National Firebird & Trans Am Club Blog

This issue’s featured car is the 2002 CE Trans Am of Arne Bobroff. Here is the story along with photos by Karen Tregillas.

In July of 2002, the Calgary Stampede featured the 2002 CE Trans Am. The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival held for 10 days every July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Trans Am raffle tickets were sold all over Stampede Grounds. I bought many but did not have any luck.

I asked the local Pontiac dealer that serviced my Grand Am collection about the availability of a Trans Am but was told that all Trans Ams had been sold. Two months later, a salesman called to say his dealership had won a loaded CE TA convertible in a GM lottery and that I would have first chance to purchase the car.

The financing was arranged by my credit union. The Trans Am was delivered a month later washed, polished and waxed.

Shortly after this I moved back to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada adding some SLP parts to keep the TA as stock as possible. I then removed the hood stripes. I had the car pin-striped and painted the wheels and brake calipers. I trimmed the interior with carbon fiber pieces and purchased a carbon fiber tonneau cover that converts the car into a two seater.

Due to illness in the family, the car has not been taken to any show. I hope to take the car to my local club’s show this year as I belong to the Pacific Performance Pontiac Car Club of Vancouver, British Columbia.

The mileage is low at around 3000 miles and with the help of my grandson Max, the Trans Am will have 10 coats of Meguiars NXT Tech Wax before the next show!

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The April 2013 eEagle email newsletter has been uploaded to our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/firebirdclub) at https://www.facebook.com/firebirdclub/app_190322544333196. Like us to see it!

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Here are some photos that show a pictorial history of what I have done with the car since I bought it in the spring of 2012 at the Midnight on the Oasis Car Show in Yuma, Arizona (www.midnightattheoasis.net).  I had “The Golden Bird” registered for its show at the 2013 event . There are more photos at this website location: www.jimsrodshop.net/91.html .

The pictures I have attached are of my wife Betty and myself outside Jim’s Rod Shop in Yuma. Jim by the way has been building hot rods all his life in Yuma and started his career working on dragsters while in California at the tender age of 17.

There is quite a story in what we have had done to my Firebird as the car was in solid condition when I bought it with the exception of the engine.

It has the original (rebuilt now) factory air-conditioning unit and original interior with the exception of the upgraded sound system.

We decided to pull out the original 326 and replace it with a 400 cu.in from a 1968 Catalina. The engine was bored .30 over and a stroker kit added with Hooker Headers, new exhaust and Magnaflow mufflers. We changed the rear end to a 9″ and basically made my ‘67 Coupe into a muscle car.

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For the second time, “A Pontiac Celebration” in Warwick, Rhode Island drew Pontiac lovers from throughout the Northeastern United States for a fun filled weekend to enjoy the cars and people of our great hobby. As by design, this “Celebration” is to showcase the great cars that we love so much, and to perpetuate the hobby by sharing them with everyone. Pontiac Clubs of all stripes are invited, and together bring a mixture representing every era and type of Pontiac from throughout the 84 years of Pontiac’s colorful history.

But, beyond the obvious fun of enjoying all these great Pontiacs, and visiting with all the dedicated people who bring these pieces of iron to life, “A Pontiac Celebration” reaches out beyond the hobbyplace and pulls all the members of our community together for an even greater cause– helping the fight against childhood cancer. Once again everyone rallied together and with all their energy we were again able to donate thousands of dollars to the two children’s charities we support: Alex’s Lemonade Stand foundation for childhood cancer and The Tomorrow Fund helping children and families affected by cancer.

With show costs held as low as we possibly can, and not one penny going to anything beyond actual costs of services, we bring a family-style event to everyone, and they answer with their generosity in donations and purchases that support the charities.

Saturday morning dawned a little on the hazy side, but all reports had been for sunshine throughout the day. And by mid-morning the clouds burned off, and the sun came peaking out for a wonderful show day. Registration stayed busy as new arrivals continued through the morning.

Meanwhile out on the show field the crew was busy checking everyone in and getting them to their assigned spots. But it didn’t take long for the relaxed atmosphere of a beautiful day and a bunch of even more beautiful Pontiacs to fill the air. Besides people prepping their own cars, they strolled the grounds and visited with many more who where also enjoying the day. Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer entertained everyone with great music and took care of all the announcements for seminars, raffles, etc. He did a great job helping keep everything organized and flowing smoothly.

