I understand why some enthusiasts strive to create a tribute to a classic that means something to them. However, some go to greater lengths than others. This 2020 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible demonstrates that approach. The seller has spent a lot of time and money transforming it into a modern tribute to the ultra-rare 1969 Pontiac Trans Am Convertible. It looks pretty amazing and is a turnkey vehicle that is guaranteed to turn heads. The time has come for the Trans Am to head to greener pastures, with the seller listing it here on eBay in East Lynn, West Virginia. Bidding sits below the reserve at $12,100, with the listing statistics suggesting the action is far from over.
The background to this Trans Am Tribute is fascinating. The seller purchased an accident-damaged 2020 Camaro 2SS Convertible. Its problems weren’t severe, but they were bad enough to earn a “Rebuilt” title. They may have initially considered faithful repairs, but the lure of creating a tribute to the ultra-rare 1969 Pontiac Trans Am Convertible proved irresistible, and with only eight of those cars ever leaving the line, the effort was worth it. After repairing this car’s panel damage, they added sheetmetal mimicking as many of the Trans Am’s design cues as possible. They elected to strip away the Chevrolet’s Red Hot paint, refinishing the exterior in Ermine White with the appropriate Blue stripes, decals, and other exterior highlights. The car looks stunning, with sparkling paint and laser-straight panels. The power top, in contrasting Black, fit as tight as a drum. My only criticism, and this is personal taste, is the wheel choice. I would probably have chosen something with more “bling,” for want of a better term. I don’t think that the Black wheels suit the car’s new appearance, although you may disagree.
Below the skin, this Trans Am Tribute is pure 2020 Camaro 2SS. Its engine bay houses a 6.2-liter V8, producing 455hp and 455 ft/lbs of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission tackles shifting duties, while the car features power steering, four-wheel anti-lock power disc brakes, and upgraded suspension for improved handling. The seller indicates that there are no mechanical issues and, aside from the low-tire warning light caused by changing wheels during the build, no post-accident gremlins. They have clocked 6,000 reliable miles since completing the build, confirming that the Camaro is a turnkey proposition.
The seller didn’t confine their attention to the car’s exterior during the build, performing a partial retrim that introduced Blue and white elements into the predominantly Black interior. It included new leather seatcovers with “Trans Am” stitched into the headrests, and matching leather on the dash, console, and armrests. Otherwise, like the drivetrain, it is pure Camaro fare that presents extremely nicely. There is no significant wear, which is unsurprising considering the mileage clocked since the build. It is also exceptionally well-equipped, with the buyer receiving climate-controlled air conditioning, power operation of the windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, cruise control, SatNav, and a heated wheel. An indication of how gentle the fender bender was that motivated the build is that not only didn’t the airbags deploy, but the system’s lights also weren’t illuminated.
I don’t doubt that this 2020 Camaro 2SS Convertible will divide opinions. Some readers will contend that with the badge now retired, preserving this classic would have been the most appropriate approach. However, others will view it as a stunning custom build and the car that inspired it as well worth commemorating. We can only speculate on the seller’s reserve, because cars of this type write their own rules. What would you be willing to pay for this faux Trans Am? It will be fascinating to discover whether any of our knowledgeable readers successfully nail the sale price. So, it’s over to you.
Yes it will turn heads, but for all the wrong reasons.
There is a reason the pictures are taken from odd angles and don’t show the whole side car in profile.
Steve R
Look again. Their is a good picture of the car from the side (in profile as you say).
JDC, there are 41 pictures, all numbered, which one of those shows the side profile of car at a 90 degree angle, front bumper to rear bumper in its entirety?
Steve R
There are over 50 pictures under the full description of the car. #28 is a perfect side view. Look again.
JDC, are you referring to the picture thats cropped in the middle of the front wheel well and just before the trailing end of the rear quarter panel? If so, that doesn’t look like a “perfect side view” to me.
Not one of those 50+ pictures shows the entire car taken from 90 degree side profile, every picture is at some sort of angle which obscures the cars proportions.
Steve R
Some people will just never admit they are wrong. Hilarious.
AHH its not a tribute!! no thanks
Next up: A VW Bug tribute made from a Smart Car. But I have to admit, I rather like this faux Trans Am.
I hate this. It’s not even an F body. Absolutely not a tribute. I had a fire breathing 69 convertible – perfectly ta optioned out 400 car w the Muncie 4spd. When GM pulled the plug, so did I. Now I have a Cobra and a 67 Eleanor. My list of Fords goes well beyond these and love them or hate them, unlike general murder, they have always been good to the following.
