This Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Has Been Transformed

“I always wanted a V8, manual, rear-drive-and then there was Smokey and the Bandit,” says Gregg Hamilton, “When I moved here to America, [I realized] this is the only place in the world where I can really own one.”
Wanting something that’s American, New Zealander Hamilton settled on this Pontiac Trans Am-that is definitely not like any other. Using tricks learned from years of working with some of the best World Rally Championship teams in the world-including Toyota Team Europe and Prodrive-Hamilton’s Firebird has been given handling to match its extensive engine modifications.
“I needed something to do, so we found this car on eBay, and flew to Alabama, picked it up at the airport sight unseen…[and] it sort of just evolved into what it is today.”
From its wider bodywork, to custom engine computer, to fully revised suspension and brakes, it’s “about as quick as a Z06 Corvette,” he says. Sound far-fetched? As someone whose day job is spent building and testing Ken Block’s latest projects, we’d believe him.
“I like the mechanical-ness of it. I like the engine bay…I like that you can see the injectors, and plug for ECU…There’s no wheel arches in there, so you can see the uprights and the roll bar,” says Hamilton.
“It’s not always about the drive for me. It’s about the build of it. It’s about tinkering with it…”
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Drive Tastefully®

[@HNRichard]

got a huge respect for his life story, from wiping car windows of a rally car to being a mechanic tinkering with a full on rally car/gymkhana

[@nboy7]

Nice balance between keeping it looking original, and also making it look more modern.

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

I don't even like americans car, but this looks sick :D

[@obedchattergoon2780]

I liked that this person made the Trans Am his own instead of fussing to keep it factory original.

[@joshrazo2355]

Wow, what a gorgeous car.

[@Baladibt]

It's impressive how in each video you guys manage to feature a person that's very passionate, coherent, well-spoken, and gentle. Plus great filming and editing. Kudos for it.

[@ButBigger42]

This dude is legit cool in person. He brings that to Cars and Coffee all the time. I got to ride in it. My favorite car out here.

[@jefftews8240]

Really makes the old transam look good like that... well done to Gregg

[@daseteam]

I like the fact that he made something out of the 5.3 truck engine and not some million dollar crate motor.

[@JokerisWild4]

daseteam the 5.3 architecture is LS based, but with lower compression which is why you can run boost through it and have no problems, still keeping reliability and driveability. LS architecture is king!

[@bhagvedsingh2147]

its more for the cast iron block

[@bazzellmike]

Strapping on a pair of Wu-Tang War Wistles to any motor will help performance. LS was just the logical choice...

[@FUNZO1975]

@I speak The truth why?

[@AnoushABaz]

it's LM7. a LS based 5.3 iron block designed as a over squared truck engine for more torque on low rpm. yet people usually change the cams on them, so they go high rpm and gives more hp rather than torque, slightly more sporty. and because it is iron block than aluminium, you can abuse it without running into problem. 10 psi boost is nothing for this engine to handle. people run over 25 psi in them with stock internals

[@mcterb7142]

The owner of this Trans Am is really nice. I feel so happy for him! :)

[@franksilva6234]

Mc Terb aswome car good job

[@joshuafallet5690]

He is very humble and down to earth. It's nice to see

[@TrailRecon]

One of my favorite cars of all time. Another great video!

[@j.scaffnetti5437]

Flared rear fenders look perfect now.

[@whatareyoudoingyouidiot342]

+J. Scaffnetti I didn't even notice they were bigger than stock until it was pointed out. That's the kind of subtle body mod I can appreciate.

[@upgrad3z]

+Whatareyoudoingyouidiot how could you not notice they're bloody huge!

[@kylehart8829]

+Whatareyoudoingyouidiot Do you understand the meaning of "subtle" at all?

[@UnknownHumanoid]

"When I first time came to America I needed something to do and I found this car on ebay" I wish I had that kind of job too!

[@phocia]

There is just something about driving a muscle car like this across the desert at that light. I can't quite put my finger on it, but this guy is living a dream of mine :( How I wish to build own and drive one of these beautiful things. Who ever said cars can't be art?

