The Pontiac Trans Am - Four Generations
The First Generation Pontiac Trans Am
Pontiac released the Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package option on the Pontiac Firebird in March of 1969. There were only 697 built with eight of them being convertibles. Pontiac conceived the Trans Am to participate in the SCCA's (Sports Car Club of America) road race, the Trans-American Challenge Cup. It was equipped with a special 303 cubic inch V8 which was never offered in production cars. This option package added $725 to the price tag bringing the final price to about $4500.The 1969 Pontiac Trans Am came standard with the HO (High Output) engine with Ram Air, also called the Ram Air III. The only additional engine option was the 400 Ram Air IV, ordered on just 55 coupes and all 8 convertibles. All Trans Ams were Polar White with blue racing stripes, tail panel, and decals. The exclusive hood had functional air intakes which could be closed by the driver and functional fender scoops designed to vent the engine bay. A 60 inch rear foil (spoiler) was mounted on the trunk. Although the Trans Am was no faster than similarly equipped Firebirds, it represented the peak of Pontiac performance excitement.