The Camaro Z28 was cancelled, the Ford Mustang came with a 4 cylinder and the Dodge Challenger was dropped from production. However, Pontiac was still selling Trans Ams like hot cakes and you could still order the optional 455 cubic inch V8 engine. This example is located in New Baltimore, Michigan. It has some tasteful modifications including a non-original exterior paint, T-Tops and aftermarket 17 inch aluminum honeycomb wheels. The car is listed here on eBay with 4 days remaining in the auction. The Trans Am is bid to $22,100 after 40 bids and appears to have met the reserve.
Trans Am production had more than doubled from the prior year increasing from 10,255 Trans Ams in 1974 to 27,274 Trans Ams in 1975. This car was optioned with the deluxe interior which came with upgraded seats and door panels. The dash and seats have no cracks or tears and besides dangling seat belts, the interior is sharp. This car is fitted with later production T-Tops. The first T-Tops on Trans Ams were Hurst built units that were installed on the 1976 Limited Edition Trans Am.
Buyers had a choice of either an L78 400 cubic inch V8 engine or a L75 455 cubic inch V8 engine in 1975. This Trans Am is one of only 857 produced in 1975 with the L75 455 engine. While this engine is the base 455 engine found in Pontiac sedans and station wagons of that era, Pontiac decided to designate it as the HO455 engine in the Trans Am to garner attention. The 1971-1972 Trans Am was equipped with a 335 horsepower HO455 round port head engine which had a great reputation for power and reliability. Pontiac caught a lot of negative press from this move that they discontinued the HO designation before year end. The 455 engine was rated at only 200 horsepower but could easily be modified to generate 400 horsepower.
The car is said to run smoothly and accelerate well, while starting up easily. The manual transmission shifts great, and the clutch engages without slipping, making this car a great driver. The front end has all been gone through and the car features new 17″ Honeycomb wheels and tires. It also has a new dual exhaust system exiting the rear corners which sounds awesome. In terms of its exterior, the body is very straight and solid, and the paint applied about 5 years ago in a nice Red Metallic. The trim is all in nice condition, the glass has no cracks, and the factory ground effects have no cracking and has the correct Trans Am graphics.
Now at $25,700. Super clean and I can’t take my eyes off those wheels.
I know it was a product of its time but an engine of that displacement only putting out 200HP is so depressing. We live in a world where 4 cylinder engines can put out over 300 with a ton of weight saved. If you’re a fan/collector, go for it. To me, this car serves no purpose. Just my opinion, not trying to insult anyone.
I can think of a lot of purposes it would serve…namely;
1) Endless stares and thumbs-up’s from everyone and their brother.
2) Endless conversations with every stranger you see every time you stop.
3) Endless picking up of the opposite sex (or whatever your preference is).
4) It probably runs/handles pretty well, sounds awesome, and it’s a 4-speed!
Do you really need any more?
Yep, 200HP is weak but they did de-tune them a little to deal with emissions, still enough torque to get home with a hot pizza.
Nice and 455 easily modified to make 400 + HP – Butler Pontiac Parts etc.
HO in this case Highly Optimistic. HO in decal only, but wow, fair reserve for what looks to be a really nice bird!
Well, you could always just spend four times as much and buy a ’77 or ’78 400/4-speed car…or a faster ’70 1/2-’74? Sounds like a wise decision, financially but, what do I know?
Nice car, I like it! Gotta put some factory-appearing decals on that Shaker, though. Looks like it would be fun to drive. Never owned a T/A but, I think I’d like to.
Having driven a 1975 455 TA back in the day, it is amazing that so much power was curtailed by the 4 speed transmission and no overdrive. At 120mph the car just purred. If it had 6 speeds it could have gone 180mph. But being such a heavy beast, stopping might get fatal. Modern cars with 8 speed transmissions, overdrive, 4 wheel disc brakes and less weight can run circles around this dinosaur. The admirers will compliment you at the gas pump, which will be a frequent visit if you plan to drive it much. If i had an extra $30k to toss around, would i buy it? YES!