Lucy, the St. Louis Cardinal

I (Joe) really like the lady special editions, and had been casually looking for a Redbird for several years. There are a lot of pristine examples that have been stored, and for different reasons I was never able to complete a deal on one. In June 2004, out of the blue, I get the following email from Larry Miller:
"Hi, My 75 T/A was in a wreck. I need a hood, front bumper and the lower valance. I already found the header panel. Also I was wondering if you know anything about redbirds? I bought a firebird to use for parts, but I found the build sheet to reveal it as a redbird. This one is a little different because it is a factory 4-speed car with posi rear. I just hate to tear it up if it is a rare car. Thanks Larry"
Needless to say, I just had to have it, although it'll probably cost 3 times what it's worth to restore. It needs basically everything.
   
What better place to find a redbird than St. Louis, home of the Cardinals? We had to make a lengthy drive to bring it home. On July 4th weekend, the "Fair of St. Louis" was in full swing under the arch.
We loaded it up on Friday night, which left us free to go up in the Gateway Arch on Saturday Morning. Here's a view of the Arch from the Redbird.
And, at right, here's a view of the Redbird from the Arch. Can't see it? Check out the zoomed in version below
It was raining in St. Louis, so I didn't get many pictures there, and I didn't get any before we loaded it. Here's a picture at a rest stop after we got out in the sun. In spite of its problems, it's a cute car.

Lucy's Build Sheet

Lots of fun stuff to notice on the build sheet. First, this drivetrain was available as a Trans Am delete option. The engine code, PWA, and transmission code, ZD, match 301 4-speed Trans Ams. Apparently this is a Borg-Warner Super T-10 transmission (what a waste of machinery). The posi 3.08 axle is also the same as used in 301 4-speed 1979 Trans Ams. But in spite of all that, the car still has whitewall tires and no rear sway bar. It doesn't even have a rear spoiler! WS6 obviously was out of the question.

In the luxury department, Lucy is heavily optioned like my Skybird. The major options include power windows, power locks, hobnail cloth interior, tilt, AMFM Cassette, dual rear speakers, deluxe lamp group, gages, and tach. This in addition to the standard Esprit options, like all the chrome decor and deluxe sound insulation, and also in addition to the Redbird package, which included Formula steering wheel, snowflakes, and color-keyed seat belts.

I can't imagine that this car wasn't special ordered, but the build sheet doesn't show it! Can you imagine this car in dealer stock?

I think I'll be restoring this car many years in the future. I like it a lot, but it has to get in line behind my Skybird and Dutch, my S/E 4-speed.