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Trans Am Immaculate, Only 1554 Original Miles, One Of One on 2040-cars

Year:2002 Mileage:1554 Color: parts have been replaced with polished billet aluminum
Location:

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, United States

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, United States
Advertising:

2002 Pontiac Slingshot

The first thing you notice is this special edition of the TransAM appears to be longer and sleeker than the stock TransAM or ANY other TransAM there is...That's because the car sports new19 inch Michelin Sports and magnesium Alms racing wheels (instead of the stock 17's and the stock painted wheels). The car is also lowered 3", but there is still plenty of height to negotiate the steepest grades. As you climb in the cabin, you notice that all the GM plastic has been replaced with the finest leather seating and includes the doors. You also notice that the cheap sill plate has been replaced with polished billet aluminum full length sill plate. Your eye is drawn to the fact that EVERY cheap plastic control knob, including the shift ball has been replaced with solid aluminum billet knobs.The pedals are all aluminum with the stamped WS6 logo on each.With the car at idle, there is the characteristic American V-8 rumble, which flows through hand fabricated stainless exhaust tips with a ceramic coated interior. At full throttle the the roar turns heads...at highway speed the exhaust noise disappears. In first gear the power is immediate, but as it moves through the RPM range you would swear the engine is supercharged. A surge of power at 3000 RPM's  pins the driver even further into the seat back. This happens in all of the first 4 gears. This Supercar can reach 60 mph in first gear! The steering is simply amazing! It tracks straight and true and the progressive variable steering effort is reminiscent of a Ferrari. The slightest hand movement changes the car's direction. The steering mechanicals are SUPERB!

If you are the least bit shy about being asked questions at every fuel stop and every red light, and having cell phones pointed at you all the time, this is not the car for you! But, if you want a machine that is EXTRAORDINARY this IS the car for you! It is being offered at a fraction of the cost to build it!

Think of it this way...you are looking at and can purchase what is essentially a brand new car with over 400 HP with NO GAS GUZZLER TAX, and NO LUXURY TAX and what will be a fraction of the sales tax originally paid on this car! 

This car IS NOT a WS6, it is much, much faster, handles immensely better and is more luxurious! It IS NOT a Firehawk, it is much, much faster, handles better and is far more luxurious. It is not a Carl Black Blackbird, it is much, much faster, handles better and is far more luxurious! Why would anyone buy a Carl Black Trans Am that has half of the Supercar modifications and selling for nearly double the price?

This brand new Firebird Trans AM with every factory option was transformed by Sheehan Pontiac in Florida with full factory approval, as the full warranty remained in place for the car. Literally, few nuts and bolts were left unturned making this last production year, the last “Of the Breed” into a true exotic Supercar. There will never be another Pontiac Trans AM Slingshot!

The goal of the transformation was fairly simple…use revised proprietary vehicle geometry, increased power output, reduced unsprung weight and reduced the drag coefficient to build a one-of-a-kind best of the best among Supercars of the era.

All of the modifications were performed by master mechanics at Sheehan Pontiac, the largest Pontiac dealership in Florida in 2002. All of the modifications were approved by Pontiac, so as to not disrupt the factory warranty.

Let’s walk through most of the modifications:

SUSPENSION AND HANDLING

·        SLP Level I Heavy Duty Package, which included reinforced rear control arms, and the panhard bar was fully boxed with a 1/8th inch steel plate (black powdered coated). The lateral force rating was certified by SLP at .90 G’s.

·        Installation of special polyurethane bushings

·        Installation of heavy duty sway bars (32mm front and 21mm rear)

·        Installation of urethane high resistance performance suspension bushings

·        Installation of Eibach Progressive Rate Pro Performance Springs (suspension lowered 1.2 inches)

·        Installation of Bilstein Road Racing Ultra Suspension gas filled struts and shocks

·        Installation of SLP sub-frame connectors (black gloss black powder coated)

·        Connectors tied into SLP NHRA legal drive shaft loop constructed of a single piece of 1/4 ” steel (black powder coated with embossed SLP logo in stainless steel)

·        SLP Strut tower support was constructed of 11/4” inch steel tubing (black powder coated)

WHEELS AND TIRES

·        The stock wheels were replaced with BBS Ferrari ALMS Challenge Motorsport Aluminum Wheels originally designed for Ferrari racing

