AMC never got the credit or recognition it deserved. They not only made very good cars for the masses but great muscle cars like this rare gem. Thank you Jay Leno's garage for making and posting this video.
Exactly! 🤗 Those trophy fiends are always so upright, and they almost never drive what they have,that. All while bragging about an all original, #'s matching 69' GTO Judge with only 2k miles on it. It's tragic. Cars (especially classics/cars that are usually 30+yrs old) are like muscles and brain matter. Use'em or lose'em. The car rots when not in use, unless you store them properly (no gas, oiled cylinder walls, changing coolant or using Even's Waterless)& $uch. Just like a brain. Except the storage part.
Jay: "so glad it doesn't have the (ubiguitous) Hurst shifter... Owner: "THAT IS A HURST !!! " (stock factory shifters were considered junk for performance use by then... Pontiac was prolly first to offer a genuine Hurst shifter... )
@@BuzzLOLOL I caught that, too. 200+ cars, it’s fair to say he can’t know everything, but the way he seemed so sure of himself only to be hard corrected 😂😅 he still got it though
Not the first person to mention this ... some of Jay's guests are duds. And then there are guys like Mr Fletcher who *clearly* knows his spit, not only about his car, but the company that made it and the racing program and other cars as well. 11/10 - would watch again.
Exactly what I was going to mention. These are the episodes of JLG I enjoy the most, along with the "just Jay and his car" ones. Bonus on this one is that Mark just chats away like Jay is regular people; he isn't star-struck at all and even asks Jay questions for a change! - Ed on the Ridge
This guy and Jay would make a superb double act. Humble, easygoing, and knowledgeable about all kinds of stuff. This was an absolute pleasure to watch, and wow, what a great car.
Yep, great statement. I actually know someone with a 67 GTO that is into collecting trophies. Great guy, but he spent insane money to get the car perfectly restored, but only drives it to local shows to collect trophies. He pretty much won't drive it otherwise. To each his own I guess. I myself almost fell into that trap after getting my Grand National repainted. The paint was so nice, I didn't want to drive it at first, LOL. Then I woke up and the car is now enjoyed and collects LOTS of smiles and draws people to it everytime I take it out.
Laughed out loud when he told the story about getting the horn fixed. That is hilarious and true to keeping the car's heritage alive. Loved this guest, he knows his stuff very well.
What a nice and knowledgeable guy the owner is. He obviously likes his AMCs but also appreciates other manufacturers. Respect to Jay for just allowing Mark as a car guy to talk about the subject and even ask Jay questions. That Javelin looks incredible. It sits so nicely and the proportions are perfect. That white side decal is spot on - enhances the look. I'm always really impressed with what AMC and Richard Teague achieved on such a tight budget. Truly a David and Goliath story.
I owned a 1970 AMX 360 4-speed w/Go Package, 3.73 posi, Mickey Thompson tires. I've owned lots of cars since including a Corvette and Z28. I've never had as much fun in a car as I did as a young man in my AMX. It was quick. After many a street race, Mustang, Camaro and even some Vette owners gave me respect.
If you notice, they had to recycle exterior footage because he had so much interesting trivia and history to share about this pivotal time in U.S. muscle car history. Definitely a guy Jay would do well to bring back on to discuss other cars he's familiar with.
My dad worked for AMC and brought these cars home, like the 68-70 AMX, 68-73 Javelin, 69 S/C Scrambler and 70 Rebel Machine and drove everyone of them. Brings back a lot of memories.
This has to be one of the best guests Jay has ever had on this channel! Very informative and seemed so comfortable talking to a huge celebrity like Jay.
I’ve spoken to Jay Leno many times at coffee & cars and after a minute or two you totally forget that he’s famous, he’s very normal and easy to talk to.
I’ve never seen jay listen before. Not like that. In fact, I could almost sense he was learning to listen in this video. What a great bloke the owner was! Bring him back!
Nice to see this man actually in the passenger seat giving Jay a break from all the Covid solo rides in recent videos. Love to hear the dialog between two knowledgeable car guys! And this guy really knows muscle car history!
Couldn’t agree more. Great episode just for the conversation, let alone the great car. Others have mentioned it, the car owner talked with Jay just like any 2 enthusiasts would chat at any car show.
My brother had a rebel machine with the red white and blue paint scheme hood scoop and tac on the hood, very cool fast four speed manual transmission car so fun to go cruising in that old muscle car. The Javelin is a beauty as well.
Took me 3 days to watch this 30 minute video, but I'm glad I did! Keeping the flame alive for this little bit of forgotten history indeed.... Great design, clean lines, like they said AMC didn't have a big marketing budget, but they did their advertising at the track. Perfect. Peace all!
