The transmission that came as standard equipment was the 3 speed manual, with the 4 speed manual and Turbo Hydro Matic 3 speed automatic available as extra cost options. built T/A's for '69 came with one of the two 400 cid Ram Air engine choices. The automotive press was extremely critical of the 1st generation Trans Am because the name came from the Sports Car Club of America's race series. The original T/A's were known for few frills and mostly raw performance power with a European approach to the muscle car battle. Trans Am (1969-2002) (Conceived to campaign in the SCCA's road racing series (with a special de-stroked 303-cubic-inch V8 never installed on the production car), Pontiac paid $5 to the racing organization for each Trans Am sold as a license fee for the name. Firebird SE (1982-1986) (replaced Esprit equivalent of Camaro's Berlinetta version).In 1993, when the fourth generation Firebird debuted, the Formula shared the base Firebird's nose, but again had its own rear spoiler and could be ordered with all the Trans Am hardware, including the WS6 Ram Air package starting in 1996.) It came with the base Trans Am engine as standard equipment, and most of the Trans Am hardware could be optioned. When the Formula was re-introduced in 1987, it included Formula graphics on the doors, larger wheels and tires than the base Firebird and a standard rear spoiler. In 1977 the scooped hood was again redesigned to a more subtle look which was also carried through 1981. This package was offered as an option through 1981. Also for '76, an optional Formula appearance package became available with a contrasting paint scheme. In 1976 the scoops were scaled back in a one year only design. From 1970 through 1975 the Formula package included a fiberglass hood with two long scoops extending toward the nose. The Formula has always been available with the Trans Am hardware as optional equipment, though with a different, but aggressive look of its own. Formula (1970-1981, 1987-2002) (Pontiac produced the Formula model from 1970 through 1981 and again from 1987 through the present.Esprit (1970-1981) (replaced Sprint as 'luxury' model between base Firebird and sporty Formula).Sprint (1967-1969) (Firebird Sprint with the high performance 230 cubic inch displacement (cid) version of the Overhead Cam in-line 6, was rated 215 bhp, equipped with a Quadrajet and floor mounted manual 3 speed Known as W-53 rated 215 bhp in '68.).I will do a major update and revision when I re-do this one, but that is for 2021 (I guess?). The good news is that it is readily available to buy and put together. Even the older ones have plummeted in value. As far as a collector kit… it is officially a DUD with the reissue. The taillights will most certainly need trimmed the back fin fits poorly the shaker is tough to fit AND it has to fit through a hood that also fits horribly the tires were missing and the windshield looked as if it were dragged through gravel. The T/A is easily one of my favorite cars and this kit does it justice. In the end I can say that being “stiffed” never felt so good. I think the tires were missing on this kit, so I used a Revell matched set to fix and used the stock rims. They are tough to get straight and usually hang a bit low, but end up looking pretty cool when displayed. The exhaust is of the same loop-around that I dislike (both in models and in real life… to me it looks restrictive even if it isn’t in the least), but it fits nicely and looks good out the rear with the T/A tips that are included.
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