Hi~

I don't know under what topic to post this, but....

I just bought a 2002 Trans Am Collectors Edition Daytona 500 Lap Car #23. Rusty Wallace car.

Is there a registry of these Daytona Cars? A web Site for them, or ANY Collector Edition cars, and there production numbers, etc.

Why is it, I can NOT find a single thing about these cars, even the normal Collectors Edition ???

Thanks guys!

Stephen
stephen@knt2000sCustoms.com

 

You bought a car that Rusty Wallace was in??
Sounds like a cool ride to have though.
Is it decaled up with Daytona 500 decals and stuff?

 

Yeah, it is one of the Parade Lap car that went aroud the track - each with a driver in it.

The car has all the Daytona decals, to include the large one on the door.

Mine is also a convertible (some were T-Tops) and even with a 6-speed transmission - which is rare even as a normal convertible.

That is why I want more information on the production numbers. I know mine must be low, considering the 6-speed Convertible, and the fact that it is also the Daytona Lap car.

Stephen

 

This isn't gonna help you with any of those numbers or anything.. But I was at the 2002 Daytona 500 and believe it or not... Rusty Wallace is one of my favorite drivers and I have about 5 different pictures of him riding around in your car haha...

 

Can you send me the Negitives - or prints?

Thanks!

Stephen

 

They didn't make any Firebirds or Camaros in 2003. Your car should be a 2002 model. Regardless, it sounds like a cool ride. I'm waiting to see your pics too.

 

I know, I keep typing that and I KNOW it is a 2002. I just bought it and it is BRAND NEW looking, so I keep wanting to say 2003.

If anything, it makes people read the post!

 

2003 T/A??? That sure is rare!!!



I don't think I've heard about a site for just the CE T/A's, but here's couple you might start from:

http://firebirdtaclub.com/bbs/index.sht
http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=transam

Google is your friend, too.

Good luck with your search. Sounds like a nice car!

TS

 

Thanks for the LINK's. I been getting info hear and there - but still amazed that there is very little.

I keep pulling up J Leno Stuiff

 

I may be able to help you a little bit about your car. Every NASCAR Winston Cup race i've ever attended had a fleet of about fifty shiny new vehicles that they used at the driver introductions. The cars, or ocassionally pickup trucks, would each have a person driving and a NASCAR driver in the car who would wave to the fans as he was being driven one lap around the track at slow speed. The cars would follow one behind the other around the track as the 42+ drivers were introduced. Mostly I've seen convertibles used. These cars are then sent to a GM dealers auction where dealers bid on them. The dealers then sell the cars to the public. I've seen some dealers really make a big deal about the cars history and other dealers not even mention it. At some races the cars have large decals on the doors and at some they have no markings. The NASCAR drivers never actually drive the cars but are passengers in them. I think they each represent a little piece of our racing heritage and add to the value of the car.

 

Thanks for that information. One thing about my car, that sets it aside somewhat. Not only is it that last production year, it is a parade lap Daytona 500 car, and it's a convertible, and lastly it is even a manual transmission - that is rear in a convertible most of the time.

One thing that I noticed, on J Leno's actual pace car that paced, the door decal has NO "white" circle background. Mine, and all the others that I have seen in the Dealerships in Florida are like mine.

However, after looking at the video that I shot at the Trans Am Nationals in Dayton Ohio last year, there was a convertible Collectors "Pace Car" that had the same decal as Leno’s car?! Where did that come from. I don't believe the guy was saying that it WAS the actual pace car - and there was no besides, Leno’s was a T-top car. So, was that a "pace car" decal that can be purchased from GM? I may just go to my dealer and ask that.

Thanks again,

Stephen

 

knt2000

I used to work the race weekends at North Carolina Motor Speedway in the Marketing Dept. and I even applied some of the decals on the pace cars. Mainly the lettering for the race on the doors. The cars came from Pontiac (they were GPs) with most of the graphics on the cars already but I don't think the decals were available from the dealers. I know the decals I put on came from Motorsports Designs in Charlotte. There is a guy that came to most of the events in Rockingham that actually has a pace car club for WC pace cars. All the cars in that club that showed up at NCMS were GPs, but he may be able to steer you in the right direction as far as decals/info for your T/A. Do a google search for pace car club and you'll find him. I think his website is acutally pacecarusa.com but don't quote me on that. I haven't been to "The Rock" in a year so my memory is a little fuzzy. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for that information as well.

I didn't want to confuse you, but my car STILL has the Daytona 550 decal on the door. What I was questioning, was the other guy's that I saw, with another style decal. His actually looked better, with the clear background. Mine is all within a "white" circle. Looks kind of "put on" just for the race - not like it goes with the car to stay. Know what I mean?? I have had people say, "are you going to take that decal off?"

I remember way back when I first looked at these cars. The dealer guy said that most people take these decals off. I was like, "huh????"! That is what makes the car what it is.

I am going to get some Rusty Wallace stuff to add to the car, for like when I go to the local shows, etc. Things like, maybe a Rusty Wallace jacket to lay over the seat - nothing to totally change the car and garbage it up....

Stephen

 

Congratulations on your purchase of a CETA Parade Car.

Come on over to http://www.collectorfbody.com with the rest of your CETA brethren and we will piece together any info you need on your car. I have a lot of pics of the 02 Daytona 500 race. I will have to check but i think i remember some Rusty Wallace pics.

Your lucky you got the car with the decals on them. I heard that many dealers couldn't sell the cars with the decals so they ended up taking them off and tossing them in the trash.

You have a very special CE there, take care of it!

Later