Many classic cars took a beating in the market during 2023, although the situation has stabilized for a few. One of those is the 1971 Pontiac Trans Am. Values have remained consistent for over six months, meaning the opportunity is there for them to climb to their former levels. If that proves the case, now would be the ideal moment to secure an original classic as a long-term investment. That is the opportunity provided by our feature car. It presents superbly, retains its original 455ci “HO” V8, and needs nothing but a new home. The Trans Am is listed here on Craigslist in Crest Hill, Illinois. It could be yours for $76,900, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this stunning classic.
The original Firebird range enjoyed a relatively short production run before Pontiac introduced its Second Generation variants for the 1970 model year. These received a few cosmetic tweaks for 1971, the year our feature Trans Am rolled off the line. The original owner ordered it in classy Cameo White with contrasting Blue stripes, and it presents beautifully. It is unclear whether it has been restored, but the seller’s assessment of the paint as 9/10 seems fair. There are no visible issues, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the lack of apparent surface corrosion across various areas suggests it is rust-free. Further cementing my confidence in this classic is the seller’s decision to actively encourage in-person inspections. That is always an encouraging sign indicating they feel there is nothing to hide. The almost perfect presentation extends to the chrome, trim, glass, and Rally II wheels.
If you thought this Trans Am’s exterior was stunning, the interior serves us more of the same courtesy of a recent retrim. This was performed in the correct Sandalwood vinyl, and the impact is incredible. Finding anything worth criticizing with the presentation is almost impossible, but there are a couple of quirks worth mentioning. The included original documentation confirms this classic rolled off the showroom floor with a pushbutton radio, but a retro-style stereo occupies its rightful spot. That isn’t particularly unusual, but the radio/CD player sitting in the place traditionally reserved for the factory 8-track is a curveball. I’m unsure if either or both function, but I would probably locate a correct radio to return the interior to its factory appearance. Functional issues include air conditioning that doesn’t blow cold and the seller’s admission that the heater core requires replacement.
Pontiac’s legendary 455ci “HO” V8 was the default engine available to 1971 Trans Am buyers, and this car retains its numbers-matching powerplant. The seller admits the four-speed manual transmission was replaced at some point, but the rest of the drivetrain components are original to this car. The “HO” should produce an impressive 335hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque. The car’s top speed of 120mph would not have been considered outstanding in 1971, but its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds would have won it plenty of admirers. The engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of the vehicle and doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller states that the engine produces plenty of power, and the suggestion is this is a classic where the new owner could fly in and drive it home.
Many factors must be considered as an enthusiast narrows the field of possible classics to park in their garage. Some contenders will immediately fall by the wayside due to cost, while others will miss the cut due to their condition or specifications. Another factor worth considering is the long-term investment potential of any vehicles that make the shortlist. There is no such thing as an iron-clad guarantee, but cars like this 1971 Trans Am should be a relatively safe bet if buyers can secure them at realistic prices. The one on this car is far from pocket change, but it is not unprecedented. I doubt the seller will have seething hordes beating down their door, but I think it will find a new home. The biggest question is whether it will be at their price. What do you think?
Reminds me of my own “one that got away” story. I was 15 or 16 in the late 80’s and looking for my 1st car with the money I had saved up working. I saw an ad in the local paper for a 70 1/2 Trans Am, 400 Ram Air IV 4 speed. It wasn’t running and needed minor work. It was left at the parents house by the son and they just wanted it out of their driveway asap. The price was $700. Called and left a message immediately. I didn’t hear back so I assumed it was sold. Got a call a few days later letting me know that deal fell through with the 1st buyer. The buyer had an “incident” over the weekend and will be losing his driver’s license so he couldn’t complete the purchase. I was the next guy on the list of 9 buyers who left a message. I excitedly told my Dad about this special car and this great opportunity. He then let me know that because the car didn’t run, and we only had a narrow 1 car driveway, that I won’t be parking and working on a broken car in front of his house for over a year until I got my license. That was a no go. So I had to call the seller back and decline. And now I’m still in therapy over this lol
Same thing happened to me. The car I was going to buy was a 1968 GTO. Green on green. 400. 4spd. Ran. $1200 in 1988. Dad said I needed reliable transportation, not a hobby car. I still give my dad a hard time for that “advice”
16 year old can’t get to work to pay his car loan if the car doesn’t run. Your dad was correct.
No car loan needed, all cash from my paper route, cutting lawns, shoveling snow and carrying golf bags. We couldn’t drive until 17 in that state
I have had many cars “get away” from me over the years, but two of the earliest were when I needed a car to take to college after crashing my 71 455 Cutlass Supreme. The first was a 73 Pontiac Formula 400 that he said needed too much work and would use too much gas. Then I found a 440 Superbird (I don’t think the farmer knew what he had) advertised in a small local trader publication. It needed a bunch of work and hadn’t run in a while but I knew what it was. My dad said no because it wasn’t going to sit in the driveway if I didn’t get it fixed before leaving for college, it needed too much work, and that I didn’t know how to repair a Mopar since I had always had GMs. I ended up with a 76 Camaro LT with a 305 which dad said was more practical. I spent all summer turning that into an awesome ride, but will always lament the two that got away that summer of 84. I still bring that up to him now and again but he is not a car guy so he doesn’t get it.