I'm reading these comments this morning with a smile on my face. Mark is my best friend and is the collaborator of three books with me; 1970 Maximum Muscle mentioned in the video, Hurst Equipped from 2012 (together we appeared in a Jay Leno's Bookclub segment back in 2012), and our third book, Hemi Under Glass: Bob Riggle and His Wheel-standing Mopars, will release any day. Most of the people leaving comments here get it. Mark is the consummate "car guy," a virtual walking encyclopedia of knowledge about cars in general, and Ramblers and AMCs in particular. Very few people could hold their own in a similar situation with Jay with the same grace that Mark showed, especially when Jay slammed the hood shut. Many of those leaving comments here recognize that. Watching the interplay between the two, a real, uscripted conversation between Mark and Jay, it is clearly evident that this was not a conversation between a TV star and some guy with an old Rambler. Rather it was a dialog between two people truly passionate about old cars. For the 1% of you you gave this video a thumbs-down, what on earth were you thinking when you did that? For the 99% of you who gave the video a thumbs-up, it's obvious that you recognize just how special a guy Mark is. A 99% to 1% is an incredible ratio, one rarely seen on any TH-cam video, on any subject. I'm obviously biased but I think this is one of the best segments ever of Jay Leno's Garage. I am so proud to call him my best friend. It should be apparent to anyone watching this video why I feel that way.
@@tommurphy4307 you may be right on the Fisher Body recomposition but I've never heard that before. I've never seen Jay drop the hood on any of his or any of his guests' cars like that (check out the recent video of that Aston Martin DB5 continuation car to see what I mean and yes, I know it's an aluminum hood). I think that out of respect to a fellow enthusiast's prized possession, that it could have been done differently. It a 50-year-old car. Just my two cents for whatever that's worth.
I think '70 was the best looking year for Javelin. A little more refined looking than the '68-9's, but still had the same good basic proportions that they did. Unlike some folks, I also like the '71 and later Javelins, with the fuselage look that was popular at the time. I'd love to have an AMC. An original car like this would be even better.
A true car guy is always a true gentleman, just like these two old school gentlemen. Thank you Jay for letting us enjoy the cars, the manners and the right people.
My father knew Roger Penske and his wife in the early 60's. To this day I have a photo of Mark in an open-wheel car on my mantel that some associated folks gave me when I was like 8 years old. We miss you Mark. Hats off to Roger for an amazing career.
I love this. It's two true nerds talking about something they love, and what I love, but don't know nearly as much about as they do. Lovely listen. Kudos to both of these gentlemen.
You can almost smell the unburned hydrocarbons... That was a really enjoyable episode, Jay and crew! Just a couple of car perverts out for a sunny drive in SoCal, having a good chat.
When he first started it up, it brought me back to the times of my Thunderbird. It had a 390 with dual glass packs and sounded just like his Javelin. That iconic smell and sound almost brings me to tears.
I love how the pinstripes (stickers?) on the passenger side aren't aligned from the front fender to the door. THAT's what these old survivor cars show you. Mass-production. It's nice to see on such a good example of this car. I saw my first AMX about 5 years ago (45 or so). I took a pic of my (then) 10 year old son next to it. He had NO idea why, but hopefully he'll appreciate that some day. LOL. I would have loved to have a his pic next to a Donohue.
Reminds me of the Valiant Charger that was a Australian muscle car. These days they sell for $80.000 and up, if they have been modified they are half that value
@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS Well, those were mostly for automatics, despite some people replaced the *knob* with those t-handles. I always preferred the regular cue-ball type over those, but even Hurst made em, if I don't misremember.
@@OllamhDrab Hurst has the famous T handle for manuals, and the ball type we saw here that I felt Jay must of been unfamiliar with. For auto T handles I think more of ratcheting B&M shifters thousands have slapped on the floor of a car or truck...
@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS Yeah, I actually wouldn't mind one of those auto shifters in my truck, cause I don't much like GM controls, but otherwise like the truck. :) (I feel that way about a lot of 80's and 90's GM things, I'd want to change all the things I touch and otherwise like em. (Though in this case the wheel's actually OK. )
Mark is a very cool dude. I wish Jay spent some time going over the interior, as well as more time with the exterior. Even still I really enjoyed the whole video just as it was.😍
I really love when a man stands behind his ride. When he loves it and stay with it. Its something total different between a guy and "his" car rather then those ppl's that have a new car every two years. When I was a little boy, my parents had a AMC Eagle...oh lord I loved this car! :-)
"" when I drive this car..... I'm 17 again"" You said it brother... I smile the entire time I'm driving my 1966 convertible triple black fairlane GT...
I loved the Firebird Sprint segment because I own a first gen convertible but this is my favourite segment. The owner of this car is awesome. Knows his stuff, is humble and it just felt like two buddies talking cars. Those Javelins looked great and were under rated imo
Wow-this guy is so super nice! I’d love to share a neighborhood with these two guys: I’d live right between Jay and this guest. They are both so knowledgeable, humble and personable.
Good to see. My dad worked at AMC and after he died my mother bought a blue Javelin 390 automatic. Loved that car. Really fast for it’s time with a tight transmission.
I bought a 1970 Javelin with a special ordered 401 - 4-speed, I don't recall it having the Mark Donohue badge. It had many extras like the Ram Air, A/C and reversible inserts in the seats. Raced many Fords and Chevys using Sunoco 260 on the unfinished portion of I-20 between Augusta, GA and Columbia, SC. The only problem was at over 110 MPH the windows were sucked outward.
