While it has been nearly four years since the departure of GM’s sporty Pontiac nameplate from the U.S. market, there are multiple conversion opportunities out there to transform the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro into what would have presumably been the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
tOne of the best examples is arguably the Lingenfelter TA, a Firebird Frankenstein of sorts, based on the mighty 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS. Such a transformed beast carries with it all the nuances of an American muscle car, with one absolutely mental LS powerplant good for some 600+ hp, an ear-shattering full Corsa exhaust and one slick-shifting 6-speed manual.
While all those numbers are great, it is the butch and classic styling which sets the Lingenfelter TA in a class of its own. Harkening back to the iconic early 70’s Trans Am models, this brute machine carries with it a finesse unmatched by any modern vehicle on the road today.
The design comes courtesy of Lingenfelter’s “Screaming Eagle” trim package, which adds a unique front fascia, reminiscent of past Trans Am models, an authentic Shaker-style hood, air scoops flanking either side of the vehicle and some retro honeycomb rims. Finally, finishing off the package is one classic interior, highlighted with vinyl inserts throughout the cabin and all the conveniences expected of a modern muscle car.
All of this to say, that the Lingenfelter TA crossed the Mecum Auction block this past weekend in Houston, with the highest bid of $55,000. The owner would not sell for that low.
Comments
I never liked the Firebirds that designed using the current Camaro base
I do not see more than modified Chevys
Regards from Spain
The problem with these 5th gen Camaro-based Firebirds is that they only ever modify the front and rear. They never change the roof or get rid of that curve on the rear fender.
Heck, just putting a blanking plate of some sort over the side window behind the door would do wonders for the lines.
Hell, look at the nose on that thing. it I can see why there were no takers, as it does nothing to help it IMO.
They wanted to make a retro Firebird, but they chose the worst generation of Firebird to start from.
This is a car that answers a question no one asked.
The truth is this is nothing more than what GM did with the Trans Am since 1983. They took a Camaro and rebodied it. Yes it looked better but it has the same suspension and engine and many of the same body parts.
To do Pontiac right GM needed to take them a step beyond Chevy in more than styling. Even if they were saddled with the same engines they could have offered their own tune. Hell Pontiac did that in my Fiero as the V6 in it was only used at Pontiac and got 10-15 More HP than the version in the Chevy. They even powder coated it red and trimmed it in stainless steel fasteners.
At one time you got a lot more than styling with a Pontiac and once that was gone then Pontiac began to fade.