[@devononair]

Yep... I thought the same!

[@todd2902]

Agree, that's what I'm shooting for just about done with my 76, looking forward to driving to Moab and around when it's done, nothing like it, and it'll be way better than before!

[@todd2902]

@livey oone photos.app.goo.gl/GCmbgz4RFsz9jpBH6

[@todd2902]

@livey oone I hope to have it back on the road this spring, can't wait!

[@BBQ-n-Pigskin]

It's got 79 tail lights but a 78 front end. A lot of cool little touches.

[@Tommyblueeyes]

why wouldnt a 79 T/A have 79 tail lights? I would do the same though but the rear end of a 79 sorta matches the front with it ir u look at pics....cant have both i sppose

[@ChristianGirschick]

I love the "Bandit" Trans Am since my childhood. You brought this iconic car to the next level. Thank you for that!

[@inuysha360]

I love this channel, it's not about the fastest cars but how much the owners love their cars and how unique they are and their passion.

[@SimeonToko]

Love seeing the old steel still rolling

[@fks-pv8il]

Looks like a 1978 to me. 4 separated square headlights on a 1979... sharp ride!

[@anonharingenamn]

It looks so sorted. Those wheelarches and all that. Fantastic stuff.

[@drbelli]

i had a subaru, i modified , my wife left me, then i was free...

[@drbelli]

+Tommie Reid i was simply quoting a friend, the "" never made to the text

[@MirceaR]

One of the prettiest Firebirds I've seen for some time, true "american dream"

[@911Salvage]

Damn. You've got a job history I can only dream of. Great for you man. Wish I could be like you.

[@gameshark427]

Seen this clip about a year ago & still entertaining to this day 👏 Great looking TA !

[@truantray]

East bound and down, loaded up and truckin' We're gonna do what they say can't be done We've got a long way to go, and a short time to get there I'm east bound, just watch ole bandit run

[@dre32pitt]

rofl. i was gonna do exactly what you did. "When we get home, remind me to punch yo momma in the mouf."

[@truantray]

+Beemerhead Fred.

[@dsruddell]

fred needs some hamburgers hes looking real thin in the face

[@PrinceBarin77]

🤜👍😎

[@TheMainMan318]

Not even a fan of the firebird, but damn does this look and sound so good. its perfect. the owner seems like an awesome guy too. what an awesome build

[@areasevenpro]

East bound and down Loaded up and truckin' A'we gonna do what they say can't be done We've got a long way to go And a short time to get there I'm east bound just watchin' the ol' Bandit run...

[@mathiasmang848]

by far the best looking trans am i have ever seen

[@x19Julius92x]

For me personally Trans Am is the iconic muscle car of America. Smokey And The Bandit was my favorite movie growing up and this Trans Am is absolutely gorgeous inside out, loving those mods !! :)

[@sanduzmeu8891]

Word of the week: mechanicalness

[@BruceBoschek]

Not a car I would ever want to own, but it's his dream and it's always a delight to see someone who has successfully lived his dream. Thanks for another great video.

[@michaeldavidmontalvo2402]

Bruce Boschek and why is that

[@Jalreal]

black & gold trans am was always the best

[@keelankrause2653]

does it have a widebody kit or something? the rear fenders seem to stick out more than mine and it looks badass

[@markothwriter]

"It's a slippery slope, you gotta be careful how far down you go...." That's life really. My house included.

[@hordleydesign]

This guy's so humble about his car. Best looking trans am around, beautiful build!

[@K0E0M0O]

what a gorgeous machine .. this guy is basically living my dream, owning a 2nd gen trans am, working for a rally team and moving to work in japan ... good for him .. loved the video petrolicious !

[@Pedro_opc]

The looks are definetly of my taste too. Stunnig car!

[@JxT1957]

awesome looking car. the trans am looks best in black. '77 to '81 are my favorite years.

[@paxwallacejazz]

This guy is so humble and understated but clearly he's brilliant! I bet it runs low 11s. And turns to boot. Wouldnt bet against it.

