Vehicle Description
1980 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe, Starlight Black with Tan Interior 400
CI 6.6 Liter Engine with 5 speed Manual Transmission 1980 Pontiac
Trans Am Concept Car built by Bill Mitchell's Special Vehicle
Developments in Cheshire Connecticut. Bill Mitchell was a General
Motors Project Engineer. While at GM, he began working with one of
the most successful racer designers, Mark Donohue. Together with
their team they focused on the development of the Chevrolet Camaro
for its use in the International Race of Champions. As most race
car tuners quickly realize, there are many opportunities for
performance gains left untapped by the car manufactures. In 1977,
Mitchell left GM and opened SVD, focusing on improvements to not
only Camaros, but also to the sister car, the Pontiac Trans Am. On
or about June of 1980, Bill's shop placed an order for this 1980
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Now remember, by 1980 the Trans Am had
morphed into more of a car that kind of still looked mean, but now
had an uninspiring 301 cubic inch mini motor that could barely
supply enough power to move it and keep the myriad of power
accessories humming. Well, Bill decided that enough was enough, and
set about to design HIS concept of what the Trans Am should be. He
kept the many luxury features, but set about bringing the
performance back to the car. First to go was the 4.9-liter motor.
Bill, with his connections and ability to reach deep into the GM
parts bin, replaced it with a far stouter 400 Cubic Inch 6.6 Liter
Engine, carefully modified to deliver over 300 real world
horsepower! Now also gone was the Automatic Transmission, and in
its place a Doug Nash Close Ratio 5 speed Transmission feeding
power to the Limited Slip 3.08 Rear Axle. Now remember, this was
1980. Not many production cars of the day would be able to see much
other than the beautiful taillights of this Trans Am! What Bill
created is essentially what we have here. Over the years further
modifications were added, but still keeping the car true to it's
original plan. Today the car is finished in one of the most
beautiful Starlight Black finishes that you are likely to see. The
original tan interior is almost as new. You immediately notice the
far more aggressive spoilers, and the contemporary 17-inch
Snowflake reproduction wheels with appropriately sized tires. Next
you notice the absence of most all of the "excessive" decals, most
notably, the screaming chicken on the hood, which retain the shaker
hood scoop, with it's simple 6.6 Liter announcement. With only six
caring owners since new, the car has only covered 11,523 miles, and
will come to you in spectacular well-preserved condition. What you
will have is not only one of the baddest looking Trans Ams ever
made, but one that has the power, sound and fury to back up that
look. It is one of the finest driving F body cars that you will
ever enjoy! Equipped with Air Conditioning, Rear Window Defroster,
Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Soft
Ray Tinted Glass, Sport Mirrors, Delco AM/ FM Radio with Dual Rear
Speakers, and Tilt Steering Wheel. Recently added QA1 Full Front
suspension Package with Adjustable Coil Over Shocks, Tubular
Control Arms and New Sway Bar. Also, QA1 Adjustable Rear Shocks and
Sway Bar Bushings. New Radiator and Hoses and a number of other
maintenance and or services performed to ensure the car is at its
best! When you carefully look at the car you will note the many
tasteful upgrades that were added under Bill's direction, as well
as the " Bill Mitchell Concept" badge on the console, and the
signature of Firebird Trans Am Second Generation Chief Engineer and
Designer, John Schinella on both the console and in the engine
compartment. This sinister and historic Poncho comes with a binder
full of documentation, including the Window Sticker and Build
Sheets. You can own this outstanding piece of Pontiac History for
not much more than the cost of a nice "normal" Trans Am, but you
will have something FAR
