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History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
There's an above average chance that a few of those are actually the same car with a different paint job and emblems. That GTA obviously is not a GTA, note the Recaro seats. It's likely an earlier car that got redecorated.
Someone at GM had a real hard-on for the Kammback. Paint it any color you like, it doesn't make it any less hideous.
Can't say I would want to drive this myself, but it's certainly an interesting piece of history. It's unique enough that people are either going to think it's cool or flat hate it. Friend of mine drives a hearse (as a DD) and gets the same type of response.
Keeping an eye on the thread; I'm curious to see what everyone else thinks. Would be neat if someone on the forums bought it and we got to see more pictures.
Before the SUV and Minivans the station wagon was king for families. Coming from a family of 5 kids we had a couple over the years. I was the youngest so I always got the back facing rear seat and was the kid who made faces at the drivers behind us. Wasn't nearly as fun when we pulled our travel trailer behind us though!
GM had a long history of taking production cars and making station wagons. 57 Chevy's, Malibu's, etc all got that treatment.
However the sports car was always a hard sell at corporate headquarters. From the Corvettes above to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen Camaro and Firebirds, GM or other private crafters were always tinkering with the idea.
Their most serious attempt was the 77 Firebird that they considered for a time. GM fiddled with the idea for 2 years. They started with 2 but destroyed one of them and added/deleted parts and colors several times over that time period. Ending up with a car that looked more like the 79 Trans Am. That car is still in GM's archives. Below is part of an article talking about a southern California company that sold Fiberglass kits for the conversion. They sold for around 15K. Considering the Trans Ams of the day were selling for 6-7K, that was quite a bit of cash to customize them. I saw one of these for sale in Vegas about a year ago.
To me the third gens were the least practical. It would be cool as a car show vehicle but as Drew said, its just a different hatch. What serious sports car buyer would buy one!
It really doesn't add that much room, and even in the day, would not have been a big seller. Besides who would take one the the hardware store for 2x4's and it doesn't even have back facing seats.
Sports cars are not supposed to be practical. We make them practical. Like seeing a person go into an Ikea, come out with tons of crap, and try to fit it into their tiny Miata and drive onto the 405 Freeway.
Going through a previous threat, I came across a comment that the person who owns the Kammback also owns The Twin Turbo Firebird that owned the GM track speed record. It was only beaten by the latest Corvette models. Wouldn't that be an interesting item if auctioned!
Since the 50'start GM has been toying with the idea of a wagon sports car. Greenwood & even Callaway in 2016 was building one..... all are pretty bad ideas.
Having seen the red "GTA" several times in person, it does indeed have the two-tone brown/beige RECARO seats in it. I like it better than the white one, which I believe has been restored by Scott Tiemann.
Kind of of topic here but does anyone know of a quick way to search Barret Jackson to see if there would be any thirdgens up for bid this year? Im curious to see if these cars are are making their way to the auction block
Mecum Kissimmee has a greater representation of 3rd gens. Four were under the gavel today. The best of the lot was a 89 TTA with 50k miles for $12,000. Nice deal a Camaro sold for 9.5K and the other two topped out 8k bids. The last 2 were one of the last 6 cars up today and not much was selling well then.
Coming up at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale AZ Lot # 1245
I used to think it was a white 1988 Notchback I saw at the Fisher Building in the mid 80s, but now, with this one pictured, I am thinking it was this car.
Each GM division used to display at the lobbies of various GM offices around Detroit. It was standard practice, and cool.
Wow no love for this Bandit 3 Promo '82 T/A at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale ??
I'm drooling on this car. Only 30K miles and the right "options" as everyone's FAVORITE third gen and that low VIN # W/LU5 Crossfire might = Aluminum Hood car ??
I would KILL for those N89 wheels/B.B Caps and G.E GT tires !!!!!!!
Side note. Sucks they have that STUPID reynolds cut out blocking view of that SWEET CAR !!
From Auction info:
The only owner of this Bandit-style Trans Am has been the Bandit himself Burt Reynolds. The Fox studio sticker is still on windshield. Burt Reynolds drove this car in Smokey and the Bandit 3. Burt only made a short cameo appearance at the beginning of the movie. This car was given to Mr. Reynolds by Pat Clark Pontiac in Las Vegas who handled celebrity promotions for Pontiac. This Bandit only has 29682 original miles. It comes with copy of title in Burt Reynolds name PHS paperwork and Window Sticker.
Last edited by 3rdgenparts; 01-09-2017 at 04:20 AM.
Wow no love for this Bandit 3 Promo '82 T/A at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale ??
I'm drooling on this car. Only 30K miles and the right "options" as everyone's FAVORITE third gen and that low VIN # W/LU5 Crossfire might = Aluminum Hood car ??
I would KILL for those N89 wheels/B.B Caps and G.E GT tires !!!!!!!
Side note. Sucks they have that STUPID reynolds cut out blocking view of that SWEET CAR !!
From Auction info:
The only owner of this Bandit-style Trans Am has been the Bandit himself Burt Reynolds. The Fox studio sticker is still on windshield. Burt Reynolds drove this car in Smokey and the Bandit 3. Burt only made a short cameo appearance at the beginning of the movie. This car was given to Mr. Reynolds by Pat Clark Pontiac in Las Vegas who handled celebrity promotions for Pontiac. This Bandit only has 29682 original miles. It comes with copy of title in Burt Reynolds name PHS paperwork and Window Sticker.
I'd love a true stock low mile black/TA just like this but without paying an extra $20,000 from Burton Reynolds name attached to it.
12-07-2016, 01:39 AM
