67 Firebird Trans Am?

[NCGuy68]

A self proclaimed Firebird 'expert' tells me he owns a 67 Firebird Trans Am Prototype. I think hes' full of BS!

Only factory issue Trans Am I know of was in 69. Yes, there was 1967 HO 400 cars, but none of them were labeled 'Trans Am' to my knowledge

Anyone know of such a car?

[Xplantdad]

Don't know about a '67 prototype..I guess anything is possible. There's a '69 Trans Am on ebay now:
1969 Trans Am (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6427&item=24916399 60&rd=1)

I day and one hour left on auction, and reserve has been met. High bid at this time is $29,999! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[Motion Camaro]

<font color="blue">I like the '69 T/A, but, this one seems a little off for 30K+.
But ,I guess with such small prodution #'s, It's worth $$$. </font>

[Rick]

In 1967 there wasn't a car called "Trans Am", but there was a run of 12 cars (i think that's the number) called PFST's which stood for Pontiac Firebird Sprint Turismo. The cars where made by the engineering dept. There were different engine &amp; suspension thing done to each car. As far as I know none are known to exist.

There was also a car done by road racer Jack Brabham in 68. Also in 1967 road racer John Fitch modified about 6 cars, engine, suspension and styling. One was an OHC Sprint engine and the other 400 ci cars.

These are all coincider Trans Am precursors.

-Rick

[DaJudge]

Your right Rick, from what research I have done all of the PFST's were sent to the crusher. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif The only TA prototype I know of is the 69 one that was painted silver.

[1967Z28]

About 4-5 years ago I saw one of those Fitch Firebirds for sale at the Pomona swap meet as a project. Had the mesh over the grille and the big sail panels. Kind of odd but cool at the same time.

The PFST cars were awesome. I loved the one they did with the D-spoke Americans on it. Too bad they were destroyed.

-Jon

1967 Z28 original survivor
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[Rick]

Jon,

I had heard there was a Fitch Firebird for sale at Pomona a few years ago, and that their's one around Long Beach area in some car collectors collection, might be the same car.

Do you remember an of the details about the Fitch at Pomona? engine, color, price, condition?

The PFST with the americans does look tuff.

-Rick

[1967Z28]

Rick,

Sorry. Over the course of time, I've forgotten most of the details. I don't remember it being a dark color so I think it was either white or another light color. I believe some of it was primered. I remember that it was on a trailer in the cars for sale section so it was hard to see inside of it. It generally gave the appearance of not being a runner. That's about all I can remember. I wish I wrote down the phone number but I didn't. I had the feeling most people there had no idea what it was and it got very little attention when I was there looking at it. I don't recall a price at all but it was probably not a deal. If it was, I would have thought about getting it. If you have any pics of your car, I would like to see it.

-Jon

1967 Z28 original survivor
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[Rick]

Jon,

I've heard the Fitch in Southern Calif. was white. Most likely it was the car I heard about.

I'm trying to attach a picture of my car, hopefilly it works. Mine is the OHC Sprint engine car.

[Belair62]

Too cool Rick....

[Motion Camaro]

<font color="blue">http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifI've heard of it, but never seen it! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif </font>

[Paul_S]

Rick was that your car in MCR, PHP (or a similar mag) a few years ago? I have that issue and that car is why I bought it. Neat car and super rare items. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

Paul

[1967Z28]

Super neat piece of history, Rick. I would love to see more pics and hear more about it. Maybe you can do a write-up for the Members Rides section of this site? I don't think people know enough about these cars or John Fitch.

No telling who got that one at Pomona but I hope it got into the right hands.

-Jon

1967 Z28 original survivor
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[Rick]

Paul,
My car was in High Performance Pontiac around 1999 or 2000. They did a good job on the story of the car and John Fitch I thought.

Jon,
I'm going to get a story &amp; pictures together for Belair to add to the members ride section.
John Fitch's story is pretty interesting I'll include some of that also.

-Rick

[Belair62]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[70-SS/RS-L78]

Rick that is one KOOL Looking car....
Mark L

[1967Z28]

Rick,

That's great that you are going to do a write up for the member's rides section. I'm looking forward to reading more about it. I think the car is awesome and I always liked that color.

-Jon

1967 Z28 original survivor
1967 Z28 Trans Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry

[JoeG]

Super http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif---Never saw one---you gotta do a members ride on this-----

[NCGuy68]

Interesting replys Gents - lets keep this discussion going.

Its obvious that other desirable "F Body" cars exist in addition to the Camaros.

[Rathbone]

If someone really owned a car like that they would have to expect someone to ask to see documentation. They should not be put off at all if you say to show it. If they can't show it then it isn't real.

[Rick]

My car has documentation, I have 2 broadcast sheets (found one under the back seat and one under the driver) on the bottom of them it says "Tag Fitch &amp; CO.". Also the PHS billing card shows that Pontiac's engineering department paid for the car and it was shipped to the northeast zone.

The first Fitch with the 400 engine would have the same documents also. Not sure what the other 4 or so would have. I guess it would depend on who order them.

-Rick

[Rathbone]

I meant the guy who said he had a 67 TA, would have to be able to prove it in some way. It's existence goes against all common knowledge.

