Trans-Am Challengers & The Cars Of Trans-Am Racing 1966-1972 2 Book Set

Tells the story of the Mustang and Camaro in Trans-Am racing, and the models' competition records. Includes the histories of their competitors - Detroit's 'big four' - and their commitment to achieving sales success through the Trans-Am series.

In April 1964, Ford’s Mustang pony car stormed onto the scene, igniting a sales phenomenon that forced Detroit’s other automakers to scramble to create their own competitors. Around the same time, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) was transforming from a purely amateur organisation into a professional racing powerhouse, introducing prize-money championships.

By 1966, the SCCA launched two landmark series: the Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am) and the Trans-American Sedan Championship (Trans-Am). While Can-Am focused on unlimited FIA Group 7 sports cars, Trans-Am catered to FIA Group 2 touring cars, with classes divided by engine sizes: up to 2000cc and 2001-5000cc. The Over-2000cc class was crafted specifically with the Mustang in mind, ensuring Ford’s interest and leveraging the growing pony car wars.

Chevrolet answered Ford’s Mustang with the launch of the Camaro in September 1966, sparking fierce competition on the track and in showrooms. Soon, Mercury, Pontiac, Dodge, Plymouth, and AMC joined the fray, turning the Trans-Am series into a battleground for Detroit’s ‘Big Four’. Manufacturers saw Trans-Am success as a path to dominance, investing heavily in developing race-ready cars and unleashing low-production homologation specials like the Mustang Boss 302, Camaro Z28, Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am, AMC Javelin Mark Donohue Edition, Dodge Challenger T/A, and Plymouth ’Cuda AAR—now some of the rarest and most valuable classic American cars.

Beyond the famous Mustang and Camaro rivalry, this book uncovers the untold stories of their challengers and the relentless pursuit of sales glory. Mercury nearly claimed the championship in 1967, and AMC triumphed in 1971 and 1972 with Penske Racing. The fierce competition left an indelible mark on American motorsport history.

A chapter also explores lesser-known contenders from outside the U.S., such as Ford Falcon Sprints in the British Saloon Car Championship and the powerful Holden Monaros and Ford Falcons that dominated Australian circuits.

This is more than just a tale of Mustang versus Camaro—it’s the story of an era when Detroit’s finest fought to conquer the track and the showroom floor, leaving a legacy of engineering brilliance and motorsport passion.

Discover the Genesis of the Pony Car Wars: Explore how Ford’s Mustang ignited a competitive frenzy among Detroit’s automakers, inspiring iconic rivals like Chevrolet’s Camaro, Pontiac’s Firebird, and more.

Uncover the Birth of Trans-Am Racing: Learn about the SCCA’s revolutionary Trans-American Sedan Championship, crafted to showcase pony cars in professional racing and capture the spirit of American motorsport.

Experience the Fierce Rivalries of Detroit’s Big Four: Follow the high-stakes battles between Ford, Chevrolet, Mercury, AMC, and others as they fought for glory on the track and dominance in the marketplace.

Celebrate the Iconic Homologation Specials: Delve into the stories behind rare, race-inspired legends like the Mustang Boss 302, Camaro Z28, and Plymouth ’Cuda AAR, now considered some of the most coveted classic cars.

Go Beyond American Shores: Expand your knowledge with a chapter dedicated to international competition, featuring cars like the Ford Falcon Sprints in Britain and the powerful Holden Monaros in Australia.

The SCCA Trans-Am racing series launched in 1966 and was designed to showcase a new class of sporty domestic cars racing on road courses. In a few short years, it became the ultimate American automobile showdown, as each major automotive manufacturer participated heavily in the Trans-Am Series. When the modified muscle cars of the series were seen performing well on the country's finest tracks, fans wanted a model of their own in the driveway. These "pony" cars boasted a new look and style not seen before, and their all-around performance eclipsed anything accomplished by production-based American GT cars to this point.

The Cars of Trans-Am Racing is unique in that it focuses on the cars used in this legendary series. These vintage Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, Barracudas, Firebirds, Cougars, and Javelins all have become extremely popular with collectors and enthusiasts today. Seeing them in their "full competition" versions when they were new will bring back many fond memories for those who were fans of this series. Additionally, enthusiasts who enjoy these cars today look to the Trans-Am series cars for styling inspiration and performance hints as part of the growing Pro Touring trend.

Many of these historic cars have been restored to race-ready condition once again. Additional insight and interviews from the original builders and the teams who maintained the cars provide an insider's viewpoint never before seen in print.

First-ever look at this series from a mechanical perspective, rather than a race results perspective.

Features many photographs that have never been seen in print before.

This will be the only book in print on this very popular series.