SEMA: HPP Comes up with its own Trans-Am Camaro kit

The last time we heard from Heide Performance Products (HPP), the Michigan-based tuner showcased a Daytona conversion for Dodge's Challenger. Keeping with the vintage theme, HPP is now ready to show its next pony car conversion - a Camaro-based Trans-Am kit - at this year's SEMA show in Vegas.

As with all the other Firebird body kits out there (Lingenfelter's, ASC's, etc), HPP's version does its best to bring back the good-ol' days of the screaming chicken. The results, as with any "we're selling you memories" conversion, vary.

Regarding the proposition of selling this conversion (for anything other than the collectability factor), I don't see a point. Pontiac is D-E-A-D, it's not coming back, and that means anyone's "new" Trans-Am will forever be a Chevy wearing a costume. It's similar to having a Plymouth nameplate on a modern Chrysler or Dodge; the vintage naming works for the Daytona, but not for the Superbird.

Alongside HPP's Trans-Am will be a body kit for the Camaro that helps give Chevy's kinda-sorta-dated sports coupe some extra flair. Also, HPP will have a Camaro wearing an HPP T-Top kit, too. Expect more info, including pics, pricing, and power, as it becomes available.

By Phil Alex

Source: HPP , Via: Autoblog.com

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/10/sema-hpp-comes-up-with-its-own-trans-am.html?m=0

One-of-One 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge drop-top set to cross the auction block

Car auctions always have some interesting product to show off. Hell, I'm going to have to pick up my Boss '9 at one somewhere down the road, but that's beside the point. The one-of-one Pontiac GTO Judge convertible seen here is about to hit the block in a few weeks at Mecum's St. Charles Auction and here's a little something about it.

It's a triple-black 1969 GTO Judge convertible that's been documented - by the Pontiac Historical Society, no less - as a one of a kind vehicle out of 108 Judge convertibles built in the big 6-9.

Riding on redlines, this mack daddy comes with a Ram Air III-equipped 400-cubic inch (6.6-liter) V8 putting down 366 horsepower through a 4-speed tranny. Its option list includes a wood rim steering wheel, Rallye gauges, a hood-mounted tachometer (these need to come back, aerodynamics and legibility be damned), and an 8-track player.

For value's sake, the car's been through a complete restoration with almost all NOS (New Old Stock) parts and has zero miles on it since.

Man, I feel like I need to go haze some freshman just writing about this. Anyone got a case of beer and a paddle?

By Phil Alex

Link: Mecum

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-of-one-1969-pontiac-gto-judge-drop.html?m=0

Pontiac Firebird-based 308 Ferrari Replica kills two nameplates with one stone

What's the deal with cheesy Pontiac-based replicas? Every time I see one, I ask myself how anyone in their right mind would ever think it's a good idea (unless purely testing one's kit building and car chopping talents). This ebay-situated Firebird-based 308 replica can be yours for the low-low price of $6,500; if you'd like to try your luck with the auction, feel free. We won't judge either way (sinner!).

According to the ad, the 1990 Ferrari 308 Pontiac Firebird has a clean title, just about 50,000 miles, and a performance chip. Unfortunately, the oddly-proportioned Ponterarri Frankenbird is running with a V6 and an automatic (granted, that setup helps it get "35 to 37" mpg on the highway).

If anyone's interested, check out the pics and auction link below.

By Phil Alex

Link: eBay Motors

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/08/pontiac-firebird-based-308-ferrari.html?m=0