Prototype 1 was built primarily as a visual proof-of-concept (from a 1979 model by the way) and was used for promotional purposes at the beginning of the Burt Reynolds Edition project. Prototype 1 is the car that was shot for the August, 2007 issue of Hot Rod Magazine, and was used for most of the detail shots seen on this web site. Mechanically, Prototype 1 is very similar to a regular Trans Am in that it still makes use of an OEM front subframe and rear leaf springs. While the design is similar to production second-generation Trans Ams, we still felt the need to upgrade virtually every area. For that reason we installed the first version of the standard Ban 2 engine, a 462-inch traditional Pontiac V8 with aluminum heads, 9.5:1 compression and a hydraulic roller camshaft. The engine made 496 horsepower on the dyno. The transmission is a 5-speed manual, and the suspension system features upper and lower tubular control arms with coil springs up front, and performance leaf springs in the rear, with subframe connectors keeping everything properly located. Wheels are 18” x 9” billet aluminum snowflakes all the way around.
The exterior of Prototype 1 is pure Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am. From the projector front headlamps and flush-mount flares to the flushed glass treatment and updated hood bird, Prototype 1 has all the visual style of the Ban 2 and Ban 3 cars. Being the first of its kind, though, means a few details have changed on the production versions. Specifically, a slightly brighter gold was chosen for the highlights on the car to make them stand out a bit better, particularly when viewed from a distance. Other minor changes were made to the production cars - can you spot 'em?
The interior of Prototype 1 is also 99% of the production version, again with only minor details changing. Like the exterior, BRE TAs are updated without losing the essence of the original. Engine turned instrument panels are a Trans Am tradition, so the new car had to have one also. The gauges have been updated and upgraded to AutoMeter units, with the appropriate YearOne and BRE logos, of course, but otherwise it's hard to improve on the original design. YearOne did, of course, completely remake the insert out of thick aluminum stock for longevity and an as-new appearance. Likewise, the Formula steering wheel is a trademark TA item, so YearOne had new units made, only covered with supple leather instead of the original's vinyl covered foam.
As the first real prototype of the Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Ams, Prototype 1 holds a special place in the history of these cars, and we wanted to tell its story. Only one other car similar to this one has been built so far, that being the car given away by the DIY network. That's not to say more cars like this can't be built if a customer prefers - they can. But cars like Prototype 1 will be Special Order only. Ban 2 and Ban 3 are the "production" cars - if any hand-built car can be called such.