Seriously?!! Wow. I read this three times. What a car.! A/C !!! FTW. Go nutz quick and putz around in comfort! Good for you! Hey, Sunoco 260. I gotcha! Drive up to a pump and pick your grade... 260 FTW. I would fill with Super Shell... both great fuels...Thank you for your post! I remember the TV commercials: "Hey, Javelin!" All for fun!
my dad used to rent a house out to a guy who had almost every AMC pony car, he said they called them pony cars because they were small frames/body cars with a big power house engine. he had many trophy winning cars, some with very expensive and meticulous detailed paint schemes. I'll never forget going to visit him to fix something around the rental house when I was young and just being mesmerized by the amazing beauty of them all. I always was fond of the Javelins out of all the AMCs.
22:54 When he mentioned the '70 Javelin Trans Am, I paused the video and looked it up. As soon as I saw it, nostalgia overwhelmed me. It was not because I had one, but because that car, with its red/white/blue paint theme and its early 70s styling just took me back to my childhood immediately. The America I experienced as a kid is gone forever, never to be like that again.
@@bobmiller9556 YEAR Bob give walk away Renee and GTO 442 or a Mach One over any of the new stuff everything seemed more fun visceral back then I loved the sound 9f the chambered exhaust I had my 69 L78 Cheverly nothing sounded better!!!
@@paulharvey6216 FWIW YOU can edit the misspellings in your comment, AND delete your posted apology (which probably will delete this comment as well 🙂)
@@TeddyRumble yeh, it’s pretty sad now they are the only ones. As soon as GM started dropping its divisions Olds, Pontiac etc. I knew bad times were coming. When there were multiple manufacturers all doing good you knew times were ok.
One day my wife and I went to a car show. We saw many of the expected cars, and then came to an AMX. It was a 390 go pack car I recall - way cool. You just don't get to see that stuff all the time. My wife crinkled her nose, exclaiming something about ugly. I pulled her aside, worrying the owners nearby heard or saw her reaction. I explained that of all the cars there that day, this one may be the most rare and very cool in so many ways AND may be the most difficult to restore and maintain. You are looking at something special. You don't have to like the look of the car, but I hope can appreciate everything else about it. You are looking at something special. This Javelin - something special. Good job Mark - keep it up.
In late 1970 or early '71, Mark Donohue came and spoke to our little ASME group (students in mechanical engineering) at Washington State University. Very humble, smart, and interesting. He talked mostly about the innovations Penske, with his support, had pioneered. IIRC, he said they had found they could go from five to three lug nuts, and were looking at whether they might possibly be able to go down to two! Anything to shave off a few seconds during a pit stop.
What a wonderful episode. I don't think I've enjoyed listening to a guest this much since Jay did the episode on the Admiral's Ferrari. Mark Fletcher has a wealth of knowledge and I hope Jay has him back in the future. No chest thumping, no bravado, just an intelligent, articulate conversation on the history of muscle cars in America. Well done.
Enjoyed this video. I had a '73 AMC Hornet Sportabout wagon that I really liked. It had the straight 6 and a 3-speed automatic that came from Chrysler. It was an attractive car. Because of the styling and size I called it a wagon for those of us who needed a wagon but really didn't want a wagon.
Really enjoy this episode Jay. I own a 70 AMX and its so nice to see AMC's getting some good reviews. Mark Fletcher your Javelin looks great, thanks for keeping it a survivor. I hope to see you at an AMO show.
He and the car were at the AMO show this summer in Colorado. He’ll probably take it to another. Or at least one of the regional shows in the southwest.
@@shelbyfletcher1846 Hi Shelby, I was there too. I hope Mark still has the low miles '72 AMX and that Jay will do a show on it. The story that goes with it (I won't give it away) is awesome!
Mark also has a '72 AMX with something like 8,000 original miles on it, and a great story that goes with it. I won't give it away, but I hope Jay does have him back on with that car sometime!
Nice guy, like the saying, ya either fall in love in your first car, or with your first car. Great car. Nice to meet you. Real car guy. And a beautiful car. Love the color scheme and the all original level. Outstanding.
Beautiful Muscle Car Mark, the shade of Green and Stripes go very well together... Hand's down My favorite AMC. Since I was a kid I've been a fan of those door handles. Love the Hood Scoop and the sound of the engine. Wishing you many more smiles! 💯
Being European, we didn’t really get or even get to know most of the American Cars from the period other than a few Mustangs, Corvettes, etc. so it’s just lovely to be introduced to some beautiful rarer designs. Absolutely lovely car and beautifully enhanced by such a great owner. Would much rather try or own this car than the other clichés, colour, stripes, just perfect 70’s muscle. Thanks for another great episode Mr. Leno and Mr. Fletcher.
Wow!! this was a real treat, you just never see a Javelin on the road. No wonder Jay ran the guy down and invited him to come over to his shop, this guy was very knowledgeable about American muscle cars of the '60s & '70s. I enjoyed this video for sure. The only thing that could have made it better for me, if only I was the car guy behind the wheel of this beautiful Javelin. Thanks for this video Jay.
I have a '72 Javelin and believe it or not-- quite by coincidence-- my neighbor has a '68. Didn't know him until he moved in next door and took the car off the trailer. What are the odds of that?
“Wow, starts right up”
“Of course it does!”
Haha, golden :)
hahahah
I laughed at that!
