Trans-Am Challengers & The Complete Book of Ford Mustang 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.

This lavishly illustrated, officially licensed reference work walks you through Mustang’s nearly 60 years of continuous production—a rich and varied history nearly unmatched in the automotive world.

Ford’s Mustang is America’s most iconic pony car. According to many, it is the only vehicle that really actually deserves the title “pony car.” From the first six-cylinder Mustang of 1964-1/2 through fire-breathing, world-beating Boss and Shelby versions of the 1960s and early ’70s, to today’s Mustang Mach 1 and Shelby GT500, The Complete Book of Ford Mustang offers an in-depth look at the prototypes and experimental models, the anniversary and pace cars, and the specialty packages for street and competition driving that have made the Mustang an automotive legend for nearly 60 years.

Created in cooperation with Ford and providing extensive details, specifications, and photographic coverage, this book is the ultimate resource on America’s best-loved pony car. Any muscle-car enthusiast, motorsports fan, or car collector will want this book in their collection.

Also available from the Complete Book Series:Complete Book of Classic Ford Tractors, Complete Book of Moto Guzzi, Complete Book of Farmall Tractors, Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles, Complete Book of Classic John Deere Tractors, Complete Book of Jaguar, Complete Book of Porsche 911, Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars, Complete Book of Chevrolet Camaro, Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens, Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars, The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles, and Complete Book of Classic Dodge and Plymouth Muscle.