Reminds me of one a fellow employee that worked at a bodyshop had years ago. He beat the living crap out of that car, multiple engines and transmissions. Valuable car no doubt now. Back then not so much. I can’t believe they want that much money and the air and heat don’t work? Seriously !?
My situation was similar. In the fall of 1975 for my first car, my dad told me that we would go look at a Mustang one afternoon after he got off work. He had told a coworker the details of the car and the coworker bought the car before we could get there. The car turned out to be a 1970 Boss 302, Hugger Orange, 4 speed, and shaker hood scoop. Perfect shape for $2500. I’m still sick over it to this day.
If I were you dad then…I would have bought the car for you and made the driveway bigger..lol!
These were and still are awesome. I’m you’re age. Buddy of mine…around 1989 or 1990 had a 75 TA with a 454, 1150 sitting on top and a B&M shifter for fun. Think in all he had like $15k in the car. Engine, paint…not so much on the interior…it was nice, but had the “Vise-grip” window cranks. He sold it and bought a 74 Corvette 4sd that needed work. 😐
Always thought these were the best looking T/A’s and that this one has the monster motor with a stir stick makes it all the better.
Kid brother came home one day with a white/blue striped Formula of this vintage, a 400 with a four speed.
Still one of our favorites when we start down that road of conversation.
The 4sp Ponchos always guarantee a smile 😃 🏁
Yup. This one is a true gem. First choice would be a 70. But this is a close second. I’d take it in a heartbeat!
Fly in drive home. I thought it needed a
Heater core?
Put me in coach, I want it !!!
Beautiful! I really liked the early 70s TAs. Anyone remember the green one in the John Wayne movie “McQ?” And I still think the PMD wheels were some of the best looking wheels from any factory in their day.
Or the white Trans Am with blue screaming chicken at the beginning of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.
Steve R
Oh, yes, remember that one, too. One of my all-time favorite movies.
Or the 2 custom red ones in “Cannonball” (David Carradine) 1976.
I.ll drive it home..with a jacket..big motor will heat up the car….I have a friend that has the 71 ta.455. It’s auto…it’s a really nice car..wins every car show..rj
Beautiful car…but considering the asking price, there should be no problems that require attention. A/C…well ok maybe a charge is in order…but the heater core issue should be resolved. Probably leaks on the passenger floor mat if it is connected properly to the cooling system and therefore not drivable. If the heater core is bypassed, then you could drive it but there would be no windshield defrost function or heat if you needed. The stereo setup would have to be corrected also at…additional cost…Then the trans has been replaced, so technically no longer #’s matching. There may be some wiggle/negotiation room on the price. I could have bought one similar to this back in the mid 80’s from a guy I went to school with. His was very nice and i asked him a price for it then…$8000. Alot of money back then and out of my reach at the time. I’d love to have one…even this one if the price was right. Once again a little high for me. Don’t regret scooping up my 69 TA when I did.
This is my favorite year the look the stance just screams bad A$$ muscle. 455 4 speed this is a winner!! wish i was not broke…….
I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I can think of many, many other cars that you can purchase that would blow the doors off of this.
Just for example, you can get a C7 Corvette for less. Newer technology, quite a bit faster and definitely not bad to look at!
If you have millions of dollars in the bank and absolutely have to have a TA, go for it.
We are here for Oldschool muscle not newer technology. If that is what you want go down to your local dealer and order a scat pack or a Vette. This is for the guy that wants Nostalgia! Its not always about speed… My opinion….
For that money should have replaced the leaking evaporator, and updated the a/c.
I have owned old school muscle, when it was in kindergarten.
1974 Camaro and a 1994 Camaro.
The 74 was $4,300.00 brand new.
Nice car, fun, for a young man.
Not saying it was the same as the Trans Am as far as specs go, but comparitably speaking, no way would I pay over $70,000.00 for it now.
My current “fun” car is a 2004 Corvette. Paid $30,000.00 for it 5 years ago.
Head and shoulders better and more fun than either one of the Camaros.
My previous comment had more to do with the price, than it did about performance.
I think old school is great, but value is also very important!
Hagerty values:
#4 $29K
3 $43K
2 $80
1 $113K
1987 my father wouldn’t kick me down the Charger that he traded a stack of plywood for. So i got a job and immediately bought a 77.5 z28 black on black with gold badges. Drove the car home n pulled the engine and dropped it off at the machine shop for a complete buildup. My father described to me in great detail of how that car will kill me , That was 36 years ago . I still own the z28 and its in my shop right now parked next to my 67 pro street Camaro . Im still not sure if that was his way of pushing me forwards .
This car has air conditioning as original equipment which means 3.08 or 3.42 rear gears. I speak from first-hand experience – as would many owners of 1971-72 455 H.O. Formulas and Trans Ams – when I say the top speed of this car is well beyond 120 MPH.
Definitely that car was fast!
Top speed 120 mph…hhmmm, I had a 72 trans am 455HO, I was 17, the speeding ticket said 147….if I had only known!!!
Fair price, would not sell my 72 Trans Am for that price. Original owner with 30,000 original miles.