Pro Touring Restored 600 HP Automatic Transmission Power Steering Brakes

Pontiac Firebird 1972 Description

1972 Pontiac Firebird Code Red

Call 440-914-0000 or email sales@mcgohio.com

1972 Pontiac Firebird "Code Red"

Description
This is by far one of the best executed Pro Touring cars we've ever had here and we've seen a lot. To think that this car was built by an average guy and his friends in a garage is mind blowing. It's pro level from top to bottom it's amazingly well sorted and it kicks ass in a straight line AND on an autocross course. Take 15 seconds and search for "Code Red" on Google and see just how well this car's respected.

Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year Finalist Multiple time magazine and calendar car SEMA invitational car Optima Real Street Eliminator invitee MAST Motorsports built 416ci L99 4L80E Transmission by Bowler Full DSE suspension Custom Rushforth wheels Huge Baer brakes Pro level fabrication everywhere Completely fabricated interior Multiple sponsors VERY well known car

This is owner/builder Bob Bertelsen's third award winning car...in his third attempt. Each build gets progressively harder and it's obvious he's pushing his skills and trying new techniques. He'd never worked with fiberglass for instance but that didn't stop him from heavily modifying the front nose or the hood or even building a rear belly pan from scratch.

You can find articles all over the internet on this car--it's a sensation wherever it goes. It's a cover car for Popular Hot Rodding and they liked it enough to give it a six-page spread. It's a Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year finalist and it ripped through their autocrosses and stormed through the Optima Real Street Challenge. Of course the paint's slick but the level of detail is really where this car shines.

For starters really cohesive builds start not just with an idea but with a designer who can tie everything together. Veteran builder Jason Rushforth took Bob's thoughts and transferred them to paper. The accents the interior the body and (naturally) the Rushforth wheels are laid out to keep the project on track.

The second design driver was Bob's business A Plus Powder Coaters in Columbiana OH. Viper Red and Buckskin leather are the main elements but nearly every metal part is coated in matte gray or brushed-look aluminum with clearcoat.

The love of F-bodies runs deep on both sides of the Bertelsen lineage. The first new car Bob's mom ever purchased was a '67 Camaro convertible. She later stepped up to a 350-powered '73 Firebird in which Bob took the test to earn his driver's license. When years of driving on salty Ohio roads did the car in Bob and his dad fixed the sheetmetal in their garage. "That was my first experience doing paint and bodywork and from that point on I was hooked on building cars" he says. His mom kept her Camaro for decades and after Bob built it up he needed a new project to fulfill his need to fabricate. "Three years ago second-gen Camaros were starting to get really popular so I didn't want to build the same car as everyone else. I found a nice '72 Trans Am on eBay and drove up to Pennsylvania to pick it up. The good thing was that the Trans Am was built as a show car in 1984 so it had new GM sheetmetal on it. The bad news was that it still looked straight out of the '80s with a 4x4 stance side pipes and a lime green interior."

To address the anachronistic situation Bob hired veteran hot rod designer Jason Rushforth to draw up a set of blueprints for his new project car. After a grueling two-year build process the final result is every bit as nice as prevailing stereotypes might suggest and Bob's Trans Am is one impressive specimen of homebuilt engineering. It boasts a 575hp LS small-block variable valve timing a paddle-shifted 4L80E overdrive a hydroformed Detroit Speed front subframe assembly a four-link rear suspension six-piston Baer clamps and fat 345/30R19 rear meats. Maxing out the Pro Touring theme is a Vintage Air A/C system power everything and a Kenwood stereo with integrated GPS navigation.

While that impressive list of hardware would normally be enough to steal the show in this setting none of it seems to matter. It's all good stuff but anyone with enough money can emulate a similar caliber of execution and we've seen it all before. What we haven't seen before is a homemade street machine that could easily get mistaken for something built by one the country's premier big-name shops.

Just like the big boys Bob prefers stacking dozens of subtle aesthetic tweaks upon each other that cumulatively yield a dramatic visual kick rather than opting for a couple of flamboyant changes that net an incredibly amateur end product. From afar it looks like nothing more than a stock Trans Am with a hot stance and big wheels. Up close however the subtle design elements flow like hookup lines in an eHarmony.com chat room. Virtually every body part has been modified in some way or form. Out back Bob shortened the rear bumper 4 inches and recessed it into the quarter-panel. He then built a custom taillight panel from 3/16-inch steel to streamline the light lenses. Beneath the bumper the quarter-panels have been extended into a handbuilt roll pan that sits closer to the ground than the stock piece and also houses the exhaust tips. Likewise the rocker panels have been rolled to cover up the factory pinch welds. In an effort to replace the factory rear spoiler with something less gaudy Bob fabbed a one-off piece from 18-gauge steel. "I pictured what a Firebird would look like if GM were to build one today and tried to create it out of sheetmetal" he says. "My goal was to make the Trans Am look sleeker and more modern by smoothing out the car's lines but I also wanted the aesthetic changes to be completely functional. I tried to make the body panels look more streamlined and elegant with changes that were both subtle yet noticeable."