·        The stock tires were replaced with offset Special Order Michelin Pilot Sport Tires…front 8.5 x 19 P245 35ZR, rear 9.5 x 19 P285 30ZR (stock were 16” or 17”)

·        Wheels were then ultra high speed balanced and infrared aligned

AIR INDUCTION

·        The stock air induction system was replaced with the SLP Dual Cold Air Induction System (finish constructed of stainless steel with chrome SLP logo)

·         The upper induction was funneled over Glasuric non–metallic high flow finish and billet aluminum vents (finished in black satin)

·        The stock airbox lid was replaced with a SLP lightweight performance airbox lid

·        The stock air filter was replaced wit a K&N High Performance Air Filter Charger

·        The stock mass airflow sensor was replaced with a much larger SLP mass airflow sensor

·        A smooth high flow bellows replaced the stock bellows

 ENGINE

·        Special allocation SLP LS1 high ratio rocker arms replaced the stock rocker arms

·        Bosch Platinum+4 Ultra performance spark plugs replaced the stock spark plugs

·        Valve covers were repainted Sunset Yellow (to match car graphics found elsewhere on the car)

·        Intake manifold were repainted in Sebring Silver

·        Stock engine oil and oil filter were replaced with Redline Full Synthetic 20/50 racing oil and K&N Gold oil filter

·        Stock transmission fluid was replaced with full synthetic 75/90 Dextron III Racing fluid

·        Stock differential fluid was replaced with Redline full synthetic Super Heavy Duty Racing oil

·        Water Wetter coolant replaced the stock coolant convection heat limiter

·        A manual SLP fan override to permit the driver to control the dual fan operation was integrated into the console

·        An SLP LS1 160 degree thermostat replaced the stock thermostat

·        Functional slotted polished billet aluminum inner fender ventilators replaced the stock plastic honeycomb ventilators

·        A GM Performance Option power steering rack and pinion fluid cooler was installed

TRANSMISSION and DRIVETRAIN

·        6 speed Hurst Short-Throw Competition Linkage Shifter installed

·        SLP Skip Shift Eliminator was installed

·        Traction Control logic module was “reversed” to always be deactivated unless manually activated

·        The stock driveshaft was replaced with the SLP high performance steel driveshaft

·        The stock differential cover was replaced with a Performance Products cast aluminum differential cover, which provides a fill and drain plug (not included on stock Firebird or WS6)

EXHAUST

·        The stock headers were replaced with SLP Jet Coated In and Out Polished Long Tube Tuned Headers (with SLP logo and hand fitted and machined)

·        The stock catalytic converters were replaced with Random Technology Street Legal-Street Lethal ultra low restriction catalytic converters

·        The stock mufflers were replaced with hand built SLP SS Performance Exhaust System (with bellows eliminated)

·        The stock exhaust outlets were replaced with hand made stainless steel (jet coated ceramic interior) exhaust outlets that were cantered, tapered and flared

BRAKING

·        The stock rotors were replaced with Baer Claw Eradispeed Cross-Drilled and Slotted rotors

·        Calipers were painted Sunset Yellow (powder coated)

·        The stock disc pads were replaced with VGX Stealth Metallic molded carbon heat transfer calipers with built in silencer

HEADLIGHT SYSTEM

·        The stock headlight system was replaced with a Lemans Style headlight system with aircraft aluminum ABS headlight tubs and PETG acrylic UV coated molded lens covers

·        The stock headlight balance system was replaced with a DOT approved bubble alignment system and high performance CATS High Beam Wattage (280 Watts) bulbs

COCKPIT AND CABIN

·        The stock seat coverings were replaced with French style hand sewn diagonally stitched Grade A imported Italian leather in yellow and black

·        The stick shifter boot was replaced with a French stitched imported Italian leather boot in yellow

·        The stock rear seats were redesigned and covered in the matching imported Italian leather of the front buckets (including seat cushion bolsters and center console)

·        Door panels were redesigned to accommodate the yellow interior theme

·        The stock shifter knob was replaced with a yellow-lined inlay CNC cut and grooved billet shifter knob

·        Windshield frame installation of engine vitals gauges

SPECIAL BADGING

·        Hand painted yellow shadowed “S” logo on front fascia

·        Removed the hatch lock assembly and replaced with hand painted Slingshot shadowed yellow trademark

·        Hand painted trademark “disappearing” stretch “S” in charcoal on sail panel

·        Hand painted Pontiac Logo on front fenders above billets vents

·        Special billet aluminum badging recessed in interior niche and lower body panels to establish the “bloodline and model”.


