Page 5 - Summer 2018 GMC Vintage RVing

During the peak of the Trans Am Territory, Pontiac participation included special display models and the familiar Trans AM Traveler (GMC Motorhome).The Birth of the “Trans Am Territory”Sales increased and GM Design Vice President Bill Mitchell became aware of groups arranging special parking at the races. In the Spring of 1976, he paid a visit to the Pontiac Design Studio #2 Chief John Schinella to suggest such a spot for Trans Am owners. Schinella and his staff created a promotional program which included the name, “Trans Am Territory”, the brain-child of Pontiac Chief Designer Bill Davis and Hank Tarr’s creativity of the Trans Am Territory logo.Schinella went to Pontiac General Manager Alex Mair to pitch the program. Mair was receptive and arranged for promotional funds for signage and promotional items. Mair used his GM connections to acquire a brand-new GMC Motorhome for use as a mobile hospitality center.Pontiac Public Relations Director Stan Richards was broughtin with the challenge to maximize the impact of the Trans Am Territory. He suggested having a young professional woman and Trans Am owner from his department, Jill Rogers, handle the public relations for the events. She took on the task of sending invitations to Firebird owners ahead of each event, and would then drive the motorhome to each event. Representatives from the local Pontiac Zone offices would assist with signage and setup.In the meantime, Schinella’s group designed the paint scheme for the GMC Motorhome and was painted in the GM Design Center paint shop. The stripes and decals had only been applied to one side the day before it was to be driven to the first event. Bill Davis volunteered to take the Trans Am Traveler home that night where he and fellow Pontiac Studio Designer #2 John Folden finished applying the graphics and striping themselves!Concept drawing for the Trans Am Traveler by John Folden.To make the GMC Motorhome a more unique vehicle a front chin spoiler, wheel “fender” flares, and a rear roof spoiler were added to the coach. While the “GMC” identification was an inconspicuous “GMC” badgein the grille, the Pontiac badges were quite prominent.SUMMER 2018 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 5Bob AdamsGM Design Staff