It's an unfortunate fact that many of us have owned classic cars we've had to sell for one reason or another. Maybe money got tight, family and work obligations took priority, or we simply ended up with more project cars than we had time for. It's always hard to say goodbye to these vehicles, but on some rare occasions, they'll come full-circle and return to us at a later date. Such was the case with Jim Spears and his 1975 Trans Am, which has a story that's almost as cool as the vehicle itself.

As production of the groundbreaking first-generation Pontiac Firebird wrapped up after three successful years, GM would continue to sell the original F-body cars throughout 1969 and into the earlier months of 1970. Then, partway through the year, the automaker introduced the second-generation Firebird. As a result, some would call this new car a "1970 1/2" model.

The name Firebird implies an avian creature with mythical capabilities, and the name Firehawk takes that bird's capabilities to the next level. A hawk doesn't just glide effortlessly through the air, it actively hunts down its prey. With this in mind, Firehawk is a fitting name for a special line of Pontiac vehicles that took the Firebird to a higher level of performance.

Growth from Necessity

The saying: “Necessity is the mother of invention” is true in so many of life’s scenarios, and has had an continuous impact on society. Where would civilization be without the wheel? Where would technology be if it weren’t for Bill Gates and Steve Jobs? Where would the exotic car world be if Ferruccio Lamborghini didn’t have his “unpleasant customer experience” when he tried to get his Ferrari fixed? Well, that last example was more about needing to “stick it” to someone rather than to build a car—but he still changed the automotive world!

In 1980, Pontiac made the difficult choice to drop all large-displacement engines from its Firebird and Trans Am lines as a result of increasing emissions restrictions. This made 1979 the "last hurrah" for the 400ci V8 and 403ci V8. The following model year, they were replaced by the 301ci Turbo and 305ci motors.

This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am belongs to Alfredo Chavarin, of Corona, California. Alfredo has owned the car for about six years, after buying it from the previous owner in decent mechanical condition. The California sun had done a number on the Pontiac's paint, so Alfredo proceeded with a full frame-off restoration.

The Trans Am was repainted in its original shade of silver, and new decals from the Classic Industries Firebird & Trans Am catalog were applied. Alfredo says he still needs few minor parts, including replacement grill hardware, but the project is coming along nicely. He also plans to install a set of reproduction 17-inch wheels for a modernized look.

Be it your ’57 Bel Air, or Hemi Road Runner, classic vehicles have become more than just mere transportation…they’re investments. While car insurance is protection for your transportation—trying to get a standard run-of-the-mill insurance company to protect your “investment” can be problematic, at best.  As some would say in the medical field: You need a specialist.

Classic Industries Understands Collector Car Enthusiasts

Classic Industries understands the needs of enthusiasts, and are experts in filling the gap when there’s a need for high-quality parts and accessories. So, when it comes to insurance for your classic car, who better to understand the issues associated with classic car insurance, than Classic Industries? Using their vast experience, they have developed the Classic Industries Collector Car Insurance Program.

We're often asked what shows and events Classic Industries attends, and in the past that list was short due to other pressing commitments. However, we're glad to announce that we'll be attending several new events in 2017! Keep an eye on our Events & Appearances section for more upcoming opportunities to meet us.

Every classic car restoration project has a starting point. Sometimes it's a rusty basket case sitting on cinder blocks in a backyard, other times it's an excellent-condition survivor that just needs a few replacement parts. More often than not, projects start somewhere in between these extremes, with a running and driving car or truck that's a little rough around the edges.

When you really think about it, classic car parts are simply a precise amalgamation of metal, rubber, plastic, vinyl, and wood. The essential elements of authenticity, fit, and attention to detail also come into play, but a part is little more than a cool-looking paperweight until it's actually put to use.

Dan Svegliato, of Long Beach, California, is a die-hard classic car guy. When he pulled into our Retail Showroom parking lot in the stunning 1968 Pontiac Firebird seen here, we started talking, and Dan began rattling off his previous project cars. Among them were a '67 Firebird, a '70 429 Cobra Jet Ranchero, and a Texas Highway Patrol Mustang designed for high-speed pursuits.