Pontiac Firebird, White, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $36,995.

Don't call this car a clone, or a recreation, or a tribute, it's more of an illusion. Pontiac only built eight Trans Am convertibles in 1969, but that doesn't mean they couldn't have built more. The hardware was certainly there and this one has it all, including a 400 cubic inch V8, a Hurst 4-speed, and that traditional Cameo White with Tyrol Blue stripes and rear panel. The result? An awfully convincing dream car that takes Trans Am fun to the next level.

Details are critical on a car like this, and when you're going to build something so iconic, you'd better get them right. Fortunately, someone did more than paint some stripes on a white Firebird. This one also carries a correct Ram Air hood, proper scoops on the front fenders, and that big wing out back. The Cameo White paint is more of an antique white, not a blazing refrigerator white as on the 1970 cars, and it has been exactly duplicated as well. Tyrol Blue was actually a 1967 color recycled for the Trans Am, and both the stripes and rear taillight panel have been finished correctly. The bodywork is nicely done, with good caps and lots of hand labor on the sheetmetal. Reproduction decals, including Ram Air callouts on the hood, Trans Am lettering on the front fenders, and the label on top of the rear wing, have been installed to complete the, ah, illusion.

A correct black bucket seat interior is part of the package, and while a column-shifted automatic was oddly available in the Trans Am, this one has a correct console and a proper 4-speed manual transmission. The pleated seat covers are new, of course, and the seats themselves are supportive with headrests that were a NHTSA requirement for models built after January 1, 1969. The original gauges have been augmented with a low-mounted knee knocker tachometer and auxiliary gauges under the dash, and the radio is a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo unit. Note that this car also includes Vintage Air A/C that uses the original vents. Overhead there's a new white vinyl top and the trunk has been nicely finished with spatter finish paint, correct coffee cans and a spare tire cover.

The engine is a 400 cubic inch V8, which appears to be correct for this car, Trans Am or not. Trans Ams wore chrome valve covers and air cleaners like this one, as well as traditional Pontiac Turquoise paint on the block. Power steering and power disc brakes make it easy to drive, despite its substantial horsepower. Fully rebuilt, it runs beautifully with a threatening rumble at idle and a wonderful banshee wail under full throttle. Bang through the gears in the 4-speed thanks to a Hurst T-handle shifter, and the performance radials on Rallye II wheels will do their best to plant the power.

So if you're not one of the lucky seven to own an original Trans Am convertible, here's a chance to live the dream. Call today!