As the show day wound to a close, and participants hurried about to get their voting ballots turned in, preparations began for the evening BBQ banquet dinner and the awards presentations. Once again our theme of casual and family fun prevailed as friends and families gathered in the atrium and the room became a-buzz with discussions of the day, and no doubt predictions of winners from the very competitive show. It was apparent, however, from everyone’s smiles and laughter that all considered themselves a winner.

Following a great meal, Rick DiGiacomo introduced special guests and speakers, and then again with the help of Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer, set right to the much anticipated announcements of the car show winners. It was no small job to select specific cars to award out of so many great entrants.

In addition to the show classes, we had a number of Specialty Awards given out in specific categories. New for 2012 was the “Kid’s Choice Award” given out in special memory of longtime Pontiac hobbyist Ken Deming from Massachusetts. We were so fortunate to have Ken attend A Pontiac Celebration in 2010, but sadly lost him soon after. Our special thanks to Noel and Starr Evans from Connecticut who helped Ken so much, and helped make this special award possible. Enjoying, and sadly remembering, the people of this Pontiac hobby is what helps make it so special.

The evening ended with a promise to come together again in 2014 for another Pontiac Celebration– Eastern Regional Meet. We are happy to again report that we were able to donate many thousands of dollars to our two children’s cancer charities. . . all from the wonderful Pontiac hobbyists who not only enjoy their special cars, but use them to help an even greater cause. Our sincere thanks to all who attended, and enjoyed themselves. You have our promise of an even better time in 2014.

Following you will find a display of all our great Show Sponsors who help make this event possible. Please consider these businesses first when you need something for your hobby. There is also a listing in another article of the many show winners who we congratulate for their accomplishments. Once again PontiacRegistry.com is happy, and proud, to host such an event for such a worthwhile purpose. Our thanks to all who helped make “A Pontiac Celebration – 2012″ a huge success. See you all in 2014!

CLASS , 1st PLACE , 1st Runner-Up , 2nd Runner-Up

H1) 1967–69 Firebird: Dave Brady ‘69 Firebird, Richard Roberts ‘68 Firebird, Mark Robitaille ‘67 Firebird

H2) 1970–81 Firebird: George Berg ‘73 Formula, Pete Slota ‘73 Firebird,

J1) 1969–73 Trans Am: George Berg ‘70 Trans Am, Gary Trombino ‘71 Trans Am, Rick Holloway ‘71 Trans Am

J2) 1974–78 Trans Am: Derek Fletcher ‘74 Trans Am, John Kunasek ‘78 Trans Am Charlie Barron ‘78 Trans Am

J3) 1979–81 Trans Am: Kenneth Usry ‘80 Trans Am, Fil Ferrauto ‘80 Trans Am, Star Theodosigu ‘79 Trans Am

K) 1982–2002 FB/TA/Firehawk/GTA: Rick Campana ‘00 Firehawk, Harry DeBernardo ‘79 Trans Am, Jim Napolitano ‘78 Trans Am

MODIFIED CLASSES:

M7) 1967–78 Firebird/Trans Am: Richard Beer ‘78 Trans Am, John Burgess ‘69 Firebird, Jason Burgess ‘70 Firebird

M8) 1979–2002 Firebird/Trans Am: Tom Yannone ‘81 Trans Am, Jim Oliver ‘79 Trans Am, Carlos Martins ‘89 Trans Am

SPECIALTY AWARDS:

Best of Show: Jeff Goldstein ‘65 GTO; People’s Choice: Wheeler Bradley ‘57 Safari; PontiacRegistry.com Choice: Tom Yannone ‘81 Trans Am; Best In-Process Trophy: Becky Peluso ‘64 Lemans

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This issue’s featured car is the 1971 Trans Am of Mike Mangone. Here is what he has to say:

I bought this car from the original owner in Portland, Oregon with 19,000 original miles.

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by Tom and Sandy Smith

Our 10th Annual All Firebird Lawn Show held at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, New York. The show saw slightly less than 100 Firebirds on the show field in part due to concerns about weather but we still raised a lot of money for Special Olympics. Our All Firebird Cruise was also a success with protection from the New York State Police. We cruised from the Wilton Fire Department to the Saratoga PBA and had a blast with Crazy Herbs BBQ and a showing of Smokey and the Bandit! Many thanks go to FNONA VP Joe Carey for acquiring the cruise staging area Wilton FD lot, Saratoga PBA host venue and the projector to show the movie. A thank you also goes out to my friend Henry Gepfert for allowing us to use his sound system.

Financially, the show raised slightly less than $7,200.00 including income from Sponsors, Vendors, t-shirt sales, Pay Pal and check Pre-registrations, day of show cash donations, 50-50 raffle, silent auctions, spectator donations, etc., and FNONA, Inc. handed Special Olympics more than $6,000.00 including a club donation of more than $500. Show expenses included club show insurance, DJ payment, trophies, dash plaques, show t-shirts, printing costs, etc. As of this writing, FNONA, Inc. has given Special Olympics more than $42,500.00, an accomplishment for which I am very proud and thankful to all those who have helped Sandy and myself over the past 10 years.

After dozens and dozens of e-mails and five face to face meetings between myself, Special Olympics, and a third party promoter, I am sorry to say that negotiations fell apart and currently the future of the 2013 All Firebird Lawn Show looks dim. Although I agreed to stay on board for 2013 as co-organizer, mentor, and volunteer for an orderly transition into the future, the folks at Special Olympics Capital District Region and the third party promoter both felt that they could not dedicate the time and effort required to continue the show at the current level for 2013 and into the future. Therefore I am very sorry to say that as of this writing, we have all probably seen the last of the All Firebird Lawn Shows.

Do you want the Firebird Show to continue past 2012? Before you answer, are you willing to take on a leadership role? Are you willing to help? Are you willing to maintain a website, work with vendors and sponsors, are you willing to be a club officer and attend meetings? Are you willing to take on the complete role of show organizer where the buck and all decisions stop with you? You sign the agreement with venues, the agreement with show hotel, and the agreement with show insurers for liability insurance? If yes, then there is hope. If not, then it is over. Either way, it has been a great ride with no regrets, but Sandy and I are tired and need a rest. I thank you for your past support.

Tom and Sandy Smith

website: http://clubs.hemmings.com/firebirdnationofnorthamerica
email: tsmith24@earthlink.net

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Story by Frank Ochal
Photos by Doug Lester and others

The 2012 Trans Am Nationals were held the weekend of August 24-26 in Dayton, Ohio. There is always a large number of Firebirds and Trans Ams so the National Firebird & Trans Am Club participates in this event.

The turnout, as always was great as there were rows and rows of Firebirds and Trans Ams with many fine examples of all generations.

There were approximately 368 cars that registered for the show and everyone had a great time. Thank you to Sue Emmel and her staff of dedicated people who put on the show and volunteered their time.

A great time was had by the attendees and the 29th Annual Trans Am National will be held in August 2013. Take a look at all the photos of the event and we know we will see you there!

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from Hot Rod Magazine by Jesse Kiser

Pontiac is back… Well kind of. This is Lingenfelter’s Pontiac Trans Am based off of a 5th-Gen Camaro. It’s a turn-key package Lingenfelter introduced at the 2012 SEMA show.  Mike Copeland, who used to head special projects for GM and built previous HOT ROD projectcars, said the only thing left is to sell them.

The Trans Ams will be offered in three price point packages that can be expanded upon or ditched for an entirely custom order.  The base model is the $40,000 package which includes exterior work and cat-back exhaust. Package two is $69,000 and includes exterior, interior, paint job, and wheels. The top of the line package, what you see here, includes: exterior, paint, interior, Brembo brakes, full exhaust, and a 455ci V8. Lingenfelter starts with an RHS block and builds a custom 455ci with LSX heads and 655hp to the flywheel. The cars are built to order and don’t include the Camaro (they will buy one for you if you can’t show up with your own).

2012 Lingenfelter Trans Am

In 2009 Lingenfelter built four prototypes and thrashed on them for several years tweaking them before production was ready. The body kits were designed and now built by Lingenfelter. The car has specially designed wheels built by Forgeline and no, you can’t buy them, they will only be offered on the Lingenfelter Trans Am.

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The November 2012 issue’s featured car is the 2002 Collector Edition Trans Am of Bill Short. Here is his story:

This is my Convertible/Automatic Collector Edition Trans Am. 1 of 488 in Auto/Convertible, production # 418 of 2391.

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This is my Convertible/Automatic Collector Edition Trans Am GTA. 1 of 488 in Auto/Convertible configuration, Production # 418 of 2391.

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