*ahem* new trans am coming....
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: oshawa,ontario,canada
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,449
From: Bentonville, AR
Now that we're on the Firebird/Trans Am subject. I was thinking about how it would have been if GM had made a Firebird.
With the Pontiac going away decision, it would have been a smack in the face to only get the chance to own one for the few months they would have produced the Firebird.
On the other hand, those lucky enough to have got a Firebird would have been able to sell them for what they wanted when they were ready to sell.
With the Pontiac going away decision, it would have been a smack in the face to only get the chance to own one for the few months they would have produced the Firebird.
On the other hand, those lucky enough to have got a Firebird would have been able to sell them for what they wanted when they were ready to sell.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,449
From: Bentonville, AR
I am not a lawyer, so I could be off base. GM can sue for using the Firebird/Trans Am/Formula names and icons since these are registered trademarks. However, can they sue for making a kit that looks like a Firebird/Trans Am/Formula from decades ago?
Let's just assume they call it the "Phoenix" body kit, and they just happen to send genuine GM decals as part of the kit.
Let's just assume they call it the "Phoenix" body kit, and they just happen to send genuine GM decals as part of the kit.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 766
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Some of them are indeed kinda cool looking, but I just can't see this setting the marketplace on fire or even surviving as an option for any real length of time. It would be one thing if GM put out a TA, but this is just some aftermarket make-up for a Chevy.
I know, I know, in the past by and large, a TA was nothing more than a gussied up Camaro (especially after 79) - but this really would be just a Camaro in disguise - subtle difference? Maybe, but it would be a TA without an actual GM division behind it. For me, there is the big difference right there and therefore it wouldn't and couldn't be a true TA. This pains me all the more because for all intents and purposes, I have always favoured the TA over the Camaro except for precious few model years.
I'd be curious to know how many (current or former) real TA owners/enthusiasts would really, really plunk down whatever it would cost for a TA kit for a Camaro - on top of the cost of a brand new Camaro to have one of these "TAs" parked in their driveway.
I know, I know, in the past by and large, a TA was nothing more than a gussied up Camaro (especially after 79) - but this really would be just a Camaro in disguise - subtle difference? Maybe, but it would be a TA without an actual GM division behind it. For me, there is the big difference right there and therefore it wouldn't and couldn't be a true TA. This pains me all the more because for all intents and purposes, I have always favoured the TA over the Camaro except for precious few model years.
I'd be curious to know how many (current or former) real TA owners/enthusiasts would really, really plunk down whatever it would cost for a TA kit for a Camaro - on top of the cost of a brand new Camaro to have one of these "TAs" parked in their driveway.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 270
From: Minneapolis
I'd have some mental hurdles to overcome on this deal. I prefer the T/A, and I have a '69 Firebird with the T/A bodykit on it so I'm pre-disposed to liking them. However, without it being a licensed GM product, or having a Pontiac Division, I couldn't own it with a straight face. I am curious about the ACS version I've read about, and I'd be more likely to buy a complete serialized car from an aftermarket company...much like a Saleen or Shelby...etc. But, the price would be prohibitive for what you're really getting...and re-invention of the wheel.
In this case, I'll keep my '69 and leave it at that.
In this case, I'll keep my '69 and leave it at that.