1995-1997 SLP Pontiac Trans Am Comp T/A: Evolution of a Rare Dealer-Built Performance Edition
The SLP Pontiac Trans Am Comp T/A stands as one of the most intriguing and rare performance editions of the fourth-generation Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am (1993–2002). Not a factory-produced trim from General Motors, the Comp T/A was a dealer/performance shop collaboration between Pontiac and SLP (Street Legal Performance) that celebrated a legendary performance tire, added significant performance and visual upgrades, and today represents a highly collectible piece of late-era American muscle car history. Over its brief production run from 1995 to 1997, just 164 Comp T/As were built, making them especially sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Origins: SLP Engineering Meets Pontiac Performance
SLP (Street Legal Performance) was established to provide legal, high-performance upgrades for General Motors vehicles, particularly Pontiacs and Camaros/Firebirds. Best known for its Firehawk performance conversions, SLP expanded its efforts in the mid-1990s by working with Pontiac to create a limited-edition commemorative model based on the Trans Am.
The impetus for the Comp T/A came in 1995 as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of BFGoodrich’s Comp T/A performance tire — a tire with deep roots in muscle car and drag racing culture. SLP and Pontiac seized the opportunity to create a special Trans Am edition that both paid homage to that legacy and delivered a uniquely equipped performance car.
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Production and Model Years (1995–1997)
SLP produced the Comp T/A limited edition over three model years — 1995, 1996, and 1997 — but not in equal numbers. Although plans called for up to 200 examples, just 164 total Comp T/As were completed. Each car was numbered and documented in the SLP Registry, underscoring its limited-edition status.
Year-by-Year Breakdown (approximate):
- 1995: ~72 cars built — the first year and most examples produced.
- 1996: ~45 cars built.
- 1997: ~47 cars built, of which only 17 featured an automatic transmission — the rest were manual.
All Comp T/As were finished in Bright Silver Metallic with a signature dark gray 10-inch stripe running the length of the car and complementing the BFGoodrich branding.
Comp T/A Models and Specifications
Platform and Engine
The Comp T/A was based on the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, part of the fourth generation of Firebird/Trans Am models that began in 1993 and lasted through 2002. All Comp T/As were equipped with the 5.7-liter LT1 V8 — the same powerplant used across Trans Am models in this era — which produced approximately 300 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque in stock form.
Power was sent to the rear wheels via either:
- A six-speed manual transmission (many cars)
- Or a four-speed automatic transmission (notably in some 1995 and 1997 examples)
Each car was equipped with a limited-slip differential as part of its performance pedigree.
Performance Enhancements
SLP added several upgrades that set the Comp T/A apart from standard Trans Ams of the era:
- Composite “Ram Air” hood with functional cold-air induction scoops — boosting intake efficiency.
- Performance air induction and headers to improve airflow and throttle response.
- 17-inch cast-alloy aluminum wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich Comp T/A tires — a nod to the tire celebrated by this edition.
- Sport Suspension Package which included larger front anti-sway bar, rear panhard bar, Bilstein shock absorbers, and progressive-rate springs.
- Performance exhaust system installed by SLP.
Inside, Comp T/As featured Graphite leather upholstery, with Comp T/A-branded floor mats and a numbered plaque on the center console confirming each car’s unique build number.
Standard and Optional Equipment
Standard equipment included typical Trans Am amenities of the era: power windows, power locks, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering column, factory CD stereo, and removable T-tops on coupe versions.
Many cars also included factory options such as:
- Hurst short-throw shifter on manual cars.
- Additional wheel sets or upgraded wheels as dealer options.
Design and Visual Identity
All Comp T/As shared a striking visual theme. The Bright Silver Metallic paint, coupled with the bold dark gray stripe and Comp T/A badging, gave them a distinct identity that stood out from other Trans Am models.
The composite hood with functional scoops was more than cosmetic: it fed cooler, denser air into the induction system, marginally improving performance while echoing classic muscle car Ram Air designs. The aluminum wheels and BFGoodrich tires were not just commemorative — they were chosen for their real performance capabilities of the era.
Performance and Driving Experience
Despite the rarity of Comp T/A examples, their performance was broadly similar to other high-end Trans Ams of the mid-1990s. With 300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque from the LT1 V8, they offered brisk acceleration and robust highway performance.
The SLP suspension enhancements — including Bilstein shocks and upgraded sway bars — improved handling and control relative to standard models, helping the Comp T/A feel more planted through corners and at higher speeds. The combination of manual transmissions and Hurst shifters in many cars further appealed to performance drivers seeking a more engaging experience.
Although exact standardized performance figures from SLP were not always released, quarter-mile and high-speed capability was widely regarded as competitive for its class at the time, with many owners reporting strong acceleration and stable handling.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the SLP Pontiac Trans Am Comp T/A is highly sought after among classic muscle car collectors — not just for its rarity, but for its unique place in the Pontiac and SLP performance narrative.
Just 164 examples were built across three years, with particularly low numbers in 1996 and 1997. 1997’s production was especially limited, with only 47 cars, of which 17 were equipped with automatic transmissions — making these variants uniquely rare.
Collectors appreciate Comp T/As because they represent:
- A limited production celebration edition tied to a well-known performance tire and brand collaboration.
- A fusion of factory build quality plus SLP performance enhancements that were beyond normal FA upgrades.
- A snapshot of 1990s performance culture, where niche, limited-run dealer models could expand on factory platforms.
Because production was so limited and each car was uniquely numbered, Comp T/As can command premiums at auction, particularly if they have low miles and preserved original condition.
Future Outlook
With Pontiac’s discontinuation in 2009 and the end of the Firebird/Trans Am model line in 2002, the Comp T/A will never be officially revived. Its future lies entirely in the classic car segment, where rarity and documented history drive interest. Maps and registries such as the SLP Registry help authenticate and preserve the provenance of each example.
As enthusiast interest continues in 1990s performance cars — particularly limited-edition models — well-preserved Comp T/As are likely to maintain and potentially appreciate in value. Their small production run, unique commemorative purpose, and clear documentation make them standout attractions at shows and auctions.
The SLP Pontiac Trans Am Comp T/A occupies a unique corner of performance car history: a limited-edition, dealer-enhanced version of the mid-1990s Trans Am created to celebrate an iconic performance tire and to showcase SLP’s tuning prowess. Built from 1995 through 1997 in strictly limited numbers, each Comp T/A combined distinctive styling, enhanced suspension, performance induction and wheels, and a numbered heritage that makes these cars highly collectible today. While never a mainstream trim level, the Comp T/A remains a fascinating and rare chapter in the legacy of both Pontiac performance and SLP engineering that continues to captivate muscle car enthusiasts.
