1969 Pontiac Trans Am

“Early Bird”

Owned by: Kevin Hoffman

Photos by: Chris Gosda

For the December 2025 Issue, we’re showcasing a build that doesn’t just turn heads—it breaks necks. Owned by Kevin Hoffman and built by the legendary team at The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois, this radical 1969 Pontiac Trans Am—nicknamed “Early Bird”—is the third evolution in a visionary trilogy of Trans Am creations. Photographed by Chris Gosda, this feature dives deep into a one-of-a-kind build that merges the soul of 1969 with the attitude of 1979 and the performance of 2019.

This is not a restomod.
This is not a tribute car.
This is the Early Bird—a full-on reimagining of what a 1969 Trans Am should look like if Pontiac’s most iconic eras collided in one outrageous machine.

A Name With Purpose: The Earliest Version of a New Vision

The name “Early Bird” carries meaning. As Kevin explains, this ’69 Trans Am represents their own early-version interpretation of what a 1979-inspired Trans Am could look like if designed in 1969. It blends the best styling cues from Pontiac’s prime years, infused with modern performance, carbon fiber details, and a level of craftsmanship only The Custom Shop can deliver.

A Trilogy of Trans Ams

The Early Bird is the third creation in a groundbreaking series:

• Build #1: A 1979 Trans Am restomod

• Build #2: A 2019 ZL1 Camaro transformed into a 1979 Trans Am

• Build #3: The masterpiece—a 1969 Trans Am infused with the best elements from both previous builds

With each build, the vision got bigger, bolder, and more technically aggressive—culminating in this 2-year project that redefines what a custom Trans Am can be.

Finding the Perfect Starting Point

The Custom Shop began by sourcing a clean Firebird base. From there, John Wargo and his team went to work, transforming the car inch by inch into something that feels both retro and futuristic at the same time. As always, their craftsmanship, creativity, and obsession with detail delivered results that exceed expectations.

Under the Hood: LSX 455 – A Modern Monster With Pontiac Spirit

Powering the Early Bird is a brutal LSX 455, built in 2024 by Kenny King Engines to echo the legendary Pontiac 455 HO—only meaner, cleaner, and far more technologically advanced.

Engine Highlights

• Bored & stroked LSX

• Borla stacked injection system

• Holley EFI

• Hooker headers

• Comp Cams Thumper cam

• Granatelli coils, wires & exhaust cutouts

• Pypes stainless exhaust

• K&N filtration

• Painless wiring

• Odyssey dual-battery system

• Tuff Stuff starter & alternator

• Tanks Inc fuel system

• Vintage Air climate control

This setup gives the car show-level beauty with track-ready power.

Driveline & Suspension: Built to Handle the Beast

Driveline

• B&M torque converter

• Moser 373 gears & rear end

Chassis & Suspension

The foundation of this build is nothing short of elite—a full Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, equipped with:

• IRS and IFS

• Custom powder coated finish using Prizmatic Powders

• Carbon fiber driveshafts from PSDS

• Fox shocks front and rear

• C7 Corvette spindles

• 5″ ride height drop

• RS springs

Everything is designed to make this car drive like a modern performance machine while retaining its old-school attitude.

Wheels & Tires: Forged Carbon Firepower

The Early Bird rolls on fully custom forged carbon fiber and chrome wheels:

• Front: 19×9 on 275/30/19 Atturo

• Rear: 20×13 on 335/30/20 Atturo

These wheels are true one-offs—lightweight, aggressive, and totally unique.

Paint & Graphics: The Custom Shop Signature

Finished in a shimmering Black Sparkle, the car’s paintwork represents the highest level of artistry from John Wargo himself.

Graphics & Details

• Full airbrushed Trans Am bird

• 3D beveled lettering

• Red pinstripe accents

• Custom masking by CarWorx

• Sata spray guns & Badger airbrushes

• Griot’s Garage buffing/finish work

• Car-Rep detail products

The bird on the flip-forward hood is a showpiece on its own—fitting for a build nicknamed “Early Bird.”

Body Modifications: A Full Custom Transformation

This isn’t a modified ’69.
This is a reimagined ’69.

Major Custom Mods

• Motorized flip-forward hood (“Flipping the Bird”)

• Hood extended & beaked

• Custom shaker cutout

• Cowl panel redesign

• Flush front & rear glass

• Modified grille & headlight buckets

• Forged carbon chin spoiler & ground effects

• Fender flares (1979 TA style)

• Fender vents (1979 TA)

• C7 Corvette-inspired quarter panel pockets

• Thumbprint door poppers

• Custom billet taillight panel with XKGlow LEDs

• Lamborghini dual exhaust tips

• Custom motorized trunk & shaved fitment

• Flush-mounted cameras

• Forged carbon power mirrors

• Full forged carbon diffuser

This car doesn’t have body mods—it has a body overhaul.

Interior: Modern Luxury Wrapped in Apex Leather

Inside, the Early Bird blends vintage Trans Am soul with luxury sports-car comfort.

Interior Features

• Modern Classic fiberglass dash, console & door panels

• Dakota Digital GRPH gauges (with forward-facing camera screen)

• Sony XAV-AX8500 head unit

• Sony 8-channel amp

• XS-series speakers & subs

• Custom fiberglass sub enclosure

• TMI Pro Grand seats in Apex leather

• Suede headliner

• Vintage Air

• Billet vents

• Bartec TPMS

• Nu-Relics power windows

• Ididit tilt/telescope column

• Apex Square Weave carpet & Lloyd mats

• Full custom roll cage

• XKGlow fiber optic LED lighting

The trunk is fully upholstered as well, with Odyssey batteries, LED accents, and motorized operation.

Future Plans

Kevin plans to hit major events including:

• Street Machine Nationals

• Goodguys Shows

• Additional national competitions

And of course—he’s going to enjoy driving it.

Special Thanks

Kevin sends deep appreciation to:

John & Kim Wargo and the entire Custom Shop team:
Brianna Wargo • Justin Rambo • Mario Vietti • Ryan Ohmes • Seth Pedilla • Dennis “Twinkie” Sullivan

And the many companies whose parts made this masterpiece possible:

Apex Leather • Atturo Tires • Auto City Glass • Borla Induction • Car Rep • Carworx • Cerakote • CVF Racing • Dakota Digital • Eddie Motorsports • Fairchild • Goodmark • Granatelli Performance • Griot’s Garage • Hawkeye Ind • Holley • Ididit • Modern Classic Fiberglass • Nu-Relics • Odyssey Batteries • Painless Perf • PSDS • Pypes Exhaust • Roadster Shop • Scosche • Seat Belt Planet • Sony • Tanks Inc • TMI • Tuff Stuff • Vintage Air • XKGlow • and more.

Photos by: Chris Gosda