Vehicle Description
We're not going to get hung up on how rare a 1971 Pontiac Firebird
Trans Am is (fairly) or how much money was spent on this (a lot) or
even how famous the guys are who built it (Jaw Droppin' Customs in
Corpus Christi, TX). What we are going to talk about is that this
spectacular 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Restomod is one of the
finest F-body builds we've seen in a very long time, a car that's
fast, comfortable, and totally sorted. Need a car to cruise AND win
some trophies? This is it!
The all-new second generation Firebird shape lends itself rather
well to the pro-touring treatment since it was already long, lean,
and low. Finished in beautiful Lucerne Blue paint, this one isn't
going to be able to stay out of sight for long, and by adding a set
of painted white-and-black stripes down the center, along with some
cool metal flake in the finish, it has a killer Trans Am look
that's very appealing. The pros who built it are professionals at
the top of their game, so finish quality is exemplary, with great
gaps, a deep shine, and no notable demerits in the appearance
department. We love the contrasting hood scoop that makes it look
like the engine is doing something special under the hood (spoiler
alert: it is), and the factory spoilers, vents, and nose all give
it a predatory stance. Proper Trans Am insignia were installed as
needed, including that custom Firebird on the front nose, and all
the parts that were chrome from the factory were either restored or
replaced so it looks quite correct. Most people probably haven't
driven a vintage F-body that looks this good, and that means these
guys got it right.
The interior got a full makeover from the pros at Sturgis Designs,
with slick upgrades that add sportiness and style but don't take
the soul away from the factory recipe. The biggest change is a pair
of custom bucket seats up front along with a matching rear seat
that are a lot more supportive than the originals, yet they look
right at home in this resto-mod. Other upgrades include custom door
panels with integrated speakers, a custom dash cover that includes
a lot of beautiful suede material, and a bespoke center console
that houses a Sony multi-media head unit, switches for the power
windows, and that big, bad Hurst shifter that manages the 5-speed
manual below. On the other hand, the very cool 3-spoke steering
wheel and engine-turned portion of the dashboard are all
factory-issue; after all, why mess with a good thing? Obviously
everything is newer, from the headliner to the carpets and again,
fit and finish is excellent everywhere you look. Aftermarket
Speedhut gauges are hooked up and work with the upgraded motor, and
the aforementioned Sony head unit manages a powerful speaker system
installed throughout the cabin. Vintage A/C blows cold thanks to
new hardware behind the scenes, and there's a tilt steering column
to make it comfortable for just about anyone. Out back, the trunk
is beautifully finished to match the cabin, further proof that
every single detail on this car was attended to.
The engine powering this beast is a pro-built 455 HO unit that's
been bored .060 oversize, and fitted with H-beam connecting rods,
and a full roller cam with roller lifters and roller rockers. It's
an incredibly responsive motor thanks to an Edelbrock 4-barrel
carburetor and intake, sparking to life with a flick of the key
that gets it ready for battle. Sitting under that air scoop it
looks incredibly slick, especially with matching Lucerne Blue paint
on the block, custom chrome valve covers, a Billet pulley set, an
aluminum radiator, and a slick black firewall and matching inner
fenders that help all the components pop. It's putting out big
power, but the Tremec 5-speed transmission sure doesn't seem to
mind because banging through gears is an absolute delight. And true
to form as a Trans Am, this one loves to go around corners,
complements of a full Detroit Speed suspension composed of subframe
connectors and a 4-link out back, coil-over shocks, and Detroit
Speed 'deep tub' wheel wells. Yeah, it's legit. It's also fitted
with Baer 4-wheel disc brakes that run off of a Wilwood booster
that give it the stopping power it demands, along with a power
steering system that helps flip it in and out of corners with ease.
It all sounds fantastic too, with ceramic-coated headers feeding an
X-pipe dual exhaust system that lets everyone at the red light know
what time it is. The hunkered-down suspension looks fantastic,
especially framing those gorgeous staggered Billet Specialties
wheels, which are wrapped in 255/45/18 front and huge 315/40/19
rear Goodyear performance radials.
With an "open checkbook" approach to the build and only 2,162 miles
since completion, this restomod is filled with the best of
everything. Performance, comfort, and style in equal measure,
perhaps the most shocking thing about this car is its relatively
affordable price tag. Call today!