[@tensecondbuickgn]

This car is badass. I just love the wide stance and impregnated fenders in the rear.

[@moses1142]

Like how humble this man is. Specially talking about his passion.

[@dtofq]

Needed someone from New Zealand to make this American car badass!!! Thumbs up

[@R33C3.]

Never disappointed with these videos. All the other car vids are of them driving someone elses car for about 15 min. These vids talk to the owner and tells us about all of the work that has gone into it fantastic 👍 All day long

[@eightosaurusspelunk1598]

This is without a doubt the best looking Firebird I've ever seen. Very well done!

[@fxmixer]

Best looking Trans Am I've seen.

[@machinegunfunkoo7dirtyjers532]

Repinn hoonigan and has the cleanest trans am of that era ever! Beautiful video and car,

[@turbogrin]

Mr Hamilton is Ken Blocks Mechanic and fabricator! A true gentleman and automotive enthusiast

[@bettysmith8956]

Radial tuned suspension nothing like a '77 Trans AM.This one has a great sound!

[@RoodeMenon]

Beautiful cinematography. Reminds me of Knight Rider.

[@christianna3561]

BEAUTIFUL! Well done! WOW! This is what I call an incredible rolling resume!

[@Switching-Cars]

that is a relly nice trans am, i alwayse loved the 77 front end and the 79 tail light, you did a relly good job :)

[@bennewong]

It really _is_ a "cool old thing now." What an amazing Firebird Trans Am.

[@revmatchtv]

Beautiful video guys. The cinematography is stunning! I wish I had the time and budget to make my videos as good looking.

[@n1ghtcoder]

Try Gopro 5 with their brand new drone, Karma. It's awesome! You can unplug gimbal from it, and use separately. And it's not so expensive.

[@revmatchtv]

Yeah it was announced today. Looks really slick!

[@Ray_27724]

Congratulations 🎊 you built a real rare dream car, I love it! 😍❤️

[@beaulamper3558]

This Trans Am is beautiful. Love the ride height, colors, lines and wheels. Timeless. I can now say it's on my forever list of cars I want to own and build, good work guys.

[@thomaspyrek9154]

I always enjoy the videos done on the vehicles that I like, but I really appreciate and savor the videos of the vehicles that don't enjoy at all. Good job on that.

[@LiveForGLory]

Best looking Trans Am ever

[@bradcarpenter1881]

That wide body is so clean, how a wide body should look! Well done sir, well done!

[@aleoimpala]

Always loved Trans Am and will forever... Nice ride that you have.

[@ncakea]

Everything in this car is just right & well placed. I guess that's what "Seasoned" means.

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

That's stunning / love those wheels / love the gold ...

[@jcoburn429]

That is a nice trans am.bodyline.curves.stance.big wheels. I like.

[@manson9489]

What a sound ! It's music to my ears

[@mikepeterson1791]

This guy for days... excellent ride and attitude.

[@elliotandrewmotorsport5718]

As a kiwi subscriber of Petrolicious and an avid watcher, it is so awesome to see another Kiwi in the US building stuff like this and having such a successful career. Good on you Gregg! Great build.

[@projectg408]

He got the look and stance just right with those gold wheels and wide tires

[@Navidain]

Totaly agree. The thing that struck me most was just how good it looks with just a few little tweeks to the styling. Nice to see it in the classic gold on black too.

[@alisteraldridge]

Very nice car 79 transam 78 front, I have a 79 firebird, originaly six cil, now 350 tbi, headers, edelbrooke intake, four barrel holley, electric fans. it sounds like heaven.

[@benjamindanielsen5204]

No matter what kind of cars you like best, you've got to admit this is one handsome beast.

[@daimill1728]

Lovely!!! ...off to watch Smokey & the Bandit!!

[@BV-ym9pk]

Looove how this thing sits on it's wheels. What a pretty beast to look at. Well done and enjoy that machine!

[@whatareyoudoingyouidiot342]

He's done a great job on this old T/A. The motor sounds great (and ought to pull like a train), and the subtle bodywork tweaks look great and at first I thought the body was totally stock. Fantastic car.