Still, this car does in fact stir up some emotions. The front and back are awesome and the reasons the proportions aren’t quite right is it’s not an F body. Not even the same kind of car! At all!! There are some advantages to this fantasy of make believe. The Camaro is arguably one of the 2 cars they sell that might be worth while. And only one of those comes as a manual. For me you’d have to figure in the cost of having the entire puked in interior replaced. The rules are clear – do not expect someone to pay for your expensive terrible taste.
The aftermarket for this car is as vast as your wallet likely isn’t. I think the car would be worth it if it was a 6spd. I miss my chicken, but these cars do address a ton of those shortcomings, so IDK, maybe. Only as a starting point. Not as a finished ‘turn key’ it’s just not. GLWTS
tm
I really really like this ! Looks like it was done well and combines old and new beauty seamlessly. The wheels definitely have to go, definitely needs some shiny chrome wheels to set it off and a white top.Would definitely buy this in a heartbeat!!!
Looks a lot better then that other creation a few listings ago. I like it, looks seamless from the pictures. Nice find.
Have a look at the side profile in pic 27 on the ebay listing..
Are you referring to the picture (27 of 41) that shows the taillight panel and rear wing/spoiler taken directly from behind the car? The next picture is close, but it crops out the front fender at the midpoint of the tire and the rear quarter panel just before the bumper.
Steve R
Steve I don’t see it either. Some people are just bone heads.
Why would you devalue a car like that?
The problem here is that a lot of sellers don’t turn their phones sideways to landscape mode so they end up with a narrow distorted photo – this guy has taken it to another level though as every photo is taken in portrait mode. Gotta look at your ad before hitting the “submit” button. I agree it would be nice to see a complete side view.
If only GM hadn’t killed Pontiac, they could have built something like this. Oddly, I usually hate this kind of “tribute”. But this is a cool “what could have been”. A Challenger converted to a Barracuda would be pretty cool too.
It really isn’t a tribute, more of a faux Firebird. It even includes ill-fitting pieces, just like GM cars of old.
Only slightly less embarrassing than the custom 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII from the other day.
I like this except for the rear quarters. They just look off, to bulky. And the rims just don’t match the overall presentations. But other then that, I like what they did. Haven’t research yet but are the add on Firebird bits available after market or did they prefab them.
Title now shows as a Salvage Title due to the severity of the accidents. Not sure if one can get auto insurance on a salvage title?? By the way, the door gaps look off on the photos.
Found this on Google but maybe someone here has experience with a Salvage title?
“ You cannot insure or legally drive a car with an active salvage title, as it means the vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company.To get insurance and drive it legally, the car must be fully repaired, pass a state safety inspection, and receive a rebuilt title. Even with a rebuilt title, securing coverage presents specific. “
I’ve owned 2 Buick Lucernes with salvage titles. No issues with insurance in Mn. Full coverage, too.
I have had a few “salvage title cars” all insurance companies will offer liability only. But if you can get before and after shots and have a 3rd party inspection they will sometimes offer collision coverage. I had 2 that were theft recoveries. (Fox Body Mustangs)
And once I was able to prove that situation I had no problem with insurance. At the time I had State Farm insurance and one was originally a State Farm theft claim. They wouldn’t cover a car that they already paid a total loss on. I had to go to another company for coverage on that one.
I agree with the wrong wheels this car. At first I dismissed this listing, but after taking a second look, I like it, except I think they went a little overboard on the interior. The car looks well done. Remember a tribute car does not have to copy the original. Just have some styling cues to the original. Which this one has in spades!
The ‘69 Trans Am details are spot-on, but they’re attached to a body with vastly different proportions. The vintage cues just don’t work with the modern proportions to my eyes.
no matter how you slice is it still a Camaro with a shady title
So overall there are now a total of 9 – 69 Trans Ams? I wonder how many are left?
9 – 69 Trans Am convertibles that is!
Only 8 were built. Other than some proportions a little off, I like this.
Only 8 convertibles were made. Firebirds were based on the Camaro from the beginning.
Needs a dark blue top to make it pop. Maybe some Cragars to boot.
Nice enough car, but I’d pass on it. It’s a Camaro no matter what the nose and tail look like. Now, I’d love to see a newer Challenger with the 71 Cuda treatment!
Yugly!!
I almost think i would rather drive a Pinto.
I went back and reread the sellers eBay add and he notes that it passed inspections and has a “rebuilt title”. Assuming that it could get full insurance with a rebuilt title? Anyone know? I’m not interested in the car per se but just curious how that works.
I don’t know what it is, but I like it.
Personally, I kind of like the car. The gaps between the front end and the fenders is not a good look – I’m guessing the whistle from those gaps are pretty serious! Given that this was a “salvage” automobile, I think its future was going to be pretty grim. Even if it was repaired to a better than new state, the salvage issue was going to devalue the car no matter what. That being the case, why not do something different? The only other option would have been to part it out – you might have made more money that route, but it’s at least still rolling down the highway. The proportions are definitely off, but they did do a reasonable job in mimicking the creases on the sides. IF Pontiac had survived, I don’t think the Firebird was destined to return anyway.