Yea. Jay kinda pissed on this car for whatever reason.
Perfect owner: talks easy, knows his stuff backward, pleasant voice, and he has great taste in cars!
Agreed.
Makes us all sorry that we didn't do a walk about in the Rambler lot in 1969.
This guy knows his stuff for sure. :)
Agreed!
ikr? "im not collecting trophies, im collecting smiles" 9:51
AMC never got the credit or recognition it deserved.
They not only made very good cars for the masses but great muscle cars like this rare gem.
Thank you Jay Leno's garage for making and posting this video.
AMC got the credit it deserved when it went bankrupt.
@@johnmalenchek6597Ditto ! Just crap !
The way he smiles when he said "whenever im in this car, im 17 again" genuinely made my night.
My mom had one when she was 16 and she thought it was a race car.
"I'm not collecting trophies; I'm collecting smiles." Wow. What a quote!
That was a thoroughly charming comment, from a true car enthusiast! I wish I had such a cool friend!
Exactly! 🤗 Those trophy fiends are always so upright, and they almost never drive what they have,that. All while bragging about an all original, #'s matching 69' GTO Judge with only 2k miles on it. It's tragic. Cars (especially classics/cars that are usually 30+yrs old) are like muscles and brain matter. Use'em or lose'em. The car rots when not in use, unless you store them properly (no gas, oiled cylinder walls, changing coolant or using Even's Waterless)& $uch. Just like a brain. Except the storage part.
I enjoy episodes like this more than the fast talking sales guys selling their new cars!!!!
Yep!
Me too!
TOO BAD JAY WASN'T ENGAGING WITH HIM. THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY TIME YOU CAN SAY "IT PULLS NICELY".
Definitely
Well that’s Jay Leno, there’s something for all tastes!
Damn, Jay is an innocent bystander. This dude is level 100 expert...
Jay called it a Rambler instead of a Javelin
Jay: "so glad it doesn't have the (ubiguitous) Hurst shifter... Owner: "THAT IS A HURST !!! "
(stock factory shifters were considered junk for performance use by then... Pontiac was prolly first to offer a genuine Hurst shifter... )
i met this guy on Saturday haha. he knew everything
@@BuzzLOLOL I caught that, too. 200+ cars, it’s fair to say he can’t know everything, but the way he seemed so sure of himself only to be hard corrected 😂😅 he still got it though
Not the first person to mention this ... some of Jay's guests are duds. And then there are guys like Mr Fletcher who *clearly* knows his spit, not only about his car, but the company that made it and the racing program and other cars as well. 11/10 - would watch again.
This dude is a real car guy. Jay could probably talk to this guy all day,
one of the best series
Exactly what I was going to mention. These are the episodes of JLG I enjoy the most,
along with the "just Jay and his car" ones.
Bonus on this one is that Mark just chats away like Jay is regular people; he isn't
star-struck at all and even asks Jay questions for a change!
- Ed on the Ridge
I was thinking the same thing. The episode was over 30 minutes.
Hello!. I think that he did it.
Who would'nt talk cars with Jay?
"I'm not collecting trophies, I'm just collecting smiles"
Great episode, with a great guest. Jay should feature him again, with his other rides.
Absolutely! Jay and Mark were in perfect sync and it was a joy to listen to them talk.
Agreed!
Absolutely
Perfect mentality. It's not about trophies all the time and this inspires me to start driving my car again.
These 2 have excellent chemistry, yep. Doesn’t happen with all his guests.
Jay Leno bring the owner of this Javelin back again he was a pleasure to listen to and you two were perfect pair of guys to talk cars
One of the best guests Jay's had on the show in a long time.
This guy and Jay would make a superb double act. Humble, easygoing, and knowledgeable about all kinds of stuff. This was an absolute pleasure to watch, and wow, what a great car.
Yes!
They sure like they knew each other for a good while.
Agreed!
"I'm not into collecting trophies, I'm into collecting smiles." --Mark Fletcher. What a wonderful statement!
So true!
Yep, great statement. I actually know someone with a 67 GTO that is into collecting trophies. Great guy, but he spent insane money to get the car perfectly restored, but only drives it to local shows to collect trophies. He pretty much won't drive it otherwise. To each his own I guess. I myself almost fell into that trap after getting my Grand National repainted. The paint was so nice, I didn't want to drive it at first, LOL. Then I woke up and the car is now enjoyed and collects LOTS of smiles and draws people to it everytime I take it out.
Laughed out loud when he told the story about getting the horn fixed. That is hilarious and true to keeping the car's heritage alive. Loved this guest, he knows his stuff very well.
"I'm not collecting trophies, I'm collecting smiles."
🤝🏻👏🏻
Float this man an offer to co-host. He seems like a natural. You got the classic straight and funny combo here and I need more of it.
Jay is too controlling to ever have a cohost, I think.
@@davidwavidshmavider 😆 I was thinking that was probably the case.
Agreed!
@@BadBlonde-CarHistory lol
@@BadBlonde-CarHistory lol
Is cool when the owner is passionate about his car and knows his stuff! Makes for a really enjoyable episode
nice profile pic
Agreed!