Bob's ability to shape custom sheetmetal is just one of his myriad skills and he's learned a thing or two about fiberglass fabrication over the years as well. To give his bird a custom beak Bob started out with an aftermarket fiberglass front nose and filled in the vent openings. The bottom of the nose then got hacked off and reshaped with a custom fiberglass spoiler foglight openings and brake ducts. The one-off hood met a similar fate. It started out as a fiberglass aftermarket unit which Bob immediately cut a pair of vents into. By positioning them right behind the cooling fans they help extract heat from the engine compartment. The finished product is a rather complex panel with smoothly flowing contours that looks factory. Bob estimates that he spent 100 hours on the hood alone but that wasn't the most difficult piece of fiberglass to fabricate. "I noticed that the Ringbrothers and Troy Trepanier were putting bellypans on a lot of their cars and I really liked the way they covered up the gas tank and made the bottom of the car look so clean. I wanted to put one on my Trans Am but I had no idea how to make it" he says. "I first made a mold of the bellypan out of wood then I took it to a local guy who makes fiberglass animals for miniature golf courses. He said he was way too busy to take on a project like mine but he agreed to let me use his equipment for $50. I learned a ton from hanging around his shop and that gave me the experience I needed to fabricate the nose and hood of my Tran Am out of fiberglass as well."

Even brand loyalists who despise Pontiacs or all GMs in general can't help but sit back in awe at the magnitude of fabrication ability exhibited by a guy working out of his two-car garage. So how exactly does the average hot rodder develop the chops necessary to build a car of this caliber? "My dad taught me when I was little that if someone else can build something that means you can build it too. That's just the prevailing philosophy out here in the Midwest" he says. For a man with such gifted hands Bob maintains his modesty and is always willing to learn more. "It's not that I'm a better car builder than anyone else I just have an eye for it and seek out help whenever I can. Some people want to be know-it-alls but if you're willing to talk to people with an open mind it's amazing the kind of advice you can pick up. Most of the stuff I've learned is from my friends and guys I talk to at various shows and even people who build cars that aren't as nice as yours have valuable skills you can learn. Believe it or not high-end builders are also willing to talk and aren't as hush-hush as you might think. Mike Ring of Ringbrothers has helped me out a ton and sometimes the most basic tips go a long way. For instance one time Mike told me that if you use an air gun to cool down your welds you can move along to your next weld so much more quickly because you don't have to wait for the first weld to cool down. I've had guys at the local body shop give me tips as well and being stupid enough to jump head first into a project can sometimes pay off. Of course it never hurts to have very talented friends who are willing to lend a hand."

Call 440-914-0000 or email sales@mcgohio.com

Price

While current or recent model year cars are simple to price the collector car market fluctuates so much that simply keeping up is a full-time job. We research similar cars and determine the price of ours based on sales records and relative conditions of those vehicles. We offer superior examples that hold their value better or will appreciate more than others you will find: Whether you're buying a car you'll keep forever or as a short term hold a car from us is simply a better value.

Contact Information

If you want to make an offer or talk about the Buy It Now price call Larry at (440) 914-0000 or email me atwoo@mcgohio.com.

Our Dealership

At the Motor Car Group we're enthusiasts first. We want you to enjoy your new car from the minute it's delivered and the trailer door drops. Before a car leaves our shop it's gone through comprehensively both visually and mechanically. We do more than just kick the tires though: We fill your tires with nitrogen road test (if the weather permits us here in Cleveland!) and clean it inside and out. We buff the paint using a three-step process immediately before it's taken away so that it gleams when it arrives. Every car we sell from Sunday drivers through the rarest exotics is meant to be driven--get out there!

If you have any questions before during or after the sale do not hesitate to contact us. It's what we're here for! Call us at (440) 914-0000 write us atsales@motorcargroup.comor stop by and see the new shop at 6441 Davis Industrial Parkway Solon OH 44139. We're 26 miles from Cleveland Hopkins Airport and we can pick you up when you come to inspect or purchase your car. We welcome any prospective buyers their buyer's agents or inspectors from Monday through Friday during business hours as well as evenings and weekends by appointment. We're car people who love what we do and you'll feel it from the first time you contact us. Give the R&H crew the opportunity to serve you: Our passion and attention to detail set us apart!

Our dealership has been in business since 2003 and we've been selling on eBay Motors for over seven years. Our helpful staff is on hand to help with questions on shipping financing vehicle condition or anything else about the buying process.We have done this many times: Please let our experience help you make this a great experience.

Financing

R&H Motorcar Group offers competitive financing nationwide. We can match or beat many bank rates and you get the added benefit of a one stop shop. Fill out our easy online application to finance your next vehicle purchase. If you have any questions call Larry at (440) 914-0000 or emailwoo@mcgohio.com.

