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4-Speed A/C: 1972 Pontiac Trans Am 455HO

This 1972 Pontiac Trans Am is one rare bird. It’s a rusty bird but it is rare. There were only 1,286 Trans Ams built in 1972 and only 458 of them were 4-speed cars, making 1972 the lowest production number for Trans Ams second only to 1969 (697 Trans Ams). In comparison, the highest year of production was 1979 when over 117,000 Trans Ams were sold. The primary reason that so few cars were built was due to a strike at the Norwalk GM plant in March 1972. This car is listed here on eBay and has been bid to $12,100 with 6 days remaining in the auction. This car is located in Lincoln, Nebraska at Restore a Muscle Car.

From 1970 through 1972, the Trans Am was available in Cameo White with a blue stripe or Lucerne Blue with a white stripe. While this car is mostly rust-colored, it was originally Cameo White with a blue interior. The car is obviously going to need a full restoration. Just about every part of the interior is worn, cracked, torn, or damaged. This car was last licensed in 1975 and was originally bought by a Vietnam veteran after returning from the war. It was left outside under a tree with a car cover on it for its long time storage since 1984.

One great thing about the 1971-1972 Pontiac Trans Am is the HO455 engine. This was the last of the round port head engines built by Pontiac. It was rated at 300 net horsepower and 335 gross horsepower. The engine was also available in the Pontiac GTO. This car looks like it has its original aluminum intake manifold and some of the original air conditioning components. An aftermarket Mallory ignition box is mounting to the fender and the original air conditioning compressor and brackets are missing.

The exterior is rough with a lot of surface rust. The front spoiler is missing and it appears that someone installed hood locks that have rusted through. If you are into restoration projects and appreciate the beautiful lines of this car, this might be a good candidate. The bidding is still reasonable and I am sure Restore A Muscle Car can do the restoration for you.

Comments

  1. Avatar Al_Bundy Member

    It’s rough to be sure, but I prefer to comment on how much I love the ’71-76 models of this car. I got to stay up late with my old man to watch the Rockford Files as a kid. It was a base model in the show, but damn if I didn’t recognize them out on the road. Hood scoops, graphics and the only real performance 400/455 cars throughout the malaise era. Then comes “Smokey & the Bandit” lol. Liked the single round headlight look best. Heard the Chevy division of GM was never thrilled as all they were putting in Camaro & Corvette was a choked 350 after 1974 (?).

    Like 9
    • Avatar Mike Freeman Member

      Liked the round headlamp front but the wraparound back glass on the 77. I had one of those and if I had the money I’d love to build this. Pricey to do for sure.

      Like 2
    • Avatar Kenneth Pannell

      Affter 1972 GM choked all there motors along with all the other car makers. It was a gas war, i had new 73 3 speed gto back then and it was sick, and drink more gas the earlyer high horse motors. I remember blowing the motor up, and putting a 70 model 400 motor back in it. It had so much more hp that you could take off in 2nd and leave rubber in 3rd. I think all the car makers cut over a 100hp off there motors. Gm’s 350 went form 300hp to a 190hp. That was good by to the good old days to me.

      Like 0
      • Avatar joenywf64

        Unless you were lucky to get a ’73-’74 t/a or formula with you know what motor & preferably with no options(including no radio) to cut a lot of weight.

        Like 0
  2. Avatar Num1sherm

    In the late ’70’s, I briefly owned a ’70-1/2 Ram Air III T/A with 4 speed. Loved that car. Anyway – apologizing in advance for being pedantic but the Ohio plant that was struck during the ’72 model run was the “Norwood” plant.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Ike Onick

      “Pedantic” is OK on this site if you are part of the “In-Crowd” .Looks like you are In Like Flynn.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar George Mattar

    So much better looking than any other GM in 72. The overpaid idiots went on strike and GM caved and paid them. So now the US auto industry is a total joke. GM was on top then. Not now.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Claudio

      You can blame the UAW union for all these problems

      Like 2
  4. Avatar Tom

    Minor correction; the ‘73-‘74 SD-455’s were the last Pontiac engines built with round port heads. I have a ‘71 with the 455 HO that’s in way better shape than this one. Panning on selling it soon to “thin the herd”. I’ll miss it!!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Mike Dowlen Member

      Let me know when your 71 trans am is available. Is it auto or stick?
      Mike

      Like 0
      • Avatar Tom

        Hi Mike, my car is an automatic, A/C 3.08 rear end. I’ve owned it for 5 years and probably put 4000+ miles on it. I would drive it anywhere

        Like 0
      • Avatar Tom

        Hi Tom, My name is Tom too. I would be interested in your car if you really do decide to sell it. Please be sure and reach out.

        Like 0
  5. Avatar joenywf64

    I’m surprised how many of the 2nd gens with the Vega type steel were used in &/or left out in bad weather. As soon as an owner saw the premature rust forming, that should have been a clue these are fair weather cars only! & immediately garage it – or sell it!
    This one also appears to have been left out in the hot sun too.
    Surprised the gross vs net hp difference is only 35 hp.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Carjack

      You haven’t seen any of the mopars and fords from the early 70s apparently. They all like to rust.

      Like 3
      • Avatar Motorcityman

        My Dad bought a New 73 FORD Galaxie 500…..in just 3 years the outer door skins were flapping in the wind!

        Like 1
  6. Avatar James427

    Wasn’t this one of the cars Weaks found and sold to Dennis Collins?

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Bolivar Shagnasty

    Yes it is. I watched that episode yesterday. Why take it from Dallas to Nebraska?

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Tom

    Please tell me how this car is somehow more valuable because Dennis Collins was involved at some point, and that it has a ‘71 engine in it. To me that makes it far less valuable, especially because a flipper has been involved. This thing is a hot mess that needs everything. Can’t believe it’s been bid to over $20,000…

    Like 2

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