1980 PONTIAC TRANS AM FIRE-AM VSE BY HERB ADAMS 455

Pontiac Trans Am Fire-Am by VSE

Presented for your consideration is an original Pontiac Trans Am with over-the-counter parts by Herb Adams Fire-Am specifications. It features a fresh Pontiac YE 455 (7.7 Litre) featuring #96 portedheads, Harland Sharp Roller Rockers, ARP Fasteners,cam package, Edelbrock Intake with a Holley Double Pumper, and Ram Air III exhaust manifolds tied to an X-piped stainless steel dual exhaust system with factory splitters. Further details include power disc brakes, power steering, coupled with a new 4 core radiator to keep things running reliably. Further updates include anew gas tank, sending unit, brake and fuel lines, and all new anodized rotors which enhance the original driving experience.

Running gear includes a very stout TH-350, 3,100 stall convertor, and the GM 10 bolt 8.5” rear end sporting 3.73:1 gears with Safe-T-Track differential. The lowered suspension is hung on a powder-coated sub-frame and benefits from everything new to include solid urethane bushings, gas shocks, over-sized performance sway bars with spherical ends, and a full complement of production tags. A detailed driveshaft transmits power all the way down to the iconic yet modernized 17x9 Pontiac Snowflake wheels wrapped with B. F. Goodrich G-Force tires.

The all new interior features the optional high-end Hobnail black cloth seats, headliner, VSE leather wrapped steering wheel, engine-turned appointments, AM/FM radio, door panels, carpet, and console with electric windows. Updated A/C keeps the cabin cool, while the car does the rest!

BACKGROUND ON VSE (VERY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT)

Herb Adams, the father of the WS4 and Trans Am Programs, kicked off the tuner car craze well before anyone recognized it as such. Starting with a wide array of over-the-counter Pontiac parts, he developed his products through VSE (Very Special Equipment) and offered (8) them initially through the company, then on through Pontiac dealerships (much like SLP did with the Firehawk). Many were intended to participate in the IROC road racing series (Trans Am namesake) and only added to the Trans Am following. These optional updates enhanced the already capable Trans Am, morphing it into the ultimate- Firebird America, or Fire-Am! In 1980, Herb drove his Fire-Am to the 24 hours of Daytona and raced it against some of the top brands in the automotive industry. After 19 hours, his engine failed, ending his run.

The exterior is adorned with VSE Fire-Am graphics, created by Screaming Chicken Engineer John Schinella, letting everyone know that this isn't an ordinary Bandit bird. The Fire-Am, short for Firebird America, was Herb Adams venture in into the world of the Trans Am racing, with his sights set on the 24 Hours of Daytona. He drove his 1980 Fire-Am to the track in 1980, ran hard for 19 hours, only having to stop due to catastrophic engine failure. He was competing with brand name cars, namely Ferrari, Corvette, and Porsche - using a factory Pontiac 455! Imagine what might have happened if he had brought it to the track on a trailer!

IMPRESSION

This is a very capable car that doesn't rely only on just its looks. The 455 Pontiac now yields 469 (7.7 litres), producing well over 500 lb. ft. of torque. The Holley 750 feeds the beast through the functional shaker scoop, down through the ported roller rocker heads, while spent gases flow through the Ram Air III manifolds and down a 2 1/2" X-piped traverse exhaust system and out the splitters. The lowered stance, coupled with over-sized sway bars and sub-frame connectors, make the hardtop coupe a car that is responsive to the driver. The VSE leather wrapped steering wheel provides comfort while driving. Shift the gears through the optional Hurst Dual Gateshifter to get things moving. The transmission has been enhanced with stronger internals and a 3,100 stall convertor, all leading back to a 3.73:1 Safe-T-Track rear end. The battery is located in the trunk, offsetting the weight of the driver and helping to obtain better traction. The factory 15 inch wheels have been replaced with beautiful 17x9 Snowflake wheels, shod with BF Goodrich rubber. The net result is a comfortable drive under normal circumstances; smokier events are very likely with a press of the gas pedal. Take it to a car show - most people will appreciate its beauty; some will actually understand its significance.This Pontiac is one of the most unique cars around - exclusivity and capability!

SUMMARY

This car is not for everyone - it is unique in appearance and capability. It will fair very well at shows, yet perform equally as well at the track. It has spent over 2 years in an air conditioned bay, seeing daylight only on nice sunny days with limited mileage. If you are interested, please know that it won't go for $20k.....if you've ever restored one of these cars to a nice level, you'll get the idea. You are more than welcome to have an independent appraiser view the car - please coordinate well in advance so we can work with them.If you would like additional pictures, please specify what you would like to see and we will try to provide them to you. Keep in mind that E-bay limits the number that can be sent.

Documentation includes PHS, a plethora of receipts, and over 500 photos during restoration.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Bid to buy the car - if the reserve is met, it will sell. Get your financing in order BEFORE you bid - there is nothing more frustrating to a seller than when a buyer is wasting their time. The winner will be required to provide a $500 deposit via PayPal that is NON-REFUNDABLE, but will be applied to the final cost of the car when pick-up/transfer is completed. The remainder of the balance due will be required in cash, or at a Suntrust Bank with a direct wire-transfer conducted by a bank official. The title will be transferred at that time only. I will be more than glad to assist in loading it on a private or commercial transport carrier, but again, only AFTER all funds are cleared. A Bill of Sale will be provided with the clear Florida title; no license plates will be transferred.

The car is available locally and may end prior to the auction ends.