We Offer:

Rates as low as 1.9%

Quick and easy online application

Pre-approval for auto financing

Warranty

This vehicle is being sold as is where is with no warranty expressed written or implied beyond any balance of manufacturer's warranty (if applicable). The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description authenticity genuineness or defects herein and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness imperfection defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself or she as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.

Extended Warranty

Manufacturer and extended warranties may be available. Please contact me at (440) 914-0100.

Shipping

We provide free shuttle service from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to our dealership for in-person inspections or for delivery. If you decide to pick up your purchase make a vacation out of your trip and come see all Cleveland and Northeast Ohio has to offer. We're 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland Browns Stadium the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Progressive Field the Cleveland Orchestra and more. Restaurant recommendations day trips things to see and do—give us a call at (440) 914-000 and Doug or Jen will help you make your travel arrangements.

If you prefer to have your vehicle shipped we have secured great rates with various shipping companies. If you are financing and would like to include the shipping costs into the loan please call me BEFORE securing your financing for a shipping quote. If you prefer to use your own shipping company drop us a line to make arrangements for pickup.

Trade-Ins

We accept interesting trade-ins—please call or email me Larry Woo at (440) 914-0000 orwoo@mcgohio.com. Below is an example of the information we need to evaluate your trade in:

(Full 17 digit VIN #)

Year:2010

Make:Porsche

Model:911

Trim:Turbo

Miles: (Estimated mileage upon arrival)

Color (Exterior):Silver

Color (Interior):Black

Options:Navigation ceramic brakes PDK carbon trim

Condition:Scratch on rear bumper and driver’s-side door ding on passenger door leather a little worn on driver’s-side front seat 1k miles on new tires new brakes and rotors installed 2 months ago

History:Clean title 1-owner non-smoker no accidents

Photos:5-15 digital photos are greatly appreciated

Total Amount:$59189.35

Payment:$695/month

Bank Name:Wells Fargo

Payment Method (For new vehicle purchase):

Wire transfer financing certified check or cashier's check

Why Buy a Car from R&H Motorcar Group

We offer competitive nationwide financing

We ship worldwide

All of our vehicles have been fully inspected

FAQs

Does the vehicle look like the pictures?

Yes the photos are taken of the actual vehicle at our location using a digital camera. Additional pictures of any part of any car are available upon request.

Where do you get your vehicles?

Most of our vehicles come from private collections while some are trade-ins.

Does the vehicle have a clean title?

Every vehicle we sell has a clear title. There are no liens no salvage or branded titles due to accidents floods manufacturer buybacks etc.

Are you a dealer or private seller?

We are a licensed and bonded dealer and have been in business for over 12 years. You can find our brick-and-mortar store at 6441 Davis Industrial Parkway Solon OH 44139.

What form of payments do you accept?

We only accept credit cards or cash in person for the deposit. We strongly suggest wire transfers for the balance but accept cash cashiers check or a bank check. Please allow proper time for all checks to clear before the vehicle can be released.

Terms & Conditions

Winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours of auction end and make arrangements for payment at that time. A$500.00 depositis due within24 hoursof the auction end.The remaining balance is due within 5 days of Auction end.If no contact is made within 24 hours we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle sell it to the next high bidder or sell it otherwise. Most banks and credit unions do not finance vehicles older than 1995: Make sure if financing your financial institution accepts the year BEFORE bidding.Please arrange financing PRIOR to bidding.

Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping of this vehicle. We ship vehicles frequently and can find you a great rate wherever you're located around the globe. Give us a call for an estimate before you bid or to arrange shipping afterwards.

We describe our vehicles as accurately as possible. All the vehicles are pre-owned and may have some minor flaws in the paint or in the interior. Some vehicles may have had some prior touch up to cover micro chips or scratches. Not all vehicles have a full set of keys books navigation CD's floor mats or other loose items. Vehicles may have some additional miles from local test drives.If you are not sure about something pleaseASK. Do not assume anything not listed is included. We strive to find our customers the highest quality vehicles at the best available prices. We welcome 3rdparty inspectionsBEFOREyou bid or buy.

We reserve the right to cancel any bid for excessive negative feedback. We also reserve the right to end any listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale. Please do not bid on this auction unless you are serious about owning this vehicle. All non-paying high bidders will be reported to eBay and a negative strike will go against the buyer as the result of an unpaid item being filed.PLEASE ONLY BID WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY.If the reserve is not met we reserve the right to contact the high bidder to offer a second chance option.

Fee and Tax Information

There is a $250 documentation fee on all transactions. The sales tax for the State Of Ohio residents ranges from 6.5% to 8%. If you live in Arizona California Florida Indiana Massachusetts Michigan or South Carolina we are REQUIRED through reciprocal agreements to collect your sales tax at the time of purchase and forward it on—you aren't paying twice but your final purchase price will include your tax due. Kindly make sure to call or email us after your purchase for more details.