This 1975 Pontiac Trans Am has only 32,607 miles on the odometer and its drivetrain has been heavily modified. We appreciate Larry D bringing this one to Barn Finds so we can take a closer look at it. According to the seller, the original Pontiac 400 cubic inch V8 engine was destroyed and replaced in 1977 with a Chevrolet 427 cubic-inch big-block V8 engine. The Trans Am is located in Crossville, Tennessee and is listed for sale here on eBay with 4 days remaining in the auction. After 16 bids, the car is bid to $9,100 but the reserve has not been met.
The interior of the Trans Am looks stock except for speakers that are mounted in the door panels. The blue vinyl interior covers the optional deluxe seats which are sometimes referred to as “Horsecollar” seats. The interior looks to be in excellent condition. A full chrome roll bar cage has been installed and the car has power windows, power steering, power brakes and, I believe, tilt steering. The seller states that the rear seat has never been sat in.
The 427 cubic inch V8 engine is a formidable powerplant that was produced in the 1960s by Chevrolet. A Holley carburetor feeds fuel to the big block motor and is brought to life through an MSD ignition system. The pic shows that the engine takes up a lot of room and the air conditioner requires a special compressor bracket to fit under the hood. Typically, the air conditioner compressor on a Chevrolet engine is located on the driver side. There is no room in the engine compartment for the battery so it was relocated to the trunk.
Several aftermarket body parts were added including a huge snorkel scoop, whale tail spoiler, and wheel flares behind each tire. The seller states the car has frame connectors to secure the subframe to the rear frame. The Trans Am rides on factory honeycomb wheels and the car is said to run fantastic. The black front and rear bumpers were also painted body color. In the 1970s, this was probably a cool car but not something that a purist might appreciate today.
Hideous spoiler and hood scoop, non Poncho engine, no thanks.
Sorry you don’t like it, but this is how we beat the malaise out of cars back then. A nice, rust free body combined with the engine and transmission from the rusted Impala out back, with a stop at the local speed shop, and it’s pucker time!
Accidently upvoted. But anyways, I was alive and well during the malaise era and before, there is no reason for tacky.
Lots of potential here for a great classic driver.
Wow… What in the heck happened here? It’s like seeing a dog in a sweater…you just have to ask…why?
My guess is that the owner in 1977 had easy access to the 427/4-speed drivetrain. Otherwise, it would have been easier to seek out a Pontiac 400/428/455.
In that era, Pontiac 455s practically grew on trees. You dug one out, massaged it back to life with a few “enhancements” during the winter, and by springtime you were good to go. But if Dad had an old Impala out back, and EVERYONE knows what a legendary engine the 427 is, who wouldn’t you use what was free? Pull the drivetrain, send the rest off to the junkyard, and everyone wins.
The haters can hate all they want…while they’re looking at taillights.
I guess it could be worst with a 427 Ford engine. Lots of modification which tells me it probably saw some rough days.
Too modified… It’s a shame.
But…but…but it has a Blue Chicken!!!
That hood scoop would be the first thing to go!!
Too easy! Sell the 427, then use half the money on a 455 du jour! Replace what ever else you want to with the money earned on the 427 and have an awesome car? Thats just about the most fun you can have with one of these.
Poncho no bueno.
WHY “private listing – bidders’ identities protected”
when eBay already camouflages all bidders?
Do sellers do that so we can Not see the repeat -0- score Ghosts bumping the price?
Somebody tell me.
Do sellers do that so we can Not see the repeat -0- score Ghosts bumping the price?
YES
I’m not sure how long white paint is going to adhere to black rubber bumpers.
’74-75s, espec whose body is white, look better with the factory black bumpers, IMO.
Rear flares are a bit much – take ’em off & put on another ’70-76 t/a that needs em?!
Way to ghettorize a classic, will never understand why someone would do this