What a nice and knowledgeable guy the owner is. He obviously likes his AMCs but also appreciates other manufacturers. Respect to Jay for just allowing Mark as a car guy to talk about the subject and even ask Jay questions. That Javelin looks incredible. It sits so nicely and the proportions are perfect. That white side decal is spot on - enhances the look. I'm always really impressed with what AMC and Richard Teague achieved on such a tight budget. Truly a David and Goliath story.
I owned a 1970 AMX 360 4-speed w/Go Package, 3.73 posi, Mickey Thompson tires. I've owned lots of cars since including a Corvette and Z28. I've never had as much fun in a car as I did as a young man in my AMX. It was quick. After many a street race, Mustang, Camaro and even some Vette owners gave me respect.
The moment he walked in, before he even said anything, you could tell he’s a good guest.
If you notice, they had to recycle exterior footage because he had so much interesting trivia and history to share about this pivotal time in U.S. muscle car history. Definitely a guy Jay would do well to bring back on to discuss other cars he's familiar with.
Not really
Truly!
Mark is an encyclopedia of AMC knowledge. Really enjoyed this episode. Good move Jay to have him on the show.
Love it!
My dad worked for AMC and brought these cars home, like the 68-70 AMX, 68-73 Javelin, 69 S/C Scrambler and 70 Rebel Machine and drove everyone of them. Brings back a lot of memories.
I prefer AMX
Why were AMX'S discontinued?
What was your favs??
@@juelsokoo 1970 AMX
Best episode for a long time! An owner that knows his car inside out and comes along for the ride and the narrative - more like this please Jay!
you pretty much HAVE to know your AMC inside and out just to keep it running....
Jay found a guy who could hold his own in a conversation, GET Marks books, they rock
Need to check it out!
This has to be one of the best guests Jay has ever had on this channel! Very informative and seemed so comfortable talking to a huge celebrity like Jay.
Agreed!
So true! He has Jay on his toes!!! Wonderful guy and a great guest :)
Jay Leno might be very well known, but he thinks of himself as just another ordinary guy and projects that image so people feel comfortable with him.
I’ve spoken to Jay Leno many times at coffee & cars and after a minute or two you totally forget that he’s famous, he’s very normal and easy to talk to.
To me, it seemed like the guy was talking endlessly, the endless droning of him droning on endlessly was putting Jay to sleep....
Two car guys out for a ride in vintage muscle on a So Cal afternoon. Gotta love it! Thanks for letting me ride along.
I’ve never seen jay listen before. Not like that. In fact, I could almost sense he was learning to listen in this video. What a great bloke the owner was! Bring him back!
What a cool dude! "Let me ask you a question Jay." Lol laughing so hard at that.
Nice to see this man actually in the passenger seat giving Jay a break from all the Covid solo rides in recent videos. Love to hear the dialog between two knowledgeable car guys! And this guy really knows muscle car history!
Couldn’t agree more. Great episode just for the conversation, let alone the great car. Others have mentioned it, the car owner talked with Jay just like any 2 enthusiasts would chat at any car show.
With no masks or social distancing of any sort
Agreed!
My brother had a rebel machine with the red white and blue paint scheme hood scoop and tac on the hood, very cool fast four speed manual transmission car so fun to go cruising in that old muscle car. The Javelin is a beauty as well.
Took me 3 days to watch this 30 minute video, but I'm glad I did! Keeping the flame alive for this little bit of forgotten history indeed.... Great design, clean lines, like they said AMC didn't have a big marketing budget, but they did their advertising at the track. Perfect. Peace all!
As a Mopar guy I don't mind seeing this type of AMC Javelin car going under the Mopar section at car shows. We will take them!
Love it. Two old guys talking about the glory days of muscle cars.
AMC is a fan favorite
yep!
I'm reading these comments this morning with a smile on my face. Mark is my best friend and is the collaborator of three books with me; 1970 Maximum Muscle mentioned in the video, Hurst Equipped from 2012 (together we appeared in a Jay Leno's Bookclub segment back in 2012), and our third book, Hemi Under Glass: Bob Riggle and His Wheel-standing Mopars, will release any day.
Most of the people leaving comments here get it. Mark is the consummate "car guy," a virtual walking encyclopedia of knowledge about cars in general, and Ramblers and AMCs in particular. Very few people could hold their own in a similar situation with Jay with the same grace that Mark showed, especially when Jay slammed the hood shut.
Many of those leaving comments here recognize that. Watching the interplay between the two, a real, uscripted conversation between Mark and Jay, it is clearly evident that this was not a conversation between a TV star and some guy with an old Rambler. Rather it was a dialog between two people truly passionate about old cars.
For the 1% of you you gave this video a thumbs-down, what on earth were you thinking when you did that? For the 99% of you who gave the video a thumbs-up, it's obvious that you recognize just how special a guy Mark is. A 99% to 1% is an incredible ratio, one rarely seen on any TH-cam video, on any subject.
I'm obviously biased but I think this is one of the best segments ever of Jay Leno's Garage. I am so proud to call him my best friend. It should be apparent to anyone watching this video why I feel that way.
Wholeheartedly agree. Cheers from Oz.
you are SUPPOSED to let a steel hood drop- straight from fisher body....
Thanks Rich!
