455-Equipped: 1970 Pontiac Trans Am

This 1970 Pontiac Trans Am makes a positive first impression, courtesy of its tidy presentation. It hides a couple of secrets below that surface, bringing an equal mix of good and bad news. Many hardened performance enthusiasts will welcome the upgraded V8, giving the car the muscle to match its looks. Less welcome is the rust that requires fairly urgent attention, and it will be interesting to gauge your take on it in the face of the seller’s asking price. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Trans Am listed here on eBay in Tacoma, Washington. The seller set their BIN at $45,000 with the option to make an offer.

The 1970 model year was a crucial one for Pontiac as it introduced its Second Generation Firebird range. Initial sales were lower than anticipated, but by the mid-1970s, the Firebird had cemented its place in the new car market. The Trans Am remained the “king of the kids,” with 3,196 buyers taking one home. This first-year Trans Am presents nicely in iconic Polar White with contrasting Blue stripes. The seller confirms that an older restoration included a high-quality repaint, and the car’s presentation supports that. It shines nicely, and like the panels, there aren’t many cosmetic shortcomings. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear. Everything sounds very positive, but I may have lulled you into a false sense of security. The listing includes several underside shots, which is when things take a turn for the worse. The trunk pan has a few holes that would justify complete replacement. That isn’t the end of the world, because the ready availability of reproduction pans would allow someone with reasonable welding skills to adopt a DIY approach. More worrying is the rust in the rear rails. It is present on both sides, and its proximity to things like the spring hangers means that the problem should be addressed to a high standard for safety’s sake. Some enthusiasts might be tempted to tackle the problems, while others will undoubtedly feel that it requires specialist attention.

Trimmed in Blue vinyl, this Trans Am’s Deluxe interior is an undoubted highlight. I suspect that the previously mentioned restoration included a retrim, and the overall condition remains impressive. The upholstered surfaces are almost factory-fresh, with no wear or other problems. The plastic doesn’t appear tired or discolored, and the dash and pad are excellent. Its presentation is enhanced by the tilt wheel, dual-gate shifter, and the Sony radio/cassette player.

This Trans Am means business following an engine transplant. Hiding beneath the hood is a 455ci “HO” V8, teamed with a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The 455 carries a YC Engine Code, indicating it left the factory between 1970 and 1973. Its specifications are unclear, but power and torque figures of around 335hp and 480 ft/lbs should be a realistic expectation. The seller confirms that the brakes require attention, but that the 455 and transmission are in excellent condition. I would wager that the motor sounds pretty sweet as it exhales through its dual exhaust and Flowmaster mufflers.

Most readers will agree that at $45,000, this 1970 Pontiac Trans Am represents a pretty substantial investment. However, the price is only the start of the financial outlay, as some of its rust issues require fairly urgent attention for safety reasons. Anyone with respectable welding skills could tackle the trunk pan, but the rails require specialist attention to maintain the car’s structural integrity. The upgraded motor is a bonus, but do you believe it represents enough of a benefit to offset the cost of addressing