National Coach Engineering of Michigan (1979 - 1982)
&
Other Custom Coach Convertibles
Steas Industries (1980-1981) - Custom Coachworks (1980) -
American Convertible Company (1980)
Con Tec (1981) - Elan (1981)
In 1978 this
company began converting Firebirds to convertibles. Prices ranged from $19,995
to $24,995 in 1979. For some perspective the 10th Anniversary Trans
Am (Pontiac's most expensive standard offering for 1979) averaged
around $10k. The NCE dealer option added on average over $8,000 to
the factory invoice. Only T-Top Trans Ams were shipped to the NCE
facility for conversion. This was due primarily to the extra
rigidity built into the T-Top cars. NCE reinforced the frame and
pillars as part of the conversion process. They also re-located the
rear speakers and dome light. One interesting note is that a
roll bar option was offered by NCE but only for the 10th Anniversary
models. The convertible top and boot cover were made of vinyl and
were often poorly color matched with the interior. The boot cover
featured a thin foam padding and nickel plated snaps. A common
problem with the vinyl top was becoming pinched in the folding metal
frame. Because of this it often took two people to raise or lower
the top. In order to get an NCE convertible it had to be noted on
the order sheet. Its believed, but not confirmed that NCE converted 250 Firebirds in 1979. We have no production number information for the other years yet. Total production is rumored to number around 500 from 1979 to 1981. The one question I am asked the most often from NCE owners is if anyone is selling new convertible tops for these cars. Unfortunately the original company has been out of business a long time. Sadly, someone familiar with the company at the time tells me that dozens of these tops were simply tossed into the dumpster. I am however, working a few different angles to see if a pattern for a new top has been developed or can be developed so that existing owners can have a local upholstery shop fabricate one. If I can make any progress I will certainly post that information here. We have recently learned that NCE maintained an office in San Jose California on Stevens Creek Blvd. This office, of course, has been closed for a long time but if anyone worked at this location, please contact me at webmaster1@firebirdgallery.com (remove the "1" before sending). Follow this link to read a great article on the industry concept of Coach Convertibles, written by Robert Whitman: Coach Convertible |
||
1979 Motor Trend Magazine
Article on the NCE Conversions |
||
Download this article in PDF format. |
||
Feature Photos of the original NCE facility in Port Sanilac, Michigan |
||
Webmaster's Note:
I'd like to put more information here about this company and how these
cars were created. If someone can provide or point me to an article or simply
send me valid
information, I would be happy to include it here.
Lot#1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|