The powerplant in Chuck's Trans Am is the standard L78 400, which produces 185 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, but don't get caught up in the seemingly low output. This machine is smooth and cool, but when you dump the clutch and power is transferred through the Super T10 four-speed to the 3.23-geared Posi rear, it throws you back in the seat.
Chuck learned this the hard way after being exhorted to "light'em up" by hotel-balcony onlookers at a show in 2007. He had embarked on the Trans Am's longest trip ever (over 200 miles) to the Fall 2007 Car Classic in Wildwood, New Jersey. "It handled like a dream," he recalls.
Unfortunately, Wildwood's finest were also watching. After pulling him over for exceeding the speed limit while chirping the Second-gear shift to please spectators, the sympathetic officer cited him for no seatbelt instead of the much more expensive reckless driving charge. Chuck affectionately refers to the summons as his "$46 Second-gear trophy."
Today the Trans Am is complete and Chuck has enjoyed parading the local show circuit ,where, incidentally, he has done quite well. "I love the feeling and the looks I get while driving my T/A," He quips. "It's powerful, it has perfect paint thanks to Artie, and it makes me feel like a teenager again."
Who knew that a chance meeting during a photo shoot of another T/A would lead to getting Chuck's '76 finished and into the same magazine? Pontiac karma I guess.
SE Trans Am Features* Hurst Hatch roof with dark panel glass (643 units)* Gold Honeycomb wheels* Gold grille surrounds* Gold headlamp bezels and 50th Anniversary insignias on front fenders* Gold exterior Firebird emblems* Gold striping* Gold aluminum-swirl instrument panel* Gold Firebird emblem on steering wheel and gold spokes on Formula wheel* Black windowsill and backlight molding* Black chrome exhaust tips (very rare)* Gold Firebird door emblems
Minor rust repair and fresh...
Minor rust repair and fresh paintwork were performed by Artie Philipp, who has had two '70 1/2 T/As grace past HPP covers. Reproduction graphics were sourced from Stencils and Stripes.
Honeycomb wheels were repainted...
Honeycomb wheels were repainted prior to Chuck buying the SE, and they are shod with 225/70R15 BFG rubber.
SE gold extended to the wings...
SE gold extended to the wings of the bird on the medallions that covered the holes for the window cranks in the door panels when power windows were ordered.