After years of uncertainty and the potential for it to be lost forever, the inaugural Trans Am equipped with an LS1, affectionately known as Project Gold Rush, has finally discovered a new owner.
- The first Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with an LS1 engine narrowly avoided destruction.
- Not only is it the first of its kind with an LS1 V8 but it’s also a GM development vehicle.
- Despite its “junk” title, this one-of-a-kind Trans Am sold at auction for $60,000.
Few cars capture the bombastic spirit of muscle cars quite like the final Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Recently, one of the most significant examples of this model changed hands. This particular car isn’t just the very first Trans Am to feature an LS1 V8—it’s also a factory test vehicle that narrowly avoided the crusher. Known as Project Gold Rush, its backstory is every bit as interesting as the car itself.
Every car company tests its cars before production and that’s what this was, a development test bed. In fact, under the hood, you’ll find a sticker that proves it. “Engineering and Dev Vehicle,” it says. Typically, these vehicles end up destroyed, but someone saved this one.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
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View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
This vehicle was Pontiac's tribute to the 30th anniversary of the Trans Am. It was produced in collaboration with Automotive Services Inc. and Mr. Gasket for the 2001 SEMA Show. For a period, it was included in GM’s Heritage Collection. Interestingly, the 6.3-liter LS1 V8 was worked on by Westech Automotive. Enthusiasts might recognize that this engine size is not typical for an LS1.
This engine is equipped with a forged crankshaft, pistons, rings, and connecting rods for enhanced performance. It boasts CNC-ported Lingenfelter cylinder heads, stainless steel valves, and COMP pushrods. As reported in a 2001 article in High Performance Pontiac, it produces 436 horsepower (325 kW) at the rear wheels, utilizing a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive configuration.
A Vehicle Designed for the Racetrack, Not the Road
Although the Trans Am avoided being sent to the crusher, GM assigned it a "junk" title, making it extremely difficult to register for public use. While there may be ways to circumvent this issue, potential buyers should be aware that driving this vehicle on public roads may not be feasible. Nevertheless, it appears to be an ideal choice for a weekend track toy.
After sparking plenty of interest, the Trans Am went up for auction on Bring a Trailer and closed at a hammer price of $60,000. Not too shabby of a price for a car that represents such a unique chapter in Pontiac and muscle car history, even if it can’t technically be registered or driven on public roads.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.