and historic car from the glory years of Trans Am.  

Now to specifics:

Engine:  Trans Am legal 5 liter AMC dry sump engine built by Barry Allen.  This is NOT a 304 but a de-stroked 360 with a custom 2.85 inch stroke crank making 305 cubic inches and yes it does scream. Oiling is not an issue as this is a dry sump motor. It is neutral balanced and compression is close to 13 to 1.  All iron and steel period correct parts.    Engine was built and dynoed by Barry Allen Racing.  It made well over 500 HP and I have dyno sheets and complete engine build description for serious and interested parties. Cam is solid flat tappet making it vintage legal anywhere you want to race.  It has been one the most reliable and dependable race engines I have ever had.  Approximately 35 hours on engine and car.

Drive train:   Richmond/Borg Warner Super T10 GM pattern,  close ratio 4 speed transmission mated by a scatershield bell housing. Clutch is Centerfield LMC.  Flywheel is aluminum.    Rear end is a Ford 9 inch floater and drive shaft is custom made 3 inch dynamically balanced tube. 

Brakes:  Ford/Lincoln 4 piston period correct Kelsey Hayes discs up front and small Kelsey Hayes 4 piston rears.  

Suspension and chassis:   Custom fabricated front lowering blocks.  Javelin spindle uprights with Matador large bearing spindles. Custom modified Mustang spring perches allowing the use of off the shelf front springs.   Custom adjustable strut rods and custom reinforced lower control arms that allowing easy and quick alignment changes.   Car is fully caged, stich welded and has custom frame connectors.  Have several combination of shocks and springs. 

Safety:    fully caged chassis.  Fuel cell with two electric fuel pumps with dual pick ups.   Racing seat with cam lock harness.  Fire suppression system. 

Spares:  4.11 and 4.88 Detroit Locker rears.  Two sets of Minilite wheels and tires.  Rotors, calipers and various other parts.

In summary this is a well sorted and competitive car that won’t be cheap.  I don’t have to sell it and won’t give it away so don’t expect that you have stumbled across the bargain of the century.   I will consider all fair and honest offers.  I have only provided a brief description of the car and the build and I am hopeful that bidders will have many more questions to ask.  If you are still with me and want to know more please email me with you contact information and I will call you back.

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