[@edkubinski]

Looks and sounds great! I have had one sitting up on blocks in my garage since 1996. Maybe someday I'll be able to redo it.

[@byates59]

I am a big Trans Am freak myself!!!!!!!!!! Great job on the build bro and enjoy! Thanks for sharing! P.S. I wish it was mine!

[@TobyGreenough]

Best looking bandit car I have ever seen, beautiful job!

[@andymantoronto]

I'm more of a naturalist when it comes to restorations, but I have to say the modifications done on the rear wheel wells and the rear spoiler are great and overall that car is very nicely done!

[@MotorScotti]

That completely resonates with me. I love making things as well. Taking on a challenge and finding ways to make it happen, to fabricate stuff, to learn about metal work, wiring, electronics, suspension, etc... Great video by the way, beautiful Trans Am!

[@christopherdixon4394]

Awesome Trans Am! I love the Subaru shift knob.

[@TheTeddyIsALiar]

That is a damn sexy car.

[@jainerodriguez2698]

one of my favorite car of all times 1979 Trans Am I always wanted one and for that dude in the video you got a Kick-Ass ride like what you done to the car love it

[@ConstantXplorer]

I'd love to have a '78 TransAm. This is so clean and just plain cool.

[@arshadcrazee]

Beautiful, beautiful car.. I really wish I could understand the mechanics of a car. These people modify their own cars, and I'm sure are able to connect / bond with their cars more deeply... very nice

[@Rolo_McFlurry]

it doesn't matter how uninterested I initially feel about the car at the beginning of the video--each episode is filmed, edited, and produced so wonderfully that in the end, I love the car/story!

[@-BEASTOR-]

man, this must be such a joy to ride in. it looks fantastic.

[@mattb4164]

I have watched this video 4 times now it never gets old. That car is badass!

[@DeathToGlobalistsDavidSmith]

Beautiful build with aggressive stance an big power twin turbo V8. 💯👍

[@MrClintz28]

I've always wanted a second gen Trans-Am myself, this guy took one of my dream cars and made it spectacular!

[@bobbyross2023]

Never a fan of Trans Ams, but the owner is a cool guy and his car is badass!

[@shade98765]

Beautiful job....You SHOULD be very proud. I"ll bet Bert Reynolds would a woody even at 90 over that Bandit! Thanks for sharing!!

[@rustytimetraveler]

Nice jobs to have. Great job on the Trans Am. It's very, original...

[@xployalist]

Great looking car. With the flared arches and exaggerated tail, I'm for some reason reminded of a cross between the Bandit's car and The Last of the V8 Interceptors from Mad Max.

[@jjsracing69]

I am a blue oval guy, but this is an awesome looking machine. The wheel arches make all the difference in this look. Sweet rig man. Done very very tastefully! I would drive it.

[@Badtaste21]

You did everything right. I wouldn't even dare to touch it, it's so perfect!

[@lucasd1646]

One of the best looking American cars of all time, great build.

[@turki_wz]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@yoadrian10000]

Well done mate, best Trans Am I've ever seen

[@TheKaffeeKlatsch]

Oddly enough I saw one of these this week after not seeing one in years. Cool.

[@boohooo6381]

Wonderful workmanship... I yearn for a car like that.

[@ohyeah1359]

Thanks for making videos with no cussing that I can watch with my kids on my lap.

[@ramos150]

All the sudden I want a Trans Am damn it.

[@BV-ym9pk]

This is what happens to me after every Petrolicious video I watch. It doesn't even matter what car it is is, they always make you fall in love with the cars. Great great great channel!

[@MrLesperance1]

The true spirit of building a car and loving it ,making your dreams come true ....

[@klausphx]

I always knew these Trans-Ams are Special Cars back in Late 70s when I started working on cars now a Master Mechanic and a Owner of 76 T-A Blk&Blk 455 M/t with many Performance up Grades i did myself 25 years ago still runs and handles great

[@brainnya]

That was quite honest! Love the guy, love the car!

[@CObaewatch]

Tastefully upgraded, what a beauty.