At over 400 HP, the Slingshot is a truly high performance car that was designed as a drag racing or circuit track vehicle, though it never has been raced. The car has resided in a private collection since its original build. It is the only Slingshot ever produced, so this is the only one in existence.The Slingshot name and logo is trademarked and reserved.

The original sticker price of a Trans AM optioned like this one was approximately $30,000 in 2002. This build added approximately another $40,000 to the sticker price at the time. The Slingshot was nearly a $70,000 Supercar in 2002.

During the years in a private collection, the Slingshot was maintained in immaculate condition, and at 1,554 original miles the car is essentially new. It can be enjoyed as a driver, preserved as an investment, or shown as a rare example of a now gone breed.

Be prepared to be stunned. This is a beautiful, extraordinarily powerful exceptional handling, rare one-of-a-kind driving machine! You have seen other 2002 Trans AM's for sale for $35,000-40,000. The Slingshot is much more rare, can run rings around any stock Trans AM and all others that have been modified, and most importantly is priced to sell. Thanks for looking!

All Perspective Buyers are strongly encouraged to have the Slingshot third-party inspected BEFORE offering not after you are the winning bidder.

A $500.00 deposit is required within 48 hours of a winning bid. Full payment is required within seven (7) working days.

The Slingshot is offered as is and where is. This is a private offer, but financing may be available for qualified buyers.





On Jun-12-14 at 06:46:20 PDT, seller added the following information:

 

The first thing you notice is this special edition of the TransAM appears to be longer and sleeker than the stock TransAM or ANY other TransAM there is...That's because the car sports new19 inch Michelin Sports and magnesium Alms racing wheels (instead of the stock 17's and the stock painted wheels). The car is also lowered , but there is still plenty of height to negotiate the steepest grades. You notice that all the plastic exterior parts have been replaced with polished billet aluminum. Every insignia is air-brushed and clear coated...no stick-ons except the RAM AIR factory letters on hood. As you climb in the cabin, you notice that all the GM plastic has been replaced with the finest leather seating and includes the doors. You also notice that the cheap sill plate has been replaced with polished billet aluminum full length sill plate. Your eye is drawn to the fact that EVERY cheap plastic control knob, including the shift ball has been replaced with solid aluminum billet knobs.The pedals are all aluminum with the stamped WS6 logo on each.The interior is a huge step up from stock! With the car at idle, there is the characteristic American V-8 rumble, which flows through hand fabricated stainless exhaust tips with a ceramic coated interior. At full throttle the the roar turns heads...at highway speed the ferocious exhaust note disappears. In first gear the power is immediate, but as it moves through the RPM range you would swear the engine is supercharged. A surge of power at 3000 RPM's  pins the driver even further into the seat back. This happens in all of the first 4 gears. This Supercar can reach 60 mph in first gear! The steering is simply amazing! It tracks straight and true and the progressive variable steering effort is reminiscent of a Ferrari. The slightest hand movement changes the car's direction. The steering mechanicals are SUPERB!

If you are the least bit shy about being asked questions at every fuel stop and every red light, and having cell phones pointed at you all the time, this is not the car for you! But, if you want a machine that is EXTRAORDINARY this IS the car for you! It is being offered at a fraction of the cost to build it!

Think of it this way...you are looking at and can purchase what is essentially a brand new car with over 400 HP with NO GAS GUZZLER TAX, and NO LUXURY TAX and what will be a fraction of the sales tax originally paid on this car! 

This car IS NOT a WS6, it is much, much faster, handles immensely better and is more luxurious! It IS NOT a Firehawk, it is much, much faster, handles better and is far more luxurious. It is not a Carl Black Blackbird, it is much, much faster, handles better and is far more luxurious! Why would anyone buy a Carl Black Trans Am that has half of the Supercar modifications and selling for nearly double the price?