I like the car but the black wheels would quickly be gone if I was to buy it.
overall its a good looking car . The tail end looks odd, wrong color paint or something. I have sat in and driven modern Camaro’s , they make me feel as if I’m in a deep bath tub.
This site is increasingly becoming a joke. Explain to me how this POS is a barn find
That’s a bit of a harsh assessment don’t you think. What do you think about 6 figure Mopar Hemi’s, collector cars, foreign cars, etc.
Not every car advertised on Barn Finds has to literally come out of a barn.
Another car I don’t want to like, but I do. Someone took the time to make a front and rear treatment that looks like the ’69 Firebird that it represents. Big trouble with the Camaro is the low glass to body ratio. This was somewhat popular then but terrible on the Camaro. Nobody can see out of these. Does no favor to being a convertible.
It looks to me like the builder did a fairly decent job craftsmanship wise, but visually it just doesn’t look right.
I don’t know if they do a convertible or not, but the only place that I know of that could pull this off would be Trans Am World in Florida.
Of course, it would cost a bit more than this.
I have to laugh at all the critics on here pointing out the obvious. Ever heard the expression ‘one man’s trash is another’s treasure’? Pointing out the fitment, like when did GM out of the factory ever give a turd about that? LOL! If you want a Picaso you buy a Picaso and pay Picaso prices. If you want a Picaso print you buy a Picaso print and pay print pricing. I think for anyone looking for a fun conversation cruiser and it’s $25K or under, it’s probably cool to buy it. Accepting the fact that there are likely some quirkiness and some fixes here and there. Caveat emptor…. but at least have some fun…. life’s too short.
I have two vehicles I purchased over the last 5 years that are rebuilt title with no issues getting insurance after the insurance company did a physical inspection and it passed PA state.
Me too. I’ve bought 2 Buick Lucernes from the same guy with salvage titles. No issues with either one as far as repairs. You just want to drive them into the ground since the value for trade is poor.
No problems with insurance full coverage in Mn.
It is like a tribute band that no matter how good it is still not the original. I’d rather see a band fronted by a couple of the original members, whic I do.
That said, if this ids your bag, change the wheels. Might I suggest five spokes with machined rims? The all-black looks like steelies.
Ugly
The only real complaint I have (other than the wheels) is that I think the rear wing is a few inches too wide – needs to be narrowed to match the fenders.
I like this very much and kudos to the fabricator. I agree the wheels must go…probably replaced with rally wheels. The interior is way over the top as if it was me, I would have gone with blue interior throughout. Blue convertible top would have been nice as I believe the original TA’s top was blue. That spoiler needs to be modified to resemble the original.
I see the bidding is up to 25k a shadow of what an original ’69 convert would bring. Maybe 1 million plus?
Camaro w/ a salvage title or not, its at $25,100 now! Not bad lookin at all. Cragars & drive. Who cares what others think. For us Harley riders, we’ve put sportster tanks on rigid frames with pan or shovel head engines, put wide glide front ends on superglides.
Someone liked Trans ams & made a new one out of a sacked Camaro. Enjoy!
I think it should have the white Trans Am
rims, I think you guys know the ones just can’t think of the name of them. Sort of dress down the interior to solid blue and yes, change the top to blue.
OK, I’ll stir the pot; I think it’s fantastic. Maybe lose the fake side vents, but otherwise I’m a fan.
Well. The side vents were part of the original design.
Hmmmm… I have seen Camaro’s being turned into Trans Ams of different years and GTOs and Chevelle’s but call me crazy but this one looks like it might look half decent?
From certain angles with the top down, it doesn’t look as chunky as some of the other cars made from Camaro and would be interesting to see some better pictures or like a video from maybe 15 to 20 feet away to see what actually looks like
I 100% agree that the black wheels do not suit this car really well. I wouldn’t put 15 inch Rally II wheels on it either but something with a little more sidewall might make this kind of interesting looking.
I saw some details about this car and I guess it had some passenger rear and rear bumper damage so they turned it into something different.
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/man-rebuilds-1969-pontiac-trans-am-on-2020-camaro-2ss-platform-obvious-engine-inside-261811.html
Should not have built on a salvage title RUN RUN RUN AWAY FAST
Not a fan, but looks to be a decent remodel. Yes new/different wheels are in order. If one likes it then buy it, if not then don’t. Why crush out the person and the build. As they say there’s an az for every seat.
$30,100 is the current bid with a few days to go.