Although I only owned a 1969 Camaro for a few short months (see this issue’s Special Section, page 62), back in the ’90s my daily driver was another GM F-body: a 1984 Pontiac Trans Am. With its H.O. 305cu. in. V8, its output was anything but high, but its driving position was the absolute best of any car I have ever owned; ergonomically, it was perfect.
Although that ’84 T/A wasn’t the best example of General Motors’ longstanding fine engineering standards, nor was my ’69 Camaro a worthwhile candidate to restore, both cars cemented my view that the F-body, especially the first-generation models of 1967-’69, is the perfect size car. Dimensionally, they aren’t too big or too small; too low or too tall; too wide or too heavy. Yet there’s just enough elbow and headroom to make them comfortable to drive without being overly spacious. Their overall dimensions, just like those of pre-1971 Mustangs, A-body Barracudas, and 1970-’74 E-body Mopars, are simply ideal.
I was chums with 2 Brothers, one had a 1983 TA 305, the other a 1983 Fox Mustang GT Hatch.
Sorry to say it, the Fox Mustang would do circles around the TA, in every aspect, even looks (subjective). The oldest Brother wouldn't even play with his 1981 Vette, to compare.
The early 3rd gens had quality issues and inadequate power. I can see possibly preferring the power of the Mustang, which wasn't anything to brag about either. But in looks? You have to be kidding. Both 3rd gens are among the best designs GM ever had. To me, the Firebird in particular looked like a far more expensive car than it was. The early Fox body Mustangs barely concealed the Ford Fairmonts that they were.
My grandpa used to have one, but they decided to sell it since it is hard to maintain an old car.
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