The first generation Trans Ams was easy to identify. A large rear spoiler sprouted from the decklid on twin posts and wrapped the ends over where they almost laid upon the rear quarter panels. Two large flattened nostrils on the hood were part of the frontal identity, scooping air in thru the hood and ramming it into the air cleaner. Accenting the car were a pair of dark blue stripes, running the lenghth of the car. On each fender, false front fender air vents were applied.

This was the car that started it all.

Fast forward to 1970 1/2 and the second generation Trans Am. As different as night and day in outward appearance, but filled with the spirit of its predecessor. Here was a design that extended the first generation's model run from three years to twelve. Surely a diverse beast, the Trans Am was available with a wide array of engines, transmissions, and options to cater to nearly every buyer.

The Trans Am survived when all its competition abandoned the market. The Camaro Z28 discontinued production in 1974, only to be reborn in '77 1/2 after the marketers realized the mistake they had made. Mustangs got big and heavy, and after 1971, the big blocks were gone. Worse yet for the proud line, in 1974, Mustangs became darn nice Pintos, losing the V8 entirely in '74, and reintroducing a 302 V8 in 1975. The Mustang did get a shot in the arm in 1979 after being based on the "Fox" platform which it was based on until 1993. Chrysler products fared even worst. The 'Cuda's and Challengers lost the Hemi's after 1971, and the 383-440's were phased out in 1972. The once proud Mopars were finally laid to rest at the end of the 1974 model year, and a suitable replacement never did return.

But not so with the Trans Am. While its competition was closing shop, the Trans Am flourished. Trans Am's could be had with rock crushers, Super Dutys, Ram Air's, and H.O.'s. The 1980 Indy Pace Car Trans Am was the owner of the world's first production car with a Turbocharged V8 as standard equipment. Special Edition models were and continue to be one of the most sought after cars, even though tens of thousands of these cars were produced. When horsepower dropped year after year, the Trans Am reversed the trend by building engines which produced as much power as the engine they replaced, despite having fewer cubic inches.

Where else could you get a "screamin' chicken" on the hood and tail lamps that went from black to red when you turned on the lights. Even though the ax fell close to the Firebird's head on numerous occasions, those without economic nearsightedness saw what was around the corner and kept the 'bird's feathers fluffed.

Too bad the current Trans Am did not have the same kind of loyal following within the halls of GM. Today, they say the sales aren't enough to support the Firebird and Camaro twins, and when the ax fell this time, it didn't miss. On September 25, 2001, GM anounced it had been a good run, but after the 2002 model year, production would cease.

With the Camaro and Firebirds abandoned after 2002, it was at the 2006 North American Auto Show (NAIAS) or better known as the Detroit Auto Show, a concept Camaro was shown to the public. This car has taken styling cues from First Generation Camaros, but these cues were followed loosely. Prior to the intro, there was a gathering of F-Body Enthusiasts invited to the GM Heritage Center, where it was all but announced that a new Camaro would be shown the following day. I was lucky enough to attend the event, along with Mike Antonick, the author of both the Corvette Black & Camaro White Books. and despite my hopes, there was nary a word about there being a Firebird.

Since the announcement that the Camaro nameplate was returning, there has still been very little buzz about the possibility of a Firebird relation to the Camaro. The likely scenario is another GTO, however, even word about the GTO has been stifled as of late. The so-called "Zeta" cars will be the Camaro and a rear-wheel drive Impala from Chevrolet and the G8 (replacing the Grand Prix) for Pontiac.

If the Camaro is the home run GM is hoping for, will there be a Firebird? I speculate the only way a Firebird might get melded into the product line is if there indeed is no second attempt at a GTO and Camaro sales push past the 100,000 mark for a couple of years in a row. With Camaro's not due on dealer's showrooms until late 2008 or even 2009, it is highly unlikely that a Firebird could roll off the assembly line until 2010 or 2011. That's 3 to 4 years from today.

There is speculation that the Trans Am may return. Let's hope it does; however we must make sure it will carry on the tradition well.

Comments? Contact me at 2gtacom@sbcglobal.net

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