When I think of the pure awesomeness of America I first think of the usual stuff like bald eagles and apple pie. After that, I think of the SCCA Trans Am series circa about 1970. Was there ever a cooler and more exciting display of badass drivers and badass machines than these storied pony car battles? With our little celebration of Americana this month, I thought I’d round up the legendary cars of SCCA Trans Am and have you guys pick your favorite.
Some of these nameplates have vanished into automotive history, while others are still going strong here in year 2013. Whatever the case, I don’t think we’ll ever again see racing like we did with SCCA Trans Am in the late ’60s and early ’70s.
Now comes the difficult task of picking your favorite machine of the Trans Am series.
Ford Mustang Boss 302
It makes sense to lead with the original Pony Car, the Ford Mustang. By the time the Trans Am series reached its peak, the Mustang had been developed into a very potent road racing machine. The Boss 302 version of the Mustang was of course a specific result of Ford’s Trans Am efforts.
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Following hot on the heels of the Mustang comes the Camaro. The Camaro has always been the Mustang’s chief rival, and there was no better head to head matchup of the two than in the Trans Am series. As with the Boss 302, the high winding Camaro Z/28 was also a direct product of Trans Am homologation rules.
Dodge Challenger T/A & Plymouth Cuda AAR
The third major player in the Pony Car wars was Chrysler with its Dodge Challenger T/A and Plymouth Cuda AAR. While the E-bodies may be known for the giant Hemi and 440 6-pack engines, these small block powered race cars quickly established themselves with the help of names like Sam Posey and Dan Gurney.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Although it wasn’t nearly as common as its Chevy cousin, the Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am could also be seen in the series with drivers like the late Jerry Titus. Pontiac didn’t invest the same amount of time and money in Trans Am as other makers, but it still chose to name the hot version of the Firebird after the series – something which continued until the car’s demise in 2002.
AMC Javelin
Last but not least, we have the AMC Javelin. Often seen as an underdog to the big three, the iconic red white and blue Javelins quickly made a name for themselves in Trans Am through the efforts of Penske Racing and drivers like Mark Donahue and Peter Revson.
So, which will it be?
-Mike
[polldaddy poll="6965619"]
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
All of these cars are winners but there is a special place in my heart for the TA. My second choice would be the Boss 302 for sure! When I think of muscle cars racing, THIS is exactly what comes to mind for me!
Damn, some of my favorite racing to watch in the 70s. Didn't hurt that I live in Riverside. Watching these machines blast up through the esses was just awesome. Not like the brutes from NASCAR, these cars hit them with finesse. Favorite? Anything with Sunoco and #6 on it (Javelin/Camaro). Mark Donahue was the man, gone too soon. He should have stayed retired, but alas, the allure of F1 was too much. Second would have to be the Mopars as I loved underdogs (and I drove a '74 Challenger).
Datsun 510 is my trans-am hero. Small bore class!
Under 2.5 liter class, BRE cars were outstanding, with John Morton at the wheel. Good memories
@Gomez85 amazing you got to see such legendary cars at such a legendary circuit! riverside RIP
@RodChong @Gomez85 The only "advantage" in being my age
Seen IMSA GTP, NASCAR, SCCA, AMA Superbikes, the Mickey Thompson Off Road races. Never made it to the CanAm races...my loss.
@Gomez85 ahh well I saw Transport Am in the Group 5 era and GTP too but not at Riverside!
@Gomez85 ahh well I saw Trans Am in the Group 5 era and GTP too but not at Riverside!
Favourite period of American racing. Bar none. Can't pick!
Surprised! I thought for sure it would be between the Stang and the Camaro...
High res photos please
Trans Am or Can Am...very very difficult decision.
Both ran at Mosport so both are very well known here.
(As far as Trans Am, AMC first vote and Chevy second vote).
(In Ontario Canada).
Trans Am or Can Am...very very difficult decision.
Both ran at Mosport so both are very well known here.
(As far as Trans Am, AMC first vote and Chevy second vote).
(In Ontario Canada).
If I was at one of my car club meetings this discussion could go on for hours.
If I was at one of my car club meetings this discussion could go on for hours.
how about the under 2,5 class
how about the under 2,5 class
@Gomez85 I saw Can-Am and some Trans-Am at Riverside too! That place saw some legendary action, and we were very fortunate in SoCal to have it!
@Gomez85 I saw Can-Am and some Trans-Am at Riverside too! That place saw some legendary action, and we were very fortunate in SoCal to have it!
@tenpennyjimmy I wonder if the Challenger having the coolest shot has biased the voting?
@tenpennyjimmy I wonder if the Challenger having the coolest shot has biased the voting?
@ComJive Some awesome cars and drivers there too, but since we are celebrating Americana I kept this limited to the big bore machines
@ComJive Some awesome cars and drivers there too, but since we are celebrating Americana I kept this limited to the big bore machines
I went for the Challenger and the Cuda, but may I ask why they were included together instead of separate?
I went for the Challenger and the Cuda, but may I ask why they were included together instead of separate?
'Cuda AAR all the way!
'Cuda AAR all the way!
Love the Dodge but have a soft spot for the Javelin
I see Sam Poseys car every time I go up to sears point.
@D1RGE EXE @Gomez85 cool. Hey you coming out to FD LB?
During this era I would have to go with the Challenge. I would love to own one of those right now. Just not in the budget
That Challenger looks giant compared to the rest of the pack!
Can I vote for the 1989 Audi 200 quattro? That was by far my favorite Trans-Am car.
If it has to be over 40 then I choose Dan Gurney's Challenger. Sam Posey's is the most photogenic but the blue 48 looks mean!
If it has to be over 40 then I choose Dan Gurney's Cuda. Sam Posey's is the most photogenic but the blue 48 looks mean!
@RodChong @D1RGE @Gomez85 Naw, my Saturday to work at my local Honda parts desk
Voting for the AMC Javelin simply because my father had a 74 Javelin AMX. I miss that thing...It certainly had a good bit to do with my love for cars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwp-i_OCO1k
IF YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT WAS UP WITH TRANS AM RACING, MUST WATCH!
If you like these cars, read "Sunday Driver" by Brock Yates.