The 1975 model year brought one of the most significant styling changes for Pontiac’s Second Generation Trans Am. While most changes in the previous years had been confined mainly to bolt-on components, the 1975 Firebird range received a larger wrap-around rear window that provided improved rearward visibility and made the cars look lighter. Our feature car is a driver-quality vehicle, but lifting its presentation to a higher level would not be difficult. The owner has listed it for sale here on Craigslist in Palm Harbor, Florida. It could be yours for $23,000. I must thank Barn Finder Pat L. for referring this beauty to us.
Although I was raised in a household where Ford was king, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Second Generation Trans Am. This is especially true for cars from around 1974 – 1976 because I feel that the nosecone and grille treatment looks sharp and purposeful. As well as revised rear glass, the 1975 Trans Am saw Pontiac move the front turn signals to become integrated with the grille, providing a cleaner appearance. Our one-owner feature car wears Stellar Blue paint, and while it holds an impressive shine, the seller refers to it as driver-quality. There are no glaring faults or flaws, and I see no reason why the car couldn’t remain untouched for the foreseeable future. The panels are straight, and there’s no evidence of any rust problems. The prone region around the back window looks good, and the lower body extremities are clean. The seller mentions no problems in their listing, and the lack of apparent surface corrosion allows us to remain quietly confident. The glass is flawless, and the honeycomb wheels look excellent.
Lifting the Trans Am’s hood reveals a 400ci V8 that produced 185hp in its prime. The original owner ticked the boxes on the Order Form beside the four-speed manual transmission, along with power assistance for the steering and brakes. By 1975, performance cars felt the pinch due to steadily decreasing engine power outputs. That makes this car’s ability to cover the ¼ mile in 17.1 seconds no great surprise. To gain an insight into the profound impact of tightening emission laws, we only need to compare that figure with the least potent Trans Am offering from 1970. That car completed the same journey in 14.1 seconds, representing a yawning chasm in the performance world. The seller states that this Pontiac is numbers-matching. Its odometer shows 85,000 miles, although they seem to doubt its accuracy. However, it runs and drives exceptionally well and is ready for instant fun with a new owner behind the wheel.
One aspect of this Trans Am requiring care is its interior. It is not a horror story and remains serviceable. However, there are a few issues that a perfectionist might wish to tackle. The dash pad appears cracked, but the extent of the deterioration is difficult to gauge. It may prove repairable, although the new owner might need to budget $800 for a replacement pad. The front seat upholstery shows wear and physical damage, but the state of the back seat is a mystery. A pair of front covers retail for $450 and would consign the problem to the pages of history. For the sake of consistency, the buyer may elect to drop an additional $220 for a matching rear cover. The rest of the trim and upholstery looks pretty good, and the car features some desirable optional extras. The original owner ordered it with ice-cold air conditioning, an AM radio, and an 8-track player.
While 84,063 buyers elected to slap down their cash for a 1975 Pontiac Firebird, only 27,274 took the extra step to order the Trans Am variant. It seemed that the glory days for the iconic pony car were passed and that the breed was headed for a painful death. However, sales rallied in the following years, and subsequent generations soldiered on until 2002. Our feature car isn’t perfect, but that could prove its greatest asset. Its new owner could hit the road for a spot of relaxed classic motoring, safe in the knowledge that the occasional chip or mark will not undermine its value. If a driver-quality car isn’t their ultimate dream, returning this Trans Am to a pristine state would not be a significant undertaking. With values climbing steadily, investing some money in fresh paint and an interior retrim could prove a wise investment. Those aren’t urgent decisions because the car has no pressing needs. What would you do if you found this Pontiac parked in your garage?
As long as this ’75 T/A is not rusty or been wrecked and only needs some minor interior work and refreshening, I would think this should already be in the well bought column after 3 days. So maybe there is more to the listing than meets the eye or this is intended for a Barn Find’s enthusiast and fate is shining his or her way. I’m hoping for the later.
It doesn’t especially doesn’t matter about the black paints condition. No 1975 Trans Ams were painted black. My 75 had this same oxblood interior, with 1st year sterling silver on it. Bet the trim tag is silver.
My prior comment needs to be deleted, if possible.Just realized this is dark blue which is an origional color option.
I have seen that website that quotes a 17.1 second quarter mile time Adam. Personally I think that my Mother could run quicker. My buddy used to run consistent 15.7’s with his Formula 400 automatic back in the day.
I hear you Tony, my buddy’s Mom used to rack up speeding tickets regularly in his 1972 Cuda 340.
I like this T/A.I would clean-up the int.wear. And keep inside except nice days. It looks like that was how it was kept. At some point The engine would get a rebuild with some good internals,up the compression,cam changeand good heads to start.But it looks very nice so the engine can wait-just drive and enjoy.I just sold my house and have the cash at hand,but the new place has a garage thats just to tight for two cars.My present car is a fresh 71 duster with fresh fc7-in violet(purple) paint and that will always take charge of the garage. This car needs to be treated the same. hope it gets a good home!!!
mmm mmm this is a nice one …..
Whenever i see a car with faded for sale signs on it, it makes me wonder why no one else wants it.
Could be the sign has been used before and recycled on other cars. Meh.
This car does qualify under the rule of 3. It has 2 of 3 elements that make it a worth while purchase. 1. Body Solid, 2. Drive train Solid. 3. Interior needs work, which is the only area lacking. As stated previously it wouldn’t take a lot to get this car back to solid all over.
Yes i thought of that too, to me that just means they are a flipper.
Another trouble spot to look out for with this breed is the lower corners of the windshield. Water collects there, causing rot. Most notably on the passenger side for some reason.