Silver 1969 Trans Am RAIV==Prototype==

[Bigmoe]

Yes...Universal City Datsun was started by Morrie Sage and I understand that was the 1st Datsun dealership in the country that opened in early 1969. The address 4245 Lankershim BLVD. now has a BMW dealership there.

[Bigmoe]

Thought I would share the latest update happenings. Scott and the Supercar Specialties crew are hard at work with the car with completion hopeful for summer/fall. The unveiling is set for the Nov. MCCN. I can't wait to show it off to everyone! The September High Performance Pontiac's feature "Transcendent American Supercar" featured this car in part 3 about the Trans Am prototypes. The coolest thing was the archive GM photos that show the Silver TA on track at Riverside Raceway. Prior to these photos all I had was the stories told me by Steve Kelly(Hot Rod magazine writer) about the car being at the track for the press intro. That event was organized by Pontiac's PR assistant director George Stevens and Jim Wangers prior to the release of "The Judge" and "Trans Am". One of the significant photos had a left side under hood shot of the trim tag. Just one more piece of the puzzle of this PMD Supercar.

[Bigmoe]

More Pics.

[Xplantdad]

Cool!!

[WILMASBOYL78]

I have always thought these were some of the coolest cars ever to come from the General...

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[Tenney]

Cool car!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[PeteLeathersac]

Cool car and story, love the Titus connection too!!!
Nice Morrie Sage read @ the below link, looks like he passed away in 2011 but an amazing life...and man!
http://www.universalcitynissan.com/o...orrie-sage.htm

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~ Pete

[Bigmoe]

This picture is Steve Kelly writer for Hot Rod magazine in 1969 .He road tested the Silver TA at Riverside Raceway in Dec.1968 during the press test for the 1969 Judge and Trans Am and also wrote the March 1969 Hot Rod article.

[Lynn]

Am I dreaming, or wasn't the ORIGINAL plan to use a 303 engine? Really big bore, really short stroke? I KNOW I remember reading about its development back in the day. Supposedly made huge power for such a little motor.
Did any of those engines survive? I am guessing none made it into a production car.

Back then, Pontiac was making (or commissioning) several weird powerplants. U have a few old mags with pics of Pontiac expirementals engines.

[92646]

I think most of the 303 motors ended up in Long Beach with Tom.