[Hesster1977]

I have a stash of Pontiac Documentation to share with Forum readers, makes for some great reading, and brings back memories.

As I post this stuff, feel free to weigh in with your car, stories, or memories.

Lets start with the History of Pontiac, Thunder Am Mag, Dec 1980.

[Hesster1977]

Thunder Am Mag, Dec 1980.

Burt Reynolds, The Bandit

[Hesster1977]

Tom - I still am amazed at the Kahuna's GM had back then to release Aluminum Exhaust Manifolds. Exciting times.

Having worked at GM in Warren Tech Center for 30 years, things got more and more "conservative" in the 80's. Emissions choked 200 hp powertrains were the norm.

Things did not really get exciting until Corvette put out the first 400HP engine (Merc Marine DOHC) in 1990. Wow back then - 400 HP! I worked for the Corvette Platform back then and that was a really big deal.

Eventually the new norm in the Preproduction Prototype Shop was 600 hp CTSV's, ZR1 Super Vette's. and the ZL1 and Z28 Camaros. I remember when they were started up after final assembly with a roar we would all pause for a moment and pay homage.

Nowadays, a Whipple SC on a LS3 Camaro gets you 700 HP with room to spare, idles all day - with the AC blasting.

[Hesster1977]

The legendary SD455.
Who wouldn't give their left n__ to own one?
Part 1 here

[HoovDaddy]

Originally Posted by Hesster1977

The legendary SD455.
Who wouldn't give their left n__ to own one?
Part 1 here

When I started at Shaffo Pontiac in Royal Oak after Royal shut down they had a brand new '74 SD Formula sitting in stock well into 1974 when Fresard took over the dealer. I remember it was white, with a blue vinyl top and a white/blue interior. I don't remember the trans. As ugly as it was I wanted to buy it, but at $7,400 I couldn't live with the colors and I figured I would be too upside down redoing a brand new car. I had a '73 GP at the time and was happy with it. It finally sold as the '75 models came out, not sure what it sold for. The VIN on it was handy to order SD engine parts at the time.

[johnta1]

When I started at Shaffo Pontiac in Royal Oak after Royal shut down they had a brand new '74 SD Formula sitting in stock well into 1974 when Fresard took over the dealer. I remember it was white, with a blue vinyl top and a white/blue interior. I don't remember the trans. As ugly as it was I wanted to buy it, but at $7,400 I couldn't live with the colors

You mean there was more than one?








(critter's old 74 SD TA)

[HoovDaddy]

Originally Posted by johnta1

You mean there was more than one?

Yep, but it was a Formula. And picture it with white seats/door trims and baby blue dash, console and carpet.

[johnta1]

You wouldn't still have the VIN for it? (or PHS)

[HoovDaddy]

Originally Posted by johnta1

You wouldn't still have the VIN for it? (or PHS)

No. You couldn't order SD parts back then unless you had a VIN. We had about 8 VINs that we used for guys that were building engines piece by piece.

[Hesster1977]

More with Mr. Jim Wangerson the GTO.
~ Wango - Tango - but still good history.

[TRADERMIKE 2012]

Originally Posted by Hesster1977

More with Mr. Jim Wangers on the GTO.
~ Wango - Tango - but still good history.

Mikes Reply:

Wangers Racing Days Here.

[Hesster1977]

The legendary SD455.
Part 2.
Check out the 3rd Page/Attachment on the SD Rods. That price for them was back in 1981.
I was able to buy a set off a guy somewhere around 1978/79 for $200, and they were so pretty I hesitated to put them in my motor. But I did.

[Hesster1977]

The Macho T/A.

Dear God, when I read this I ran to my closet, put on my Bell Bottom Jeans, and put the Bee Gee's on the stereo and boogied down to "Staying Alive"

Anyone out there have one of these? I imagine they are somewhat rare, wonder how many were sold.

[Hesster1977]

The 1976 Limited Edition, precursor to the '77 Special Edition.
What a beautiful car IMO. I have been to countless car shows and never seen one.
The 455 and T-Top option is really rare - only 110 built.

[Hesster1977]

The 1961 Bonneville

[sdbob]

That SD455 picture may have been at POCI Gettysburg back when. My car may be the furthest away. We were lined up for judging.

[Hesster1977]

The 1977 Can Am.
This is a interesting article of a relatively rare car.
Especially the part regarding the Rear Spoiler issue, and the super rare units painted in Mandarin Orange.
Anyone got one of these?

[Hesster1977]

If you were lucky enough to still have these manifolds as period correct, a jet hot or Ceramic coating in aluminum look would be the way to go, and have original cred at car shows. Hell, even if you still wanted to race with them.

[Hesster1977]

Orange Can Am?

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by Hesster1977

Orange Can Am?

Wow, never seen one of those???