This brand new Firebird Trans AM with every factory option was transformed by Sheehan Pontiac in Florida with full factory approval, as the full warranty remained in place for the car. Literally, few nuts and bolts were left unturned making this last production year, the last “Of the Breed” into a true exotic Supercar. There will never be another Pontiac Trans AM Slingshot!

The goal of the transformation was fairly simple…use revised proprietary vehicle geometry, increased power output, reduced unsprung weight and reduced the drag coefficient to build a one-of-a-kind best of the best among Supercars of the era.

All of the modifications were performed by master mechanics at Sheehan Pontiac, the largest Pontiac dealership in Florida in 2002. All of the modifications were approved by Pontiac, so as to not disrupt the factory warranty.

Let’s walk through most of the modifications:

SUSPENSION AND HANDLING

·        SLP Level I Heavy Duty Package, which included reinforced rear control arms, and the panhard bar was fully boxed with a 1/8th inch steel plate (black powdered coated). The lateral force rating was certified by SLP at .90 G’s.

·        Installation of special polyurethane bushings

·        Installation of heavy duty sway bars (32mm front and 21mm rear)

·        Installation of urethane high resistance performance suspension bushings

·        Installation of Eibach Progressive Rate Pro Performance Springs (suspension lowered 1.2 inches)

·        Installation of Bilstein Road Racing Ultra Suspension gas filled struts and shocks

·        Installation of SLP sub-frame connectors (black gloss black powder coated)

·        Connectors tied into SLP NHRA legal drive shaft loop constructed of a single piece of 1/4 ” steel (black powder coated with embossed SLP logo in stainless steel)

·        SLP Strut tower support was constructed of 11/4” inch steel tubing (black powder coated)

WHEELS AND TIRES

·        The stock wheels were replaced with BBS Ferrari ALMS Challenge Motorsport Aluminum Wheels originally designed for Ferrari racing

·        The stock tires were replaced with offset Special Order Michelin Pilot Sport Tires…front 8.5 x 19 P245 35ZR, rear 9.5 x 19 P285 30ZR (stock were 16” or 17”)

·        Wheels were then ultra high speed balanced and infrared aligned

AIR INDUCTION

·        The stock air induction system was replaced with the SLP Dual Cold Air Induction System (finish constructed of stainless steel with chrome SLP logo)

·         The upper induction was funneled over Glasuric non–metallic high flow finish and billet aluminum vents (finished in black satin)

·        The stock airbox lid was replaced with a SLP lightweight performance airbox lid

·        The stock air filter was replaced wit a K&N High Performance Air Filter Charger

·        The stock mass airflow sensor was replaced with a much larger SLP mass airflow sensor

·        A smooth high flow bellows replaced the stock bellows

 ENGINE

·        Special allocation SLP LS1 high ratio rocker arms replaced the stock rocker arms

·        Bosch Platinum+4 Ultra performance spark plugs replaced the stock spark plugs

·        Valve covers were repainted Sunset Yellow (to match car graphics found elsewhere on the car)

·        Intake manifold were repainted in Sebring Silver

·        Stock engine oil and oil filter were replaced with Redline Full Synthetic 20/50 racing oil and K&N Gold oil filter

·        Stock transmission fluid was replaced with full synthetic 75/90 Dextron III Racing fluid

·        Stock differential fluid was replaced with Redline full synthetic Super Heavy Duty Racing oil

·        Water Wetter coolant replaced the stock coolant convection heat limiter

·        A manual SLP fan override to permit the driver to control the dual fan operation was integrated into the console

·        An SLP LS1 160 degree thermostat replaced the stock thermostat

·        Functional slotted polished billet aluminum inner fender ventilators replaced the stock plastic honeycomb ventilators

·        A GM Performance Option power steering rack and pinion fluid cooler was installed

TRANSMISSION and DRIVETRAIN

·        6 speed Hurst Short-Throw Competition Linkage Shifter installed

·        SLP Skip Shift Eliminator was installed

·        Traction Control logic module was “reversed” to always be deactivated unless manually activated

·        The stock driveshaft was replaced with the SLP high performance steel driveshaft

·        The stock differential cover was replaced with a Performance Products cast aluminum differential cover, which provides a fill and drain plug (not included on stock Firebird or WS6)