[BigG]

1969 was the First year and yes there was one on ebay finished at around 32000 but it was a project car and non numbers I have 3 69 TA/s all numbers matching one in finishing stages of museum quality frame off and paperwork any intersted the offers need to be very close to 100000 oh yes the first one is a four speed as is one other and the last is an auto http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[Belair62]

I was going to offer you 150k but I couldn't get in touch with you because you didn't fill out your profile !!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Mr70]

And I was going to warn you about Belair62 mentioning that,but I couldn't get through to you because you didn't fill out your profile !!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[StealthBird]

There was a 69 Trans Am project car on E-bay a month or two ago. It went for less than $10,000.
1969 Trans Am hardtops, fully restored, are anywhere from $30K-60K now, depending on engine (RAIII or RAIV) and trans (auto or stick). What's truly astonishing is that these cars were $10K-$20K back around 1999. They have literally tripled in price in the past 5 years. The demise of the Firebird line in 2002 also added interest. Go figure, just a little while ago, someone on E-Bay sold a real 69 Trans Am hood for $8,000, and it wasn't NOS, it needed work. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

As was stated above, there's no such thing as a 67 Trans Am, and the Fitch cars were predecessors, but the Trans Am nameplate debuted at the 1969 Chicago Auto Show.

[Canucklehead]

Any idea who has the 8 convertables out there?

[Keith Tedford]

In '68 I had Ram Air Firebird with the Ram Air I engine. It didn't even say Ram Air on the car. It was balanced and blueprinted, had headers and the Royal Bobcat kit installed. I never heard of a Factory built Trans Am Firebird until they came out in '69. Jerry Titus and others had Firebirds built for Trans Am racing before '69 I believe.

[StealthBird]

I believe all 8 of the 69 Trans Am ragtops have now been found. The elusive 8th one was found a few years ago, and I believe it needed restoration. The other 7 are either restored or in the process of being restored. Last one I saw sold went for $125,000 at the Rockford, Illinois auction a couple years ago.

The eight 1969 Trans Am ragtops were not just a limited production run for Pontiac executives, that was just all that anyone ordered. The Trans Am was not very popular in its first year, but it quickly turned into a very significant Musclecar, historically speaking. They were also pretty darn fast. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Canucklehead]

does anybody know who the owners are?. I heard that the last lost one was found as a trans am racer and was being restored to original street dress????, anybody know anything about that?

[copo9566aa]

Picture http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
[ QUOTE ]
the Trans Am nameplate debuted at the 1969 Chicago Auto Show.


[/ QUOTE ] http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

History (http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/photo/)
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[BigG]

Sorry for not filling out my profile I will take care of that right away .In any case I know where there is at least two of the eight T/A convertibles .The last one changed hands around one year and a half it was sold for 375000 The next one sold will need alot more money at this time. I also Remember the 69 T/A coupe on E-bay that went for 10000 it was a rebody and a complete project without drivetrain. The last 69 T/A coupe that traded hands was a ram111 about eight months ago and it went for over75000

[yellowjudge]

I heard something about the 8th, someone had advertized in Hemm. that they would sell info to it's whereabouts. I had not heard whether it was ever located. I think the prices are really up from the 125k mentioned before, too bad no one ever ordered one w/raiv, like the handfull of bird converts produced. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[yellowjudge]

It really seems that the 69 TA are really(rightfully) strong now. They are a 1 yr body style, &amp; 1st yr for TA. The RA III are pulling great $, &amp; RAIVs are/should be out of sight w/55 total cars produced. I bought my 69 RAIV around 10 yrs ago, 100% orig total #s match. I decided to go all out &amp; have concours resto done, down to paint dabs w/all nos weatherstrips/emblems etc. My pontiac friends said I was buried $ in it. Now, the RAIII are doing more than that. They are truly an awesome car &amp; should be apreciated. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[DaJudge]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gifI hear you Eric. I sold my 69 RA III, 4 speed TA last summer for $48,500. It was all numbers matching and was detailed like your car. Some guys broke my chops, but I knew they would always go up in value. Looks like the guy who bought my car got a deal. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[StealthBird]

This was considered the prototype Trans Am, the 1968 PSFT Firebird 400.

[StealthBird]

Another photo...

[Pantera]

Those side scoop's sure do remind me of dixco hood tach's????
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[zgator]

It's about time the 69 birds are getting their due.You just don't see them and I think they are every bit as good looking as the 69 Camaro.I tried to find one about 7or 8 yrs ago.Didn't care if it was a TA or not.Back then they were going for cheap compared to other muscle cars.

[rpoz11]

I recall seeing this car, sitting on a trailer. I dont recall that it ran, I believe to the best of my knowledge that it was White in color and I do recall some sort of badging on the panels...rather faded but all there in a sense. It appeared to have been sitting for some time until the person who brought it out to sell it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Rick]

rpoz11,
Are you talking about the Fitch car that was for sale at Pomona? If so, it was probably the same car in the 1980 Car Exchange magazine article. That car was white and in S. Calif.

-Rick

[nova7579]

Do any of you have any information on the 1968 COPO Firebirds?
Brian