@@tommurphy4307 you may be right on the Fisher Body recomposition but I've never heard that before. I've never seen Jay drop the hood on any of his or any of his guests' cars like that (check out the recent video of that Aston Martin DB5 continuation car to see what I mean and yes, I know it's an aluminum hood). I think that out of respect to a fellow enthusiast's prized possession, that it could have been done differently. It a 50-year-old car.
Just my two cents for whatever that's worth.
Great episode, I'm going to buy that muscle car book and have a look.
I think '70 was the best looking year for Javelin. A little more refined looking than the '68-9's, but still had the same good basic proportions that they did. Unlike some folks, I also like the '71 and later Javelins, with the fuselage look that was popular at the time. I'd love to have an AMC. An original car like this would be even better.
A true car guy is always a true gentleman, just like these two old school gentlemen. Thank you Jay for letting us enjoy the cars, the manners and the right people.
Agreed!
i can tell you've never been to barona speedway.....
This show hits so nice on a rougher than usual Monday.. especially when jay is talking about some American muscle
Agreed!
My father knew Roger Penske and his wife in the early 60's. To this day I have a photo of Mark in an open-wheel car on my mantel that some associated folks gave me when I was like 8 years old. We miss you Mark. Hats off to Roger for an amazing career.
I love this. It's two true nerds talking about something they love, and what I love, but don't know nearly as much about as they do. Lovely listen. Kudos to both of these gentlemen.
These were so much better looking than the hump fender version. Almost bought one back when they were in production.
I have a hump fender 401. It's not ugly at all, just different.
Momentary Lapse of Reason
You can almost smell the unburned hydrocarbons...
That was a really enjoyable episode, Jay and crew! Just a couple of car perverts out for a sunny drive in SoCal, having a good chat.
lol!
Hedonistic times. We didn't realize how these 10 years +/- were such the highlight of American auto muscle. I didn't.
When he first started it up, it brought me back to the times of my Thunderbird. It had a 390 with dual glass packs and sounded just like his Javelin. That iconic smell and sound almost brings me to tears.
I love the smell of hydrocarbons in the morning Smells like victory! 😂😂
This guy loves his car and it shows. He knows it inside and out. Perfect guest.
The reason this whole series is so incredibly successful is that even when Jay is in in the driver's seat he's in the back seat. Genius.
Jay: "Wow! It starts right up."
Mark: "Of course it does."
🤣🤣🤣🤣
lol
I laughed at that so hard. 😂
Slight exasperation in that guy's response was priceless! 😆
Mark should have added "What did you expect!"
Truly a beautiful looking car with a sweet sounding V8.
It does sound sweet.
Agreed!
I love how the pinstripes (stickers?) on the passenger side aren't aligned from the front fender to the door. THAT's what these old survivor cars show you. Mass-production. It's nice to see on such a good example of this car. I saw my first AMX about 5 years ago (45 or so). I took a pic of my (then) 10 year old son next to it. He had NO idea why, but hopefully he'll appreciate that some day. LOL. I would have loved to have a his pic next to a Donohue.
Reminds me of the Valiant Charger that was a Australian muscle car. These days they sell for $80.000 and up, if they have been modified they are half that value
Jay " so glad this car doesn't have the Hurst shifter". Owner "so this car has a Hurst shifter".
That's what you wanted, anyway, there's a reason manufacturers put em in from the factory. :)
Yeah, he just meant the T handle from Pep Boys or whatever
@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS Well, those were mostly for automatics, despite some people replaced the *knob* with those t-handles. I always preferred the regular cue-ball type over those, but even Hurst made em, if I don't misremember.
@@OllamhDrab Hurst has the famous T handle for manuals, and the ball type we saw here that I felt Jay must of been unfamiliar with. For auto T handles I think more of ratcheting B&M shifters thousands have slapped on the floor of a car or truck...
@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS Yeah, I actually wouldn't mind one of those auto shifters in my truck, cause I don't much like GM controls, but otherwise like the truck. :) (I feel that way about a lot of 80's and 90's GM things, I'd want to change all the things I touch and otherwise like em. (Though in this case the wheel's actually OK. )
Mr. Fletcher could be a show host. Very easy to listen to and knowledgeable.
agreed!
I appreciate Jay letting him promote his book.
Agreed
This is one gorgeous car. I’m sure I’ve watched this before. What a treasure!
I would love to spend an afternoon with Jay, this man is a national treasurer.
Agreed!
Mark is a very cool dude. I wish Jay spent some time going over the interior, as well as more time with the exterior. Even still I really enjoyed the whole video just as it was.😍
I really love when a man stands behind his ride. When he loves it and stay with it. Its something total different between a guy and "his" car rather then those ppl's that have a new car every two years. When I was a little boy, my parents had a AMC Eagle...oh lord I loved this car! :-)
Australian made muscle cars are so fabulous and their reg car as well. The racing scene there was something i wish i could have been apart of.
Winner car for sure! Thank you for sharing.
It's freaking unbelievable and all original like this! You already know it's my favorite color! /w\METAL/w\
I'm surprised I didn't see this car on your channel 1st.
Probably geography is the only reason why it wasn't.
Lou, if this car was an East Coast car, it’d be riddled with rust and bondo.
