The Cars of Trans-Am Racing, 1966-1972

David Tom

Jan 2013 · CarTech Inc

About this ebook

The SCCA Trans-Am Racing Series launched in 1966, and was designed to showcase a new class of sporty domestic cars racing on road courses. In a few short years it became the ultimate American automobile showdown, as each major automotive manufacturer participated heavily in the Trans-Am Series. When the modified muscle cars of the series were seen performing well on the country's finest tracks, fans wanted a model of their own in the driveway. These "pony" cars boasted a new look and style not seen before, and their all-around performance eclipsed anything accomplished by production-based American GT cars to this point.

The Cars of Trans-Am Racing is unique in that it focuses on the cars used in this legendary series. These vintage Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, Barracudas, Firebirds, Cougars, and Javelins all have become extremely popular with collectors and enthusiasts today. Seeing them in their 'full-competition' versions when they were new will bring back many fond memories for those who were fans of this series. In addition, enthusiasts who enjoy these cars today look to the Trans-Am Series cars for styling inspiration and performance hints as part of the growing Pro Touring trend.

Many of these historic cars have been restored to race-ready condition once again. Additional insight and interviews from the original builders and the teams who maintained the cars provide an insider's viewpoint never before seen in print.

About the author

David Tom is the Founder and Registrar of the Historic Trans-Am Registry. He has also owned more than ten historic Trans-Am Camaros, including the 1968 Smokey Yunick car, the Chaparral Camaro of Jim Hall, and one of the 1968 Penske/Donohue Camaros. Additionally, David restores historic racing cars in his Apache Junction, Arizona headquarters. He recently finished the restoration of Bud Moore's 1966 Mercury Comet, just in time for it to be on-hand for Moore's induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.