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Topic starter
06/07/2021 9:27 am
This is a new release from Ixo (and no, not a KITT/Knight Rider version). 1982 saw the introduction of the third generation Firebird, and the Trans Am was the top of the line. I like all the printed details on this one - the Trans Am script in gold, B F Goodrich Radial T/A on the tires, and even Recaro on the door handles (Recaro seats were an option you could order).
I do have a question though - on the hood's raised portion there is a golden bird insignia harkening back to the second gen cars. I've been unable to determine if this was actually offered since none of the online 1:1 pics nor replacement decal sources I found show this. Anyone know if this was real or a decision by Ixo to break up all that black paint?
06/07/2021 9:58 am
I don't see the bird in any of the factory brochures, But, here's what Wikipedia says, "The Trans Am came standard with a new incarnation of its traditional "Air Extractors" on the fenders. A dark-tinted version of the base Firebird's tail lights were fitted to the rear of the car and also featured a Silver or Gold "Phoenix" between them. Rubber "Mini-Spats" (stone deflectors) were mounted just before the front and rear wheels, and were toned down from the 70's design used on the earlier 2nd Gen Trans Am. Styled loosely after the earlier '80/'81 Turbo Trans Am, an optional "Turbo Bulge" hood was available on the Trans Am. Plans had originally been made to use a refined version of Pontiac's Turbo 4.9L engine. It was scrapped at the last minute, leaving many to speculate as to what could have been, had the engine been allowed to survive like its turbocharged companion, the Buick Turbo 3.8L V6. Despite this, the Turbo Bulge hood remained on the option list; on the Crossfire V-8, it was made functional, and even a lightweight aluminum version of this hood, "RPO T45", was available on the option list. It was a curved piece of pressed steel, and would be used in later years as the centerpiece of the Formula option. A new, smaller "Phoenix" was placed upon the Turbo Bulge hood or on the nose of flat hood equipped T/A's. The Trans Am came standard with one of the two 305 Chevy V8s. The well worn Borg-Warner four-speed manual transmission came mated only to the weak 145 bhp LG4 305ci, while the Crossfire-injected LU5 305ci rated at 165 hp came with the TH-200c automatic 3-speed transmission."
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
Topic starter
06/07/2021 10:22 am
@jkuvakas "A new, smaller "Phoenix" was placed upon the Turbo Bulge hood or on the nose of flat hood equipped T/A's. "
Thanks John!
John Merritt and John Merritt reacted
06/07/2021 11:37 am
Frank, I like the present in the back seat. Good touch!
06/07/2021 12:27 pm
Frank, I like the present in the back seat. Good touch!
That’s the hallmark Christmas ornament issued 2005. Don’t know what’s in the box, probably a couple of model cars. 😎
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
Karl Schnelle and Karl Schnelle reacted