2010 Pontiac Trans Am - Phoenix Rising... Again

Todd and Kevin spoke at the various Bandit Runs and the T/A Nationals, and he regularly asked how the project was coming. On the 2009 Bandit Run in May, Kevin told him a company was working on developing the kit for the Camaro, and he became even more interested.

An outside party approached Todd about doing a different T/A kit. Feeling that Kevin should get the first kit to market given the work that he had already done, Todd called him and offered to build the Concept T/A on his own time, provided Kevin could get a Camaro SS to him in Nebraska. (Coincidentally, Kevin's daughter Alli was born on the same day Todd called-May 20, 2009.

Upon hearing the news that Todd Otto was offering to build a fully operational Kevin Morgan Concept T/A, Tod Warmack got right to work on finding a Camaro SS. Having the foresight to realize that the Concept T/A was to be one-of-one-since the production versions would be called Phoenix T/As and would have changes to the body kit-he contacted Devoe Moore, who owns the Tallahassee Automobile Museum (www.tacm.com). Devoe agreed to buy a Camaro SS that would become the basis for the Concept T/A and, ultimately, a permanent display at his museum. The primary players were now in place.

Sam McCaughey, Kevin's high school art teacher and mentor, said of the 3 1/2-year project, "It's like magic in slow motion." While the phrase certainly is apropos, "slow" could no longer be part of the game plan.

After an exhaustive search, Tod was finally able to secure a Camaro SS with the LS3 and six-speed manual from a California dealer, and on June 26, 2009, Todd Otto took delivery in Nebraska. The group had just eight weeks to do what no one had yet accomplished: build a '10 Trans Am concept from a '10 Camaro, and do it in time to make the scheduled debut at the T/A Nationals on August 29, 2009.

Learn how it was done in Kevin Morgan's, Tod Warmack's, and Todd Otto's own words in this exclusive HPP interview.

High Performance Pontiac: How was the Kevin Morgan Concept T/A received at the Trans Am Nationals, and what other opportunities have presented themselves?

Kevin Morgan: The T/A Nationals debut was amazing. People went crazy over the car. It was like dreaming while I was still awake. Even legendary Pontiac designer John Schinella checked it out and complimented the T/A Concept.

Tod Warmack: Yes, the public response was fantastic, and the overall buzz generated about the car has been huge. We were even approached by a production company that is interested in the Phoenix T/A for a movie. It's a suspense thriller, and the company wants a "hero car" (four vehicles). It's asking for some changes to the look, but those are all the movie details I have right now as it's still in the planning stages.

HPP: Have you gotten licensing from GM and/or the SCCA to use the Pontiac symbol or the Trans Am name? TW: We only did that for the concept car. It was our way of honoring an old friend. The conversions will be badged as "Phoenix T/A." KM: Since the Concept T/A will not be sold and it's a one-off, it shouldn't cause any problems.

HPP: When will production versions of the Kevin Morgan Phoenix T/A hit the streets? TW: At this point, Kevin and I speak constantly as we put together the plan to complete the kit. The introduction is scheduled for early 2010. However, we are offering one-offs designed for those who'd rather have a hand-crafted limited edition. Since we plan some changes for the production models, the "hand-crafted" Phoenix T/As will have their own identity.

HPP: Can you detail the production changes?
TW: Though we are still working on them, we can tell you that the Phoenix T/A will have a slightly more squared-off rear with totally new taillights. It will be closer to Kevin's original design, and from our point of view, more installer friendly. The Concept T/A has lots of custom work on the rear that isn't practical for production.