Camaro vs Trans Am
 

Let me start by saying, I'm a Camaro guy at heart. However, I own two cars that I can jump into as my next build, an ultra clean rust free 75 Trans Am and a 70 Camaro that will need quarters fenders and some floor work. Yeah, the Camaro will be a lot more work than the TA, but you see a lot more Pro-Touring Camaros than Firebirds. Either way, the next build will be all DSE suspension, LS, etc, etc.... Anyone have any input on the market for a 2nd gen TA compared to a Camaro?? Certainly more Camaros out there being built, or so it seems. While I'm not building either car to sell.... you can never say never. I know it may come down to what a person likes...both are way cool in my opinion. I go to Barret Jackson every year and the Camaro Market is STRONG for sure..... Just having a hard time deciding if the Firebird market will bring the same ROI all things being equal??

Opinions??

All pro-touring cars are fetching good money these days, you're not going to lose by building a Firebird as one.

That said, I can't say anything other than build what you want. I'm building a 71 Firebird because I've always wanted one, it's one of my dream cars. I do know I'm going to have limitations because of it being nose heavy with a Pontiac engine, and wanting to keep a functional endura bumper, but I'm doing it because that's what I want. I think the end value is more determined by the work put into it, and whether it's tasteful or not. None of my cars are built for end value, I guess that's why I have 3 58 Edsels of differing build types in the works, I personally like doing things differently.

Won't find any bias of Camaro vs Firebird from me. When I was looking for my 2nd Gen, I was finding more Birds in good condition, but I ended up going for a '73 Camaro.

I find that more Firebirds are kept Stock vs Pro-Touring. Maybe it's the condition that people find them in. In my case, my Camaro was just a 307 Automatic, so I could do what I wanted.

Value wise, the 70 Camaro wins hands down. The big bumper Firebirds look much better and are worth more than the same year Camaros but they are worth less than the earlier cars in general. You're not building for resale so don't consider it, at all. You'll lose money no matter what you build anyway.

I say build the TA though because it's in better condition now. It'll take less time and money to get it done. Besides, you don't see that many and it will look great.

Need inspiration? Go check out Skip's wide body thread. There's a 74 or 75 TA in there that's gorgeous if you haven't seen it yet.

Good luck! Post pictures of the build :D

Thanks guys for the input..... either car will be way cool for sure.....and yes I agree, the CAMARO will have a bigger market/resale value. But the TAs look awesome done up right. I think I've decided to put the Camaro off for now and jump into the TA. I was real lucky today and rounded up all the parts to put a 73 front bumper on the 75.....let the fun begin!

Any chance you have a link to that thread? Pics will be coming soon!

How about pictures of them?

I'm a Camaro guy too but definitely the t/a. first of all they look better and they bring more $$ than 2nd gen Camaros. especially the t/a.

The TAs are sexy if done right! Like I said, not building to sell, but we all know how that goes :) I was at Barrett Jackson in January...I saw a red 70 Camaro go for $150K....so who really knows...just depends on timing, etc. I am leaning towards doing the TA....

Paint the TA Bandit colors and it will sell for even more.

Yes. And i never need to see one again lol

Agreed!

Just a quick shot of the TA....you can see the Camaro "hanging around" in the background.

+1 for the pro-touring TA, You don't see many and roadstershop is surely going to boost their following with this wild design.
https://i.imgur.com/zPMkyLF.jpg

The 74-on Nose/Bumpers on the Firebirds are so much nicer than the same year Camaros

Its like blondes,brunets ,and redheads type thing. I have had a 1973 Nova SS, A 1972 Chevelle wagon.And my two present cars 1979 Z-28 RS Camaro and 1981 El Camino SS. I grew up during the Muscle Car era .So I remember when the cars were new.I have driven and worked on all brands .Even some Porches ,BMW ,VW bugs.So it is my attitude that is what you are into go for it ,Its your pocketbook.

That Trans Am is cool! I actually really like the 74-76 fronts, and I'd like to see more of them built. I also see it as leading the trend... I kind of hate that I've seen the 70-73 Camaros explode in popularity as my 71 has just sat for the last 15 years. Kinda why I'm more excited for my Firebird, that's a bit more uncommon than the Camaro.

I really liked my 455 '74 TA, but now prefer the front end of the '75.

https://s20.postimg.org/6hus1a54t/IMG_0102.jpg

https://s20.postimg.org/5fkliq6vx/IMG_0103.jpg

I like it!

I saw this car and really thought it was WAY COOL! I always loved the 70-73 Firebird noses....I was able to pick a complete front end from a 73...but these photos of the 75 have me thinking??

I agree..... you see a lot of Camaros, but don't see a bunch of 2nd gen Firebirds pro-toured.

Since you have one, you could tell better if they trimmed the black part of both bumpers.

https://s20.postimg.org/3nrmnrid9/IMG_0097.jpg

I'm a fan of both versions of the F body and have had a 71 Z and 75 TA as well as several other 70-81's on both sides of the fence. The 75 TA is a heavier car if that factors in. There's more body prep and paint involved on the TA (if both are in same condition) because of all the extra body pieces. The choice would be simple for me. The Camaro's already apart so continue it while keeping the TA roadworthy. I've made the mistake of concurring builds and learned my lesson.

As far as ROI I think the Camaro is better for the 2 cars discussed even with the added cost of pans etc.

Where have you guys seen this car? love to see more pics/build of it...

Having a nice 2nd gen 70 split bumper, i'd go the TA. or both, one mild one wild.

Guess i'm just an F body fan, 1st, 2nd, 3rd (hunting), 4th (eh), 5th (eh) etc...like the new ones, just dont love them....

I believe that's a Schwartz build from a few years back.

http://www.schwartzperformance.com/1975-trans-am/