Mecum Houston 2012 Lot F195 page

Mecum Houston 2012 Auction Driver Participation Experience TachRev Notes Regarding the vehicles “Volunteer Driver“ driven by TachRev.com, et al, during the Friday April 13th, 2012 Reliant Center, Houston Texas event:

The 2-day, 4-part Houston Mecum 2012 Auction broadcasts of the following Vehicles driven by the TachRev.com webmaster are the approximate Velocity Channel Dates, Lot No.’s and Broadcast Times:

Friday April 13, 2012

Broadcast Part 1 - At approximately 39 minutes

Lot No. F195 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Gold 400 4-spd

1. Lot No. F195 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Gold 400 4-spd
No Sale @ $12,500 “The Bid Goes On”
DESCRIPTION

- One year only 4-speed Gold Bandit
- Correct code 50 Solar Gold
- Correct paint and decals
- Chrome exhaust splitters
- 15x8 Snowflake wheels
- A highly collectible vehicle
- Solid LA built car

This car looked like a million bucks on the outside; had a great looking paint job, decals, and wheels. It was also one of the highlighted Auction flyer and Velocity "upcoming Houston Mecum auction" televised teaser vehicles. Images above were used in advertisement blasts. Note the "high-jacked" elevation of the rearend.

Here is the view from the drivers seat inside being towed to the staging lanes

Houston Fire Marshall rules dictated that the vehicles could not be started or driven until just before rolling onto the auction block. After the bidding ended - they could then be started and driven back to their designated parking space.
Here is the view from the drivers seat inside being towed to the staging lanes.

Waiting to be called and just before rolling onto the Mecum Houston 2012 auction block

Waiting to be called and just before rolling onto the Mecum Houston 2012 auction block. The hood is not latched and is open for bidders to grab a look at the engine compartment if they so desire.

Even with a crappy cell phone camera those "ERSON" valve covers screamed out incorrect for a original Y-88!

Even with a crappy cell phone camera those "ERSON" valve covers jumped out as incorrect for an original Y-88.
The missing A/C components, incorrectly painted under hood, aftermarket intake and plug wires, etc., may have caused some potential bidders to lose interest; in my opinion.

Although this cars’ description stated: “One year only 4-speed Gold Bandit “ there was no evidence that this was truly a 1978 Gold Y-88 Special Edition Trans Am.

A few interior issues are noted in the images below: The lack of the engine turned dash and steering wheel spokes special edition color coating, and incorrect steering wheel grip and horn center cap color...

A few interior issues are noted in the images below

This car looked like a million bucks on the outside - the interior not so much.

This car looked like a million bucks on the outside - the interior not so much. Drivers seat back frame was torqued back toward the drivers side door, making the driving experience awkward at best. The aftermarket gauges in the factory dash A/C vent holes and door panel speakers further indicated the non-originality of this vehicle. A shame really...was a solid looking T/A needing a few minor tweaks to get the current market $.

Nicely refinished 15 x 8 inch Snowflake wheels lack the correct treatment & detailing used on factory built Y-88's.

For more information about how to identify a Y-88 Trans Am Special Edition (and others) click here: http://www.firebirdtransamparts.com/bandit/myth.htm