Page 4 - Summer 2018 GMC Vintage RVing

BY JANET FREY | 1976 PALM BEACH | MILFORD SQUARE, PAGMC MOTORHOME HISTORIAN BILL BRYANT | PLEASANT VALLEY, NJ | PREVIOUS OWNER 1976 PALM BEACHThose of us who have heard the term “Trans-Am” in connection with a vehicle will no doubt think of the Pontiac Trans-Am, a sleek performance car with a large bird logo on the hood. Did you ever wonder about the inspiration for this iconic vehicle? And howdid a GMC Motorhome become part of the Trans Am Territory?The Pontiac Trans AmIn 1966, the Sports Club Car of America (SCCA) President John Bishop created the Trans-American Sedan Championship as a means for amateur racers to compete in short races all over the United States. Limits on engine displacement were intended to keep costs down and encourage safety. The series soon became known as “Trans Am” and began to attract big-name drivers and sponsors. A fierce battle emerged as manufacturers battled for supremacy on the track and in the showroom. Remember the Camaro, Barracuda, Firebird, Javelin, and Challenger? Then Pontiac named their hottest Firebird after the race series itself – Trans Am. Even though Pontiac hada successful model named after the series, its participation was spotty. They pulled out of racing in 1970 following a tragedy on the track. However, Special Projects Engineer Herb Adams assembled a group of fellow engineers to race Pontiacs on their own dime. Also, Pontiac paid SCCA a royalty of $5 for each Trans Am sold.4 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM