1978 DKM Mecham Macho Trans Am #16

Description

Macho T/A's werea unique dealer prep car of thelate 70's, in the same vein as the Yenko, and Baldwin Motion cars of a decade earlier. This makes theDKM Macho T/A very rare Trans Am. A total of 202 were made in 1978. The one you see here is #16 and is believed to be the one photographed at Phoenix International Raceway for the Macho brochure photo shoot. I have an original copy of the brochure. I had this discussion with Dennis Mecham (the man behind the DKM program) personally when he signed the glove box years ago making this particular Macho T/A one of the more desirable ones to own.
Like any collector car its the condition and options that differentiate the cars, this Macho T/A #16 comes with the super rare lightweight lift off fiberglass hood, color matched roll bar, 4 wheel disc brakes (normally not available on a production Trans Am till the 1979 model year, but in fact could be had through the DKM program a year earlier). All the other typical Macho performance upgrades including the engine upgrades, opened uphood shaker, Koni's, suspension work, and Hurst competition shifter, oil pressure restorer and paint work are also included.
The Macho was originally sold out of a Woodland Hills, CA Pontiac dealership. (I have the original owners # and he can speak to the day he drove it out of the showroom and can attest to it's history). The second owner Chris Banning, who has quite an in depth history in the west coast car world bought it in 1980 and had it till 2005. I am the 3rd owner.
I have mostly just done the routine service, fixed anything that wasrequiredand done simple cosmetic preservation. The entire drive train is all numbers matching and I haveliterary everyreciept dating back to the 80's including every part that was purchased for the car and a description of the engine work performed years back. The car routinely passes the CA state smog test and has no drive-ability issues. I obtained a set of correct 70's era Recaro front seats (a then available Macho option) and had them covered in the correct Pontiac upholstery just as the Macho T/A brochure offered. I also have the original seats which are in fine condition as well, they are yours to have with the car.
I was fortunate enough to have Macho #16 featured in Hemmings Muscle Machines magazine in 2008. The link is below and will tell you more about the history of Dennis Mecham's work, and this car.
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2008/10/Macho-Poncho---1978-Pontiac-Trans-Am/1707978.html
Below is a link to an additional article by Hagerty Insurance covering how the Macho program came about, what it included, and a sale, including the pricing of one at auction earlier last year:
https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2018/02/08/macho-trans-am

Items of note:

-the interior and dash is excellent
-the paint is about 80% original and includes some chips and scuffs etc, its not perfect but very presentable. I decided to never do a repaint as I wanted to keep it original as that is the preferred method these days.
-The windshield was replace in the 90's
-The Hooker Headers, part of the Macho exhaust upgrade and still available through Hooker but were removed from the car in the 80's because of low clearance and stock exhaust manifolds (have receipt) are on it now the rest of the exhaust is fairly new with dual cats, The car has an aggressivegreat sound to it.
-The A/C system is complete but the compressor shaft seal went out a couple of years back and thus will need replacing and a recharge.
-build sheet and all Macho documentation including letter of authenticity, official DKM Macho T/A Care and Operation Guide, included with the car isthe very rare DKM Macho racing jacket will go with the car, finding one of these jackets (only available when the car was new) is close to impossible today and its perfect condition, and its agreat additionto have with the car.
This Macho T/A has been in SoCal all its life and is rust free. Part of the Macho package was to include under coating before it left the dealer and it is all still there. The car runs and drives great and will easily out perform the standard T/A of the times. There are many black and gold T/A's that currently bring high prices, but there are only 202 Machos built in 1978. I can almost guarantee you will be the only one at the next car show with a Macho. I myself have yet to see another one here in SoCal. Please call me Rich @ 714-620-5801 or message me if you have any questions I am very familiar with the DKM Macho T/A story. In the past I have also owned the last car Dennis Mecham built. I have a number of collector cars, and its time to make some room.
This is a relist because the last interested buyer pulled out at the end due to not having the funds. I understand people have questions and I am happy to answer all of them via eBaybut if you are really interested in the car please call so we can have a morethorough conversation and you'll know more about what you are purchasing. A handful of Machoshave started to show up at auctions over the last year so far the resultsindicate they average between $35-55K depending on options, conditions, etc.
Vehicle will not be available for pick up or shipping until payment is made in full with cashiers check or cleared wire transfer.

Enjoy the bidding