Six promotional/show cars were built by T/G Racing. There were all new showroom cars bought from Royal Pontiac in Los Angeles. According to Doug Innes, T/G Racing bought the six Trans Ams and took them to their shop at 18422 Topham Street, Tarzana for conversion. The cars were stripped of their interiors and insulation which was crated and stored. The interiors were included with each car when they were sold once the 12 month promotion was completed. T/G Racing installed a race seat, fire extinguisher, a mock fuel cell cover in the trunk and a fuel filler on the quarter panel. Lightweight tubing was installed as a roll cage . Mini Light wheels were installed – obviously with BFG Radial T/A’s were mounted on each mini light wheel. Hood pins and rear window bracing was also installed . The HO 455 engine & M21 4 speed transmission were not touched other than valve covers and dress-up were items added. On completion, the cars were sent across the alley to T/G’s other shop and Peter Dodge painted them all blue to match the #92 race car. The graphics were done all by hand based on a BFG design – which was brilliant . It is still one of the most recognized race cars ever! When complete, BFG picked up the cars and distributed them to their zones for promotional purposes. Most cars were used by dealers on their showroom floors to attract customers. At the conclusion of the racing season, the cars were either sold to the public or destroyed. To date, only two cars are known to have been sold. One in California and one in Ohio. Only the California car is still known to exist and here is its history.

I believe that it is the last remaining promotional car of the 6 that were built. This car was originally bought by Tom Senter, editor for Popular Hot Rodding, in 1972 from BF Goodrich which used it to promote their new radial tires in SCCA racing in 1971. The car was covered in several 1970’s magazine articles which I remember reading as a kid growing up. The history of the car is documented at www.bfgtirebird.com/promotional-tirebird .

Bruce Johnson

San Antonio, Texas