The '69 T/A's original purpose was to compete in the SCCA's Trans-Am racing class, with a maximum engine displacement of 305ci. The irony of this is that Pontiac was unable to develop a suitable engine, and so the car never raced in the series for which it was named. Instead, the 1969 T/A had a 400 Ram Air III which developed 335 hp (345 with Ram Air IV). A huge four barrel sat atop the monster engine. Reported 0-60 times of less than 5 seconds made this one of the year's quickest cars.
However, the Trans Am was not all power. Front disc brakes, fortified
chassis, upgraded suspension, one inch front stabilizer bar, and power
steering made this speed demon into a world class performer. It's
a tremendous shock that only 689 of these cars were built (8 of which were
convertibles). For all it's worth, the 1969 T/A is truly a precious gem.