Trans Am Nationals
Written by Keith Fudge

In the 1970s, Pontiac’s second generation F-Body became a sensation. The Trans Am achieved an almost mythical status with the help of limited production, special editions, the passion of Firebird enthusiasts themselves, and of course, that movie about the guy in the Black T/A didn’t hurt anything either.

This year, Firebird enthusiasts flocked together at the Dayton Airport Hotel in Vandalia, Ohio, for the 16th annual Trans Am Nationals, hosted by Dayton Ohio Chapter of The Trans Am Club of America. This show is a must for any Firebird fan and Dennis Gage and Hemming’s My Classic Car were there to help in the celebration.

Dennis joined Jim Pederson, Co-Chair of this year’s event. Jim said that the show was growing each year, and while the first show had 100 cars, it has now expanded to more than 500 entries with cars representing every production year from 1967-2000. Also, as previously stated, this was a show for “all things Firebird,” and not just T/As. Firebirds, Formulas, GTAs, and Firehawks were all well represented. Additionally, Jim told Dennis about the “Tech Line,” which every car must go through in order to be judged. The categories for awards range from Stock to Super Street. With all these really cool Firebirds it is easy to see why this is a great event; however, perhaps the greatest aspect of the Trans Am Nationals are the people who attend. Jim stated that there is truly a family atmosphere present at the show, and that many people come to the show year after year. More importantly, a percentage of the proceeds from the show are used to benefit the Special Wish Foundation in Dayton, and the Dayton Police Officers Fund.

Surrounded by all these ‘birds, Dennis was sky-high himself as he talked with several owners, and his first conversation made him almost believe that he was seeing double! Carl Alger is the owner of fourteen Trans Ams and for this show he brought two stunning anniversary T/As. The first that we saw was a 25th anniversary drop-top T/A, and 1 of only 250 built. The car is powered by an LT1 and is simply immaculate. Second, Carl showed Dennis a 30th anniversary convertible, equipped with Ram Air and a six-speed tranny. This bird is even more rare in that it is only 1 of 173 produced. Carl has been attending the Trans Am Nationals for eight years. Just think, he has twelve more cars that he could bring!

The next “bird of prey” that Dennis found was an incredible 1968 Firebird, owned by Jonathon Ortt. This car has been restored to its original condition from what once was an eighth-mile drag car. Restored to its Meridian Turquoise exterior, this bird sports a 400/4bbl, and classic 4-speed that is complete right down to the cue ball shift knob. Other cool features found on this Firebird include the classic hood mounted tachometer and the chrome dress-up package. The car took two years to restore and is a great example of a classic First Generation Firebird!

We have all heard about Special Edition T/As with the gold trim package, but this T/A really exceeds expectations! Dennis was overwhelmed when he talked to Eddie Barra, the owner of a 1986 Trans Am that is meticulously trimmed in 24K Gold. From the shifter to practically everything under the hood, even as well as underneath the car, as Eddie said, “Anything I could plate, I plated.” Powered by a ZZ3 crate motor, this Third Generation T/A took 1st Place in the Late Heavy Custom 82-Current Category in this year’s show. Congratulations Eddie on what is truly a Gold Special Edition T/A.

Of all the Trans Ams that have been produced, perhaps there is none more desirable to drive or own than the legendary SD-455. The “Super Duty” T/A was only produced in 1973 and 1974 and when Dennis found Steve Loudin and his SD, he definitely stopped to chat for a while. Sporting a Buccaneer Red exterior, this 1974 SD455 was optioned with a 4-speed transmission, making it one of only 212 produced. This rare T/A also comes with its own unique history as it was a two-time participant in the Cannonball Run, a coast to coast race originally developed in protest to the 55mph speed limit.

Steve noted that what makes the SD unique is that its basic premise was designed for racing, complete down to the four bolt main. Steve said that at one point during the race that he had this bird up to 155 mph and that it still had something left! In fact, the last time we saw Dennis, he was with Steve, pulling a burnout in this bad to the bone SD. This year’s Trans Am Nationals were spectacular and next year’s event promises more of the same. The 17th annual show will be held August 24-26, 2001. For more information, check the web at: www.angelfire.com/hi2/TransAmNationals.