Monday, February 22, 2010

1985 Pontiac Trans Am Kammback Wagon Up For Grabs



Wish you could mix the versatility of a wagon with the hairy brawn of a Firebird? You may want to hit RM Auction’s Automobiles of Amelia Island auction on March 13. One of two prototypes for a 1985 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Kammback will be sold to the highest bidder.

We're not sure how they contracted the sickness, but for decades Pontiac engineers seemed hell-bent on crafting a Nomad-esque wagon from their F-body. Although one almost went into production in 1970, the division’s engineering ranks built four additional concepts -- two in 1977 and two in 1985, respectively.

While one of the 1985 cars was later updated to resemble a Trans Am GTA (a model launched in 1987), the white car you see here remained relatively unscathed. John McMullen, a longtime Pontiac dealer, found the car hidden in GM’s warehouse back in 1998, and used his leverage to purchase the car for his private collection.

McMullen auctioned this car (along with most of his collection) back in 2007, but it seems the Pontiac is back up for grabs. Apart from the wagon roofline -- which bolts in lieu of the standard fastback glass, much like the GTA’s optional notchback insert -- the car is otherwise a stock ’85 Trans Am. Power comes from the “high-output” 5.0-liter V-8, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Still, as the car wears a VIN tag that leads with “EXP,” it will be tough -- if not impossible -- to title and register.

RM anticipates the Kammback will bring between $50,000 and $80,000 when it rolls across the auction block -- much more than your typical ’85 Trans Am. For more information, visit www.rmauctions.com