@@twoblacklabs904 My 1970 AMX Michigan car is rock solid.... 51 years old... NO rust anywhere
@@jiveturkey9993 I thought the same thing.
You can tell Jay likes talking to this guy cuz he doesn't interrupt him.
He could not get a word in that's why lol . Plus the guy knows more about AMC than him.
Agreed!
Good point!
he's almost as good at listening as johnny was...
"" when I drive this car..... I'm 17 again""
You said it brother...
I smile the entire time I'm driving my 1966 convertible triple black fairlane GT...
I loved the Firebird Sprint segment because I own a first gen convertible but this is my favourite segment. The owner of this car is awesome. Knows his stuff, is humble and it just felt like two buddies talking cars.
Those Javelins looked great and were under rated imo
Wow-this guy is so super nice! I’d love to share a neighborhood with these two guys: I’d live right between Jay and this guest. They are both so knowledgeable, humble and personable.
Same!
Good to see. My dad worked at AMC and after he died my mother bought a blue Javelin 390 automatic. Loved that car. Really fast for it’s time with a tight transmission.
Cool! I've got a blue Javelin too. I put a jet engine in mine last spring, and the chicks dig me. ..
you make it sound like it's from the Dark Ages
"I’m collecting smiles."
Said like a true enthusiast. I love it! 😄
The best JLG episode this year, Mark is a great guest for the show, I hope to see more of him in the future. Thanks Jay and Mark!
I bought a 1970 Javelin with a special ordered 401 - 4-speed, I don't recall it having the Mark Donohue badge. It had many extras like the Ram Air, A/C and reversible inserts in the seats. Raced many Fords and Chevys using Sunoco 260 on the unfinished portion of I-20 between Augusta, GA and Columbia, SC. The only problem was at over 110 MPH the windows were sucked outward.
Seriously?!! Wow. I read this three times. What a car.! A/C !!! FTW. Go nutz quick and putz around in comfort! Good for you! Hey, Sunoco 260. I gotcha! Drive up to a pump and pick your grade... 260 FTW. I would fill with Super Shell... both great fuels...Thank you for your post! I remember the TV commercials: "Hey, Javelin!" All for fun!
same thing happend in my old corvettes they would suck out over 110 also and the fronts got light the faster you went
Same thing happened to my 1995 Z28...I guess it is called development? :-)
401 was not available in 1970
To clarify, the 401 was not available on the model year 1970 Javelin
When Jay's got his arm out the window you know its gonna be good!
LOL
Never paid attention to AMC but it's a really good car. I dig it
Thank you Mark, Jay... The enthusiasm of a teenager came alive in Mark... & what a shirt... Cheers or rather 'crank it' folks... !
Like listening to guys like this. Marc knows what he’s talking about, very knowledgeable, and down to earth he sounds like.
Agreed!
Enjoy shows with a guest that is good on cam and truly knowledgeable about their vehicle. 🥰
Agreed!
my dad used to rent a house out to a guy who had almost every AMC pony car, he said they called them pony cars because they were small frames/body cars with a big power house engine. he had many trophy winning cars, some with very expensive and meticulous detailed paint schemes. I'll never forget going to visit him to fix something around the rental house when I was young and just being mesmerized by the amazing beauty of them all. I always was fond of the Javelins out of all the AMCs.
22:54 When he mentioned the '70 Javelin Trans Am, I paused the video and looked it up. As soon as I saw it, nostalgia overwhelmed me. It was not because I had one, but because that car, with its red/white/blue paint theme and its early 70s styling just took me back to my childhood immediately. The America I experienced as a kid is gone forever, never to be like that again.
You got that right we grew up mm in the best years best cars and music etc.
@@paulharvey6216 I absolutely agree! We were very fortunate to grow up when we did.
@@bobmiller9556 YEAR Bob give walk away Renee and GTO 442 or a Mach One over any of the new stuff everything seemed more fun visceral back then I loved the sound 9f the chambered exhaust I had my 69 L78 Cheverly nothing sounded better!!!
Sorry about t some of spelling my tablet printing something different than I printed.
@@paulharvey6216 FWIW YOU can edit the misspellings in your comment, AND delete your posted apology (which probably will delete this comment as well 🙂)
Mark Fletcher, you have a beautiful car. Thank you for sharing. Jay, thanks for putting this car on the show.
Such a cool guy. Old school car guys are the best to talk to.
One of the finest sculpts of all timed/has the racing heritage
AMC had the engineering and styling to work magic, I wish they’d have had the money the big three had. It would have been a whole new ballgame. 👍🇺🇸
AMC pulled of miracles with no $$$$$$
Now, we have the big two. Ford and GMC. Chrysler is now a European.
@@TeddyRumble yeh, it’s pretty sad now they are the only ones. As soon as GM started dropping its divisions Olds, Pontiac etc. I knew bad times were coming. When there were multiple manufacturers all doing good you knew times were ok.
@@mervynstent1578 they absolutely did
@@deborahchesser7375 We dropped tariffs on imported cars, they flooded the market. Plus the UAW is greedy, greedy, greedy.
Jay I would bring this guy back to review more cars. He’s like your long lost brother or something.