EXHAUST

·        The stock headers were replaced with SLP Jet Coated In and Out Polished Long Tube Tuned Headers (with SLP logo and hand fitted and machined)

·        The stock catalytic converters were replaced with Random Technology Street Legal-Street Lethal ultra low restriction catalytic converters

·        The stock mufflers were replaced with hand built SLP SS Performance Exhaust System (with bellows eliminated)

·        The stock exhaust outlets were replaced with hand made stainless steel (jet coated ceramic interior) exhaust outlets that were cantered, tapered and flared

BRAKING

·        The stock rotors were replaced with Baer Claw Eradispeed Cross-Drilled and Slotted rotors

·        Calipers were painted Sunset Yellow (powder coated)

·        The stock disc pads were replaced with VGX Stealth Metallic molded carbon heat transfer calipers with built in silencer

HEADLIGHT SYSTEM

·        The stock headlight system was replaced with a Lemans Style headlight system with aircraft aluminum ABS headlight tubs and PETG acrylic UV coated molded lens covers

·        The stock headlight balance system was replaced with a DOT approved bubble alignment system and high performance CATS High Beam Wattage (280 Watts) bulbs

COCKPIT AND CABIN

·        The stock seat coverings were replaced with French style hand sewn diagonally stitched Grade A imported Italian leather in yellow and black

·        The stick shifter boot was replaced with a French stitched imported Italian leather boot in yellow

·        The stock rear seats were redesigned and covered in the matching imported Italian leather of the front buckets (including seat cushion bolsters and center console)

·        Door panels were redesigned to accommodate the yellow interior theme

·        The stock shifter knob was replaced with a yellow-lined inlay CNC cut and grooved billet shifter knob

·        Windshield frame installation of engine vitals gauges

SPECIAL BADGING

·        Hand painted yellow shadowed “S” logo on front fascia

·        Removed the hatch lock assembly and replaced with hand painted Slingshot shadowed yellow trademark

·        Hand painted trademark “disappearing” stretch “S” in charcoal on sail panel

·        Hand painted Pontiac Logo on front fenders above billets vents

·        Special billet aluminum badging recessed in interior niche and lower body panels to establish the “bloodline and model”.


At over 400 HP, the Slingshot is a truly high performance car that was designed as a drag racing or circuit track vehicle, though it never has been raced. The car has resided in a private collection since its original build. It is the only Slingshot ever produced, so this is the only one in existence.The Slingshot name and logo is trademarked and reserved.

The original sticker price of a Trans AM optioned like this one was approximately $30,000 in 2002. This build added approximately another $40,000 to the sticker price at the time. The Slingshot was nearly a $70,000 Supercar in 2002.

During the years in a private collection, the Slingshot was maintained in immaculate condition, and at 1,554 original miles the car is essentially new. It can be enjoyed as a driver, preserved as an investment, or shown as a rare example of a now gone breed.

Be prepared to be stunned. This is a beautiful, extraordinarily powerful exceptional handling, rare one-of-a-kind driving machine! You have seen other 2002 Trans AM's for sale for $35,000-40,000. The Slingshot is much more rare, can run rings around any stock Trans AM and all others that have been modified, and most importantly is priced to sell. Thanks for looking!

All Perspective Buyers are strongly encouraged to have the Slingshot third-party inspected BEFORE offering not after you are the winning bidder.

A $500.00 deposit is required within 48 hours of a winning bid. Full payment is required within seven (7) working days.

The Slingshot is offered as is and where is. This is a private offer, but financing may be available for qualified buyers.



