"I love the fact that this is exactly how it left the factory," says Jay Leno while discussing this beautiful 1979 Trans Am. "No modifications, nothing added on, so you really get the feeling of what it was like back in 1979. This was a fast car... and it's still a fast car!" We're big fans of the Jay Leno's Garage series on YouTube, and often go back to watch our favorite episodes. This particular one, featuring a mint-condition Pontiac from the Audrain Automobile Museum, is certainly worth revisiting.

What do you do if you have two damaged cars that are beyond repair? Most people would sell them for scrap, or use them as parts donors for cars that are in better shape. The team at Tredwear had a much bolder idea: fuse the two cars together to create something truly unique. In this case, it was a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am shell blended onto the underpinnings of a C5 Corvette Z06. The result is an extremely cool wide-body muscle car with 1980s racing-inspired aerodynamic elements and graphics. Classic Industries contributed parts to this build, and we were able to get a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came together.

Over the course of more than eight decades, Pontiac produced a wide variety of memorable cars, but the Firebird and Trans Am might be the most memorable of all. These sporty two-door vehicles shared lineage with their GM F-body sibling, the Chevrolet Camaro, but exuded a bold style of their own. Today, we'll take a look back at five restoration projects that have made good use of the Pontiac parts found in our Classic Industries Firebird / Trans Am catalog.

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.

In 1977, the film "Smokey and the Bandit" hit the silver screen and took the automotive world by storm. The black and gold Trans Am Special Edition driven by Burt Reynolds quickly became one of the most iconic movie cars of all time, and inspired countless Americans to head to their local Pontiac dealers. Sales for the Trans Am skyrocketed after the film's debut. Even today, this increased demand has caused true Special Edition cars to maintain higher value. However, the availability of reproduction parts has enabled Firebird and Trans Am owners to create their own more-affordable tribute builds, such as the example seen here.

Yes, you're reading that title correctly. Although it may not look like it, this is a 1978 Trans Am. It has been heavily modified with parts from earlier and later model years, as well as a rare convertible top conversion by National Coach Engineering. It also features some custom-molded body panels and black accents on its bright red paint. The result is a truly unique second-gen Pontiac that draws a crowd wherever it goes.

It’s every car enthusiast’s dream to participate in a barnfind. We fantasize about discovering a rare, original, and highly sought-after classic car that had been stowed away in a barn, garage, or yard for decades, preserved like a time capsule from the past. Unfortunately, the reality is that these barnfinds are still old cars. They've been sitting in the same spot without use or maintenance, often for decades. So, if you come across one of these vehicles, how should you examine, repair, and restore it?

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.

Like many auto enthusiasts, Leo Logacho's love for classic cars began at a young age. Leo's father owned a Trans Am Special Edition, painted in an eye-catching metallic gold color. He loved everything about his dad's car—the vibrant paint, the hood bird decal, the wide tires, and the deep rumble of the big V8 engine.