Trans Am Tribute: 2020 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible

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.