It can be frustrating to submit a bid on a classic at auction, only to be left hanging as you wait to learn whether the reserve is met. There are no such problems with this 1973 Pontiac Trans Am because its auction has reached that point. That means it is a winner-take-all proposition, and a new owner is days away from taking it home. It is easy to understand why it occurred. The Pontiac presents superbly and has a potent V8/4-speed drivetrain combination. It deserves a close look, which could be enough to tempt you to join the bidding war.
The history of this Second Generation Trans Am is unclear, although its overall condition suggests someone may have treated it to at least a cosmetic refresh. I wouldn’t bet the farm on it, but its appearance is consistent with the paint not having over fifty years under its belt. However, it is also worth noting that the seller is sparing with their information, meaning only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth if they are unwilling to supply information upon request. Its Brewster Green, a new shade for 1973, has a beautiful depth of color and shine. If there are any paint or sheetmetal defects, they are too minor to show in the supplied photos. There is no evidence of rust or corrosion, and the decals look crisp and clean. The spoilers are crack-free, while the remaining trim is immaculate. It features crystal clear tinted glass, and the Rally II wheels are in as-new condition.
This Trans Am’s theme of spotless presentation continues when we focus on its interior. The Black vinyl trim looks exceptional, with no wear or stretching. The carpet is immaculate, and there is no evidence of physical damage on the dash, pad, or console. The almost flawless presentation further supports my belief that someone treated this Pontiac to a birthday. The gauge fascia is the traditional machine-turned item that frames a factory tachometer and other gauges to monitor the car’s health. There are no visible aftermarket additions, with a factory AM radio occupying its rightful place in the dash and the new owner set to enjoy air conditioning.
I will never understand why a seller would list a car of this caliber and then shortchange themselves by not including engine photos. It requires no additional effort or cost and often reveals a lot about a car’s condition. That is the case with the Trans Am, so we must work with what the seller supplies in the listing text. They confirm this car features a 455ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip rear end, and power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The V8 is the entry-level L75 version, delivering 250hp and 370 ft/lbs of torque. This Pontiac perfectly demonstrates the profound impact tightening emission regulations had on engine power and performance. Its figures are respectable, allowing it to cover the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds on its way to 102mph. Buyers in 1972 received 300hp and 415 ft/lbs, delivering a 14.3-second ¼-mile ET and a top speed of 111mph. Sadly, things wouldn’t improve as the 1970s progressed. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this beauty is numbers-matching or how it runs and drives. The visual indications are positive, but contacting the seller for clarification would be wise before dropping a bid on this classic.
With Pontiac now little more than a distant memory, preserving classics like this 1973 Trans Am becomes critical so that future generations of enthusiasts gain insight into what was lost. The seller listed it here on eBay in Woodstock, Georgia, and the twenty-nine submitted bids suggest people are willing to try. The action has pushed the price to $36,000, and with the reserve met, it will find a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?
First thing I thought of was John Wayne in McQ. Im pretty sure this is the same color too. And hos was a 73 also.
This looks like one sweet ride to me. No wonder why John Wayne drove Pontiacs in his private life too.
Brannigan was a better movie, but only because Judy Geeson was in it. That had British cars because it was shot in London. British cars are very fine indeed.
A buddy bought one new in 73, beautiful car had the 455/4speed. His was a midnight blue color. We raced all the time. I had a new 73 Z28 and could beat him in the 1/4 every time we raced. His car was much nicer in the interior.
Wow that’s a heck of a trap speed 111mph🏁. Would figure you’d get under 14 seconds ET 🤔
There’s a difference between trap speed and top speed.
In 73, Trans Am was only available in white, red, or green. Admiralty Blue was released in 74.
Yah sure you did Bruce in Tests 73 455 T/A’s were Quicker than 73 Z28’s specially the 73 SD-455 T/A and Formulas also only 3 colors available in 73 for Trans Ams – White – Red and Green :)
Nope
Your buddy didn’t know how to drive cause you could never have beaten 73’ Trans Am with this engine.
Sparce description, even more sparce pictures. No engine pictures? No underside? Low reserve? I’ll pass and the scammers for someone else . . . Like the car, just don’t believe it belongs to this seller. In fact, the pictures looked like ‘restore a musclecar’ pictures . . . . See here . . . https://vehicles.restoreamusclecar.com/vehicles/1666/1973-pontiac-trans-am Same pics with license blacked out . …Hard pass.
Agreed. I thought it was Restore A Muscle Car as well
A stunning car. The very best T/A IMHO, though better with the ‘72 drivetrain modifications-if there really were any mods made as some of the numbers released were overly modest in order to placate the IIHS..
I’ve tried to post twice that the pics appear lifted from a dealer’s site (restore a m . . .. ) . .. and my post disappear. Does anyone know why? Are we not supposed to suggest fraud?
Sold for $112,000 on 4/17/24 on BAT. Nice car, transparent scam.
Thanks John Dillman.
Forgive me but, BAT?
The Bring A Trailer website. Click on the link above and there’s a link on that site to the BAT auction. Also eBay deleted the auction ad so it looks like it was fraud.
Scam. Those pics belong to Restore a Muscle Car out of Nebraska. Price is way too low to have cleared a reserve
If they could be a little more vague with vehicle details, we’d be all over it.
If the author of this Barn Finds article cannot figure out the ABSOLUTE SCAM that a freshly restored 1973 Brewster Green 4-speed Trans Am – listed on eBay – has reached reserve at only $36,000, then perhaps he should not be writing about 1973 Trans Ams. Just as constructive criticism, in future, please research before writing. In this instance, your article potentially sent someone with an equal lack of knowledge as yourself running to an auction where they could have ended up the victim of a scammer.
IMO the ’70-’73 Firebird was the most beautiful and organically styled car ever. From the front fascia, single side window and the way the rear glass blends into the upper roof line. The spats, spoiler and shaker then define the T/A itself. A car that begs to be viewed as much as driven.
The ad has vanished from Ebay. Much to no ones surprise.
If it was mine, I would “refresh” the motor and achieve max hp
Ebay ad has disappeared… it was a scam. I get at least 30-40 scam emails a day even with spam filters at their highest setting in my inbox, its ridiculous… we live in an awful time.
There has always been thievery, only now they know how to use a computer. Whenever something new comes up two things happen. Can you use it for p0rn and can crooks use it?