Its average speed of 267.618 mph made the Trans Am the world’s fastest stock-bodied passenger car on gasoline. Tire testing revealed front tire failure at ~282 mph, preventing the Trans Am from reaching its goal of 300 mph.
Powered by a Gale Banks marine-based 454 ci GM engine producing about 1,700 hp, the Trans Am reached a terminal speed of 283 mph under rainy conditions at Bonneville. Working with Pontiac, the Banks Trans Am GTA was developed to break the previous record for a gasoline-powered stock-bodied passenger car that was held by Banks.
And that was on gas with ‘only’ 22 pounds of boost the twin hairdryers will generate a maximum of 38 pounds of boost!” -Hot Rod Yearbook “The three-year buildup paid off during the 38th annual Bonneville Speed Trials when the Banks ‘Bird nabbed the class win, making it the World’s Fastest Passenger Car. This record stood for the next ten years. As a result, the Banks’ team, beginning with the Hanky-Panky Studebaker in 1978, followed by the Sundowner Corvette in 1981, and finally the Twin-Turbo GTA in 1987 through 1997, held the record for the “World’s Fastest Passenger Car” for two decades.Ī Banks Power twin-turbo, 1800-hp Pontiac GTA set a new “World’s Fastest Passenger Car” speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats at 277 mph as certified by the Southern California Timing Association. Despite dozens of challenges, Banks ‘Bird held the title for 10 years.ġ987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA World Record 267.618 mphĬlocking a 277 mph, mile and a 268 mph two-way record, Banks’ 1987 Twin-Turbo, 1800 hp, gasoline-burning big block Pontiac GTA, set a passenger car standard that would stand for ten years. Other highlights include Year One Snowflake wheels, an upgraded sound system and a Vintage Air heating and cooling system.Running on nothing but straight gasoline, this Banks twin-turbocharged Firebird scorches the Salt at 287 mph to become the new World’s Fastest Passenger Car. Keeping the seventies feel, Retro Designs incorporated top-of-the-line leather and other materials of the era. A custom stainless-steel exhaust and Magnaflow mufflers are integrated to further boost performance and enhance driving response.Īs with all Retro Designs builds, the months-long restoration process was highlighted by its attention to detail, including to the interior, the company said. The new Retro Designs Firebird Trans Am is powered by a 430-hp GM LS3 mated to a 6L80E transmission, the company said.įeatured in period correct New Zealand Green paint with gold and red accents as well as Firebird livery, the Retro Design custom is supported by a Detroit Speed hydroformed subframe and incorporated modern rear suspension.ġ8-inch Continental tires allow for smooth and controlled driving in all four seasons, while Wilwood front and rear brakes and Performance Online hydropower hydraulic brake provides stopping power. Upgrades such as a GM LS3 engine allowed us to give this Firebird plenty of punch.” We felt it was really important to keep the car’s golden seventies aesthetic intact, but that didn’t prevent us from integrating modern-day firepower under the hood. “The Firebird is an incredible car for collectors with a style and swagger all its own.
“The Firebird really is a completely unique, totally cool moment in time in the history of great cars from the seventies,” said Retro Designs Owner Daniel Valjevac. Restomod builder Retro Designs has introduced its latest build, a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am.
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