2001 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6

Description

Pontiac always delivered with the Trans Am, keeping their halo performance car at the very forefront of the horsepower wars, and along the way there were some pretty good-looking machines, too. This 2001 Trans Am WS6 convertible is perhaps the pinnacle of Pontiac F-body evolution, augmented with some very impressive upgrades that make it visually and dynamically amazing in every way.

OK, so the WS6 was never subtle, with a bunch of scoops, flares, and lights all competing for your attention. But finishing it in black gives this one a sinister look, and believe me, this is one Trans AM you do NOT want to mess with on the street. But it has other tricks up its sleeve beyond horsepower, most notably those Lamborghini-style doors that open upwards for a dramatic entry no matter where you go. The conversion is professionally done, so the doors glide smoothly on the custom hinges and close up like it was built this way by GM. The composite body panels remain in first-class condition with paint that's deep and glossy, showing signs of meticulous care throughout its life. Despite the horsepower injection this car has received, it sure looks like it has lived an easy life and certainly never spent much time in inclement weather. Even without the many custom upgrades, this would be one of the nicest late-model Trans Ams we've ever featured.

Pontiac's stylists did one heck of a job with the Trans Am's interior, visually separating it from the Camaro and giving it a very unique look. Deeply sculpted buckets are supportive enough for the spirited driving that this car encourages, and as the top-of-the-line machine, just about everything was standard equipment. The seats are leather-wrapped, there's A/C, power window and locks, and cruise control, and it's a real joy to see a genuine shift-it-yourself 6-speed gear lever in the center of the console, complete with factory Hurst short-throw shifter. The Monsoon AM/FM/CD stereo has been upgraded with a 12-disc CD changer and new speakers that fill the open air car with sound, even at high speeds. The black power convertible top stows under a semi-rigid boot that makes this one of the sleekest convertibles around, and even with the CD changer and amplifier in the trunk, storage space is adequate.

The original Corvette-based engine featured ram air induction and made a robust 325 horsepower. However, in the intervening years, LS1 technology has advanced and this car has certainly benefitted. Up top, there's a Corvette LS6 intake for deeper breathing, along with a matched set of ported LS6 heads. Comp Cams supplied a custom grind that mimics the LS7's bumpstick, and the upgrade is tangible from the moment you key it up. A reprogrammed engine management system ensures that it continues to drive like it was stock and you don't have to worry about missed shifts with a beefy LS7 clutch between the engine and transmission. The suspension was treated to a full Hotchkiss setup which lowers it about an inch and gives it that menacing stance. Subframe connectors and a shock tower brace reinforce the topless body and with cross-drilled rotors, braking performance is improved. Corvette Z06 alloys with 275/40/17 performance radials add a custom look with an OEM sensibility.

This awesome Trans Am is documented with maintenance receipts and comes with the original WS6 wheels. You could spend this much on a stock Trans Am but you wouldn't have as much fun. Call today!