12-15-2020 | #1 |
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Posts: 2,592
|
1980 Pontiac Trans Am Tuner Coupe
1980 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe, Starlight Black with Tan Interior 400 CI 6.6 Liter Engine with 5 speed Manual Transmission
1980 Pontiac Trans Am Concept Car built by Bill Mitchell's Special Vehicle Developments in Cheshire Connecticut. Bill Mitchell was a General Motors Project Engineer. While at GM, he began working with one of the most successful racer designers, Mark Donohue. Together with their team they focused on the development of the Chevrolet Camaro for its use in the International Race of Champions. As most race car tuners quickly realize, there are many opportunities for performance gains left untapped by the car manufactures. In 1977, Mitchell left GM and opened SVD, focusing on improvements to not only Camaros, but also to the sister car, the Pontiac Trans Am. On or about June of 1980, Bill's shop placed an order for this 1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Now remember, by 1980 the Trans Am had morphed into more of a car that kind of still looked mean, but now had an uninspiring 301 cubic inch mini motor that could barely supply enough power to move it and keep the myriad of power accessories humming. Well, Bill decided that enough was enough, and set about to design HIS concept of what the Trans Am should be. He kept the many luxury features, but set about bringing the performance back to the car. First to go was the 4.9-liter motor. Bill, with his connections and ability to reach deep into the GM parts bin, replaced it with a far stouter 400 Cubic Inch 6.6 Liter Engine, carefully modified to deliver over 300 real world horsepower! Now also gone was the Automatic Transmission, and in its place a Doug Nash Close Ratio 5 speed Transmission feeding power to the Limited Slip 3.08 Rear Axle. Now remember, this was 1980. Not many production cars of the day would be able to see much other than the beautiful taillights of this Trans Am! What Bill created is essentially what we have here. Over the years further modifications were added, but still keeping the car true to it's original plan. Today the car is finished in one of the most beautiful Starlight Black finishes that you are likely to see. The original tan interior is almost as new. You immediately notice the far more aggressive spoilers, and the contemporary 17-inch Snowflake reproduction wheels with appropriately sized tires. Next you notice the absence of most all of the "excessive" decals, most notably, the screaming chicken on the hood, which retain the shaker hood scoop, with it's simple 6.6 Liter announcement. With only six caring owners since new, the car has only covered 11,523 miles, and will come to you in spectacular well-preserved condition. What you will have is not only one of the baddest looking Trans Ams ever made, but one that has the power, sound and fury to back up that look. It is one of the finest driving F body cars that you will ever enjoy! Equipped with Air Conditioning, Rear Window Defroster, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Soft Ray Tinted Glass, Sport Mirrors, Delco AM/ FM Radio with Dual Rear Speakers, and Tilt Steering Wheel. Recently added QA1 Full Front suspension Package with Adjustable Coil Over Shocks, Tubular Control Arms and New Sway Bar. Also, QA1 Adjustable Rear Shocks and Sway Bar Bushings. New Radiator and Hoses and a number of other maintenance and or services performed to ensure the car is at its best! When you carefully look at the car you will note the many tasteful upgrades that were added under Bill's direction, as well as the " Bill Mitchell Concept" badge on the console, and the signature of Firebird Trans Am Second Generation Chief Engineer and Designer, John Schinella on both the console and in the engine compartment. This sinister and historic Poncho comes with a binder full of documentation, including the Window Sticker and Build Sheets. You can own this outstanding piece of Pontiac History for not much more than the cost of a nice "normal" Trans Am, but you will have something FAR more special and unique, and just plain FUN to drive. Priced at $34,900 20 pictures included in listing https://www.contes.com/index.php/new...em/309-new-car Marty Marty Pinder Owner CONTE'S CORVETTES INC. Where Corvettes are our passion, not just our business. 851 W. Wheat Road Vineland, NJ 08360 856-692-0087 Fax 856-692-1009 www.contes.com marty@contes.com |
12-15-2020 | #2 |
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: New Brunswick
Posts: 960
|
Re: 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Tuner Coupe
If not for:
A) Covid B) Our dollar approaching third world values I'd be on my way to see you now. Incredible car.
__________________
1990 ZR-1 # 996 "All Corvettes are red. The rest are mistakes." - John Heinricy |
|
|