Hello there👋,how are you?hope you’re having a wonderful day?GOD BLESS You!❤️
What a great guy, Jay should go out more look for ones like him.
One day my wife and I went to a car show. We saw many of the expected cars, and then came to an AMX. It was a 390 go pack car I recall - way cool. You just don't get to see that stuff all the time. My wife crinkled her nose, exclaiming something about ugly. I pulled her aside, worrying the owners nearby heard or saw her reaction. I explained that of all the cars there that day, this one may be the most rare and very cool in so many ways AND may be the most difficult to restore and maintain. You are looking at something special. You don't have to like the look of the car, but I hope can appreciate everything else about it. You are looking at something special. This Javelin - something special. Good job Mark - keep it up.
Wow...hope you are still married!
ha - we are. Maybe because she accepted the correction. Or maybe I said it not too bad. @@curbozerboomer1773
In late 1970 or early '71, Mark Donohue came and spoke to our little ASME group (students in mechanical engineering) at Washington State University. Very humble, smart, and interesting. He talked mostly about the innovations Penske, with his support, had pioneered. IIRC, he said they had found they could go from five to three lug nuts, and were looking at whether they might possibly be able to go down to two! Anything to shave off a few seconds during a pit stop.
Always prefer it when the owner accompanies Jay on the drive portion as opposed to leaving them in the garage looking forlorn.
Learned a new word thanks John, Forlorn.
Figured they couldn't ride together due to COVID concerns.
Yep!
Fabulous example. Always had a real affection for AMC, they did so much with such small budgets. Cheers Jay!
What a wonderful episode. I don't think I've enjoyed listening to a guest this much since Jay did the episode on the Admiral's Ferrari. Mark Fletcher has a wealth of knowledge and I hope Jay has him back in the future. No chest thumping, no bravado, just an intelligent, articulate conversation on the history of muscle cars in America. Well done.
Ithought that jay seemed a little put off, in the beginning, but got over it, and let this charming dude tell us about the vehicle.
Enjoyed this video. I had a '73 AMC Hornet Sportabout wagon that I really liked. It had the straight 6 and a 3-speed automatic that came from Chrysler. It was an attractive car. Because of the styling and size I called it a wagon for those of us who needed a wagon but really didn't want a wagon.
Back to what I like. Classic and muscle cars. This guy really knows his cars.🤠
Man, that's a sharp looking car. And with Mark Fletcher onboard, just a stellar episode.
Agreed!
Love the exhaust notes from the 390 while at idle and when Jay romped on it.
This owner is awesome, he truly deserves that car because its what he really loves.
Really enjoy this episode Jay. I own a 70 AMX and its so nice to see AMC's getting some good reviews. Mark Fletcher your Javelin looks great, thanks for keeping it a survivor. I hope to see you at an AMO show.
He and the car were at the AMO show this summer in Colorado. He’ll probably take it to another. Or at least one of the regional shows in the southwest.
@@shelbyfletcher1846 Hi Shelby, I was there too. I hope Mark still has the low miles '72 AMX and that Jay will do a show on it. The story that goes with it (I won't give it away) is awesome!
"It's an all bran' shirt"
"With and an all bran breakfast"
Hilarious!
I love the sound of actual door handels.
Jay should bring back this guy with another one of his cars. Really good stuff!
Mark also has a '72 AMX with something like 8,000 original miles on it, and a great story that goes with it. I won't give it away, but I hope Jay does have him back on with that car sometime!
Way to go Mark. You and your Donohue perfectly represent AMC.
Nice guy, like the saying, ya either fall in love in your first car, or with your first car. Great car. Nice to meet you. Real car guy. And a beautiful car. Love the color scheme and the all original level. Outstanding.
Beautiful, amazing, stupendous, great. Best ever!
Beautiful Muscle Car Mark, the shade of Green and Stripes go very well together... Hand's down My favorite AMC. Since I was a kid I've been a fan of those door handles. Love the Hood Scoop and the sound of the engine. Wishing you many more smiles! 💯
19:08 "I like your answer, I'll have to tell my wife that". That was good
Being European, we didn’t really get or even get to know most of the American Cars from the period other than a few Mustangs, Corvettes, etc. so it’s just lovely to be introduced to some beautiful rarer designs. Absolutely lovely car and beautifully enhanced by such a great owner. Would much rather try or own this car than the other clichés, colour, stripes, just perfect 70’s muscle. Thanks for another great episode Mr. Leno and Mr. Fletcher.
Probably one of the best shows you have done. You two guys together would make an awesome weekly show. I know I would watch.
Couldn't agree more.
Wow!! this was a real treat, you just never see a Javelin on the road. No wonder Jay ran the guy down and invited him to come over to his shop, this guy was very knowledgeable about American muscle cars of the '60s & '70s. I enjoyed this video for sure. The only thing that could have made it better for me, if only I was the car guy behind the wheel of this beautiful Javelin. Thanks for this video Jay.
Hello there👋,how are you?hope you’re having a wonderful day?GOD BLESS YOU!!!❤️
I have a '72 Javelin and believe it or not-- quite by coincidence-- my neighbor has a '68. Didn't know him until he moved in next door and took the car off the trailer. What are the odds of that?