I've always wondered this. Is a Trans Am technically called a "Firebird Trans Am" like for instance like "Mustang Cobra" Or is it just Pontiac Trans Am? I've always wondered this & have nothing else to do lol. I'm pretty sure it's technically called Firebird Trans Am but I could be wrong so yeah........
Same as Mustang / GT, Fiero / GT, Camaro / Z28, and so on.
The "official" model term would be... Pontiac Firebird Trans AM. (make, model, performance model designation)
On the vehicle title it will state Firebird, never Trans AM, because it's a Firebird.
On the other hand, some performance options on some models actually change the model designation officially.
Lemans / GTO, Skylark / GS, Regal / Grand National, and so on.
Even though they are the same basic model like the first example, and are a performance add-on, those vehicles were assigned a totally different model name.
Interesting enough... you can have 3 same models, 3 same performace packages, while only 2 keep the orignal name, the other gets a new name. Turbo G-Body is a perfect example. Base model starts as a Regal. If you order the turbo drivetrain, HD suspension, and other items, it remains a Regal on the car and on the title. Even if you order the T-Type performance package that comes standard with all that, it still is a Regal on the car and on the title. But if you order a Grand National, the same car with the same options, because of it's "one way only" apperance package, it becomes a Grand National on the car and on the title..... even though it's still a Regal.
[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 12-19-2004).]
The Trans Am is named after the SCCA Trans Am (Trans-American) racing series. Pontiac actually paid the SCCA a royalty for the use of the name for every TA ever sold. When the 82 was coming out, they considered changing the name from Trans Am to "T/A" so they wouldn't have to pay the royalty anymore. Luckily, they didn't.
I don't remember there being any "SE" Trans Ams in name. There were various special editions that were noted in paperwork as SE, but I don't think SE was on any of the cars. If someone knows otherwise, please speak up.
I don't remember there being any "SE" Trans Ams in name. There were various special editions that were noted in paperwork as SE, but I don't think SE was on any of the cars. If someone knows otherwise, please speak up.
I know in 1982 at least, there was the base Firebird with the duke, the Firebird SE with a V6, the Trans Am, and the Recaro Edition Trans Am.
Ahh yes, very nice indeed... allow me to introduce the 2 time season winner and back to back champion!
hehe
The race cars are pictured on the display board in that photo. Here is a quote from the display...
1971: Mark Donohue wins final 6 races in a row and 7 out of 9 to become the Trans-Am Champion. In the final race of the season, all 3 Javelin's finished in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places completely dominating the competition and making AMC the season winner among all manufactures.
1972: Back to back Champions! Roy Woods and ARA would campaign the Javelin's backed by AMC dealers. George Follmer drove the red-white-blue Javelin's to give American Motors it's second Trans-Am Championship.
In 5 short years the Javelin made it's mark. Those years are fondly remembered as the Trans-Am glory days.
Profile? In 20 years... Auto Detailing, Auto Body, Classic & Antique Restorations, Mechanic, Engine Performance Specialist, Porsche-Jaguar Tech, Wholesaler, Sales, Vehicle Vinyl Graphic Design, Independent Full Service Repair Shop, and hard-core auto / aviation enthusiast... now searching for a new career. What a ride!
[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 12-20-2004).]
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02:17 AM
PFF
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rogergarrison Member
Posts: 49601 From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio Registered: Apr 99
You can even add WS6 or Ram Air to the end of that
SE as Ive seen it used in 30 years, means 'special edition' which really didnt mean anything special at all...they were usually just using up left over parts from previous year model. I found this out when working for an RV dealership. They use the SE quite a bit and thats what several manufacturers told me. ie/ they make miles of graphics and when they have some left over at the end of a model run, they slap it on a bunch with some of the same optioned ones and just called it ' SE '. So its more of a marketing ploy than any 'specially built' vehicle.
GTO = Gran Turismo Omologato GT = Gran Turismo (GT Racing) SE = Special Edition TA = Trans Am (Pontiac automobile model)
For the most part they have little meaning, for example whats the difference between an Escort and an Escort GT. Who cares, they're both junk. Other than that it is commonly an accessories package. Sometimes it has more meaning in a performance package. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't all the Fiero GT's 86-88 have the fastback but the other models are notchie's?
[edit] I also thought that all GT's had a V6.
[This message has been edited by -=shame=- (edited 12-20-2004).]
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10:41 AM
Fformula88 Member
Posts: 7891 From: Buffalo, NY Registered: Mar 2000
There IS a difference in the engines, though, right? Can you have a Fiero with a V-6 that ISN'T a SE or GT? (or "Formula"?)
I believe you are right, that all V6 Fieros were SE's, GT's, and Formula's. However, an SE wasn't automatically a V6. The Fiero SE option had different meanings depending on the year.
The first SE's were 1984's, which of course had the iron duke as an engine. Essentially it was a sport option package that include the uplevel WS6 suspension. The body was the same as the base coupe.
In 1985, there were Fiero SE 2m4's and Fiero SE 2m6's. Both had the WS6, but the V6 (in the 2m6) was a stand alone option. Again, it had the same body as the base coupe.
For 86/87 the SE used the Aero nothcback front and rear fascia from the 84 Indy and 85 GT since the actual GT's moved to the fastback bodystyle. I believe the duke was available in SE's from both of these years too.
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12:21 PM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
I know in 1982 at least, there was the base Firebird with the duke, the Firebird SE with a V6, the Trans Am, and the Recaro Edition Trans Am.
Correct, but there was never a "Trans Am SE", it was a Firebird S/E. There is documentation of a Trans Am SE in the '70's that refers to special edition packages, but the SE never appeared on the car, to my knowledge. That's what I was referring to.
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12:25 PM
Oreif Member
Posts: 16460 From: Schaumburg, IL Registered: Jan 2000
SE for the Fieros means nothing. It is just letters that add to the price. The GT for the Fiero is also without meaning.
Actually the do mean something. They designate the trim level and standard options level. On SE's there were options not available on the "Base" or "Sport coupe" and some options on the lower models that were standard on the SE. The same goes for between the SE and GT models. Pontiac started the "special/sport" and "luxury" trim level designations back in 1969. The Grand Prix's had "LJ" and "SJ" models. In the early 80's the trim/option desiganations were more widely used. Example: the 1982/1983 Firebirds came with a 2.5L "Iron Duke" 4-cylinder standard, The Firebird SE came with a High Output 2.8L V-6, and the Firebird Trans Am had a V-8. Even other manufacturers did the same thing. Mustangs came with a 4-cylinder, The LX had a V-6, (V-8's were an option as well) and the GT had a V-8.
GTO = Gran Turismo Omologato GT = Gran Turismo (GT Racing) SE = Special Edition TA = Trans Am (Pontiac automobile model)
In GT racing, there also used to be the GTO and GTU categories. If your engine was over 3.0 liters displacement, it was classified as GTO. If the engine was under 3.0 liters, it was classified as GTU.
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05:46 PM
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DelawareFiero Member
Posts: 1050 From: Tod vor Schmach!! Registered: Apr 2004
I don't know about the Blackbird thing but I know there was a 2nd generation Firebird called the "Skybird" and was only a limited production. It was really cool looking, and has blue rims & etc. Wish I had a picture of it.
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02:46 AM
mcaanda Member
Posts: 3652 From: Grand Junction Colorado Registered: Mar 2003
lol. I'm pretty sure it's technically called Firebird Trans Am but I could be wrong so yeah........
