Featured Builds » '67 TRANS AM REPLICA

SCCA President John Bishop created the Trans-American Sedan Championship in 1966. Two divisions comprised the race series, the over two-liter class and the under two-liter class. Both classes ran together in the series, which included the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Plymouth Barracuda, Mercury Cougar, AMC Javelin, Pontiac Firebird and Dodge Challenger in the over two-liter class. Marques comprising the under two-liter class included Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Datsun, Mini-Cooper, Saab, and Volkswagen. During its seven-year run from 1966 through 1972 it was the most popular race series of its era. Not so coincidentally, it’s now one of the most popular race series at historic racing events across the United States and in other countries as well.

There is something quite spectacular about watching wide body Challengers doing battle against Mustangs, Camaros, diminutive Mini-Coopers, Saabs, and big old Mercury Cougars on twisty road circuits. Race fans can relate to these cars going at it, as these muscle machines are the same cars many of us owned in our collective, well-spent youth. Some of us are fortunate to have a vintage Pony or muscle car now, or perhaps a vintage 912 Porsche. JBA’s owner, J. Bittle, has a ’67 Trans-Am Ford Mustang notchback, in addition to a very sweet ’67 Shelby Mustang GT500, both of which he campaigns at vintage racing venues within California. While J. was ripping up the tarmac at the Coronado Naval Air Base in his Trans-Am notchback during the Coronado Speed Week held every October, a spectator had an epiphany. He would build his own 1967 Trans-Am Ford Mustang notchback replica to enjoy on the streets of LA where he called home.

The spectator, Mr. Garcia, decided to hire JBA Performance to help in recreating such a race car. Building up the suspension, fitting disc brakes at each corner and completing the engine and transmission install was a snap. Why? The JBA team had vast experience from working with J. on his ’67 notchback and ’67 Shelby.

Fair warning! If you ever happen to be driving around the streets of LA and you see some guy with a huge smile on his face cruising in a racy Trans-Am Mustang, challenge him to a stoplight acceleration run at your own risk. You’ll lose, and you might get a ticket for your foolishness. On the other hand, if JBA Performance helps you build your dream machine, you may win. Still, you may get the ‘exhibition of horsepower’ ticket. So, save the real fun for the race track!