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Capitalizing on someone’s nostalgic feelings is big business – that’s how Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars sell on eBay for 25 or 50 times their original price. It’s also one of the reasons that the new Camaro SS has sold so well. It’s resemblance to the Camaro SS of old excites the emotional response in the buyers of long ago, who are now older and much more likely in a financial position to buy the top-of-the-line model. It’s a reminder of youth to that now-middle-age buyer, and smart marketing on GM’s part.
Left, the Shaker Hood package is for looks while the K&N Filtercharger is for performance. Right, The headrest inserts are embroidered with the Firebird emblem for that custom touch.
But what about those buyers who wax nostalgic for a Pontiac version? Since General Motors discontinued the Pontiac brand on October 31st, 2010, there was not an option for a Trans Am version as in the Camaro/Firebird days gone by.
That problem no longer exists, thanks to an enterprising hot-rodder in Tampa, Florida. Ronnie Setser’s Customs has been in business for over thirty years, with Setser’s most recent project culminating in a 2012 version of the Pontiac Trans Am circa 1979 – the Smokey and the Bandit days. The cars remain with “mostly” stock Camaro SS running gear and do receive a number of exterior and interior enhancements.
The cars are featuring all manner of old-school Trans Am touches, from the Shaker hoods down to the hood decals. From wheels to steering wheel emblems, Setser has thought of it all to bring this project to life. From what we can see from the shop’s website, it appears as if there are six of these cars available, so if you’re interested check out their website for more details.
As you can see from these photos of Car #3 you can see the amount of custom work that went into these machines. The end result is a nice sleek design, as we wish GM could have done.
The website also details Ronnie Setser’s history; he’s a world-renowned custom painter that has painted Tony Stewart’s Indy Car and many other “known” vehicles. His website features tons of great photos of the build process on all six cars available here, here, here, here, here, and here. If you are a Facebooker you can also check out their company page to learn more about Ronnie, his cool ideas, and some of the other projects he’s had a hand in.
And maybe even buy your very own 2012 Camarobird SS.