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Auto blog

Burt Reynolds’ former 1978 ‘Smokey’ Pontiac Trans Am in big auction by feds

Mon, Oct 21 2019

A 1978 Pontiac Trans Am once owned by Burt Reynolds as a memento of the car he drove in the film “Smokey and the Bandit” will be among nearly 150 muscle cars and luxury vehicles seized from the alleged perpetrators of an $800 million investment scheme that will hit the auction block this weekend in California. ItÂ’s said to be the largest single-owner car collection ever auctioned by the U.S. Marshals, seized late last year from Jeff and Paulette Carpoff, the founders of the now-defunct mobile solar generators company DC Solar. Two employees of the San Francisco Bay Area solar energy company, certified public accountant Ronald Roach, 53, and general contractor Joseph Bayliss, 44, both of the Bay Area. pleaded guilty Tuesday to participating in what federal prosecutors say was a massive scheme that defrauded investors of $1 billion. Both men agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation. While the Carpoffs, the company's owners, have not been charged, they agreed to let the government auction their collection of 150 classic, performance and luxury vehicles, including the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am once owned by Burt Reynolds. The replica of the car the late actor drove in "Smokey and the Bandit" and the other vehicles are to be auctioned Saturday, with online bidding already pushing the accumulated value past $5.5 million. Bidding on that Trans Am alone had topped $65,000 by late Tuesday. The auction company said it had been driven less than 3,400 miles. It's the largest single-owner car collection ever auctioned by the U.S. Marshals Service. Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Lasha Boyden of the Sacramento office called it "a stunning collection of vehicles" that also includes 1990s Humvees, 1960s-era Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros from several decades, plus older cars including a 1939 Buick Roadmaster, a 1951 Chevy Thriftmaster 3100 pickup truck and a 1941 Plymouth Special Delux with wooden doors and trim. “It is rare for the U.S. Marshals to hold an auction of such a stunning collection of vehicles,” Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Lasha Boyden in Sacramento said in a statement. ReynoldsÂ’ former Trans Am is a hardtop memento of the version he drove in the 1977 action comedy. It bears Bandit Run logos in the rear window and upper windshield and appears to have modified suspension components and bucket seats. It comes with a Florida registration with ReynoldsÂ’ name on it, and an autograph on the glove box that reads, “Be Safe!

General Motors Recalls Nearly 780,000 Cars To Fix Deadly Problem

Thu, Feb 13 2014

General Motors is recalling nearly 780,000 compact cars in North America because the engines can shut down unexpectedly and cause crashes. The company says six people have been killed in crashes related to the problem. The recall affects Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s from the 2005 through 2007 model years. U.S. safety regulators say the weight of the key ring and rough roads can move the ignition switch out of the run position, cutting the engine and electricity. If that happens, air bags may not work. GM says there have been 22 crashes from the problem. All happened at high speeds. Dealers will replace the ignition switch for free. GM says owners should remove nonessential items from key rings until the problem is fixed. Related Gallery Chevy Impala Earns Highest Accolades From Consumer Reports Recalls Chevrolet GM Pontiac Cobalt

Looking Back At Oprah's Free-Car Giveaway 10 Years Later

Fri, Sep 12 2014

Molly Vielweber's Pontiac G6 appears unremarkable at first glance. It wears forest green paint, rolls on five-spoke aluminum wheels, and it has a sizeable scrape in the driver's side door, the scar of a decade's worth of hard use. You wouldn't notice it parked at a big box store or cruising on the highway. Pontiac made hundreds of thousands of G6s in the 2000s, and a lot are still on the road. It's unremarkable in every way except for the front license plate, which reads, "Oprah 6." But this is not just any G6. This car is a part of television history. Vielweber won her G6 10 years ago at a taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show, when Oprah kicked off her 19th season in dramatic fashion by giving all 276 members of the studio audience a free car. It was an unprecedented stunt that changed lives, generated controversy and ultimately failed to provide enough of a marketing lift for Pontiac, which would be shuttered just over five years later. September 13 marks the 10-year anniversary of the memorable event, which caught everyone, including audience members, by surprise. In a masterful display of showmanship, Oprah dialed up the suspense to match the enormity – and cost – of the event. First she gave away 11 cars, which would have been a landmark TV promotion by itself. But then she coyly announced: "I've got a little twist." Models circulated throughout the audience carrying silver platters loaded with white boxes wrapped in red ribbon. One contained a set of keys, Oprah implied, for another audience member to win the final car. "Do not open it. Do not shake it," she commanded the crowd. Finally, with the suspense built to a fevered pitch, everyone opened their box. They all had keys. "You get a car! You get a car! You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!" Oprah exclaimed. "Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car!" This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Everybody did get a car. But not everyone kept it. William Toebe attended the show with his wife, Jillaine, and he immediately thought of the tax implications, which stretched to $6,000 or more for some audience members. It was a tough reality for many in the audience that day, some of which had been selected based on their need for a new car. "That responsible part of me stepped forward and wondered 'where am I going to get the money to pay the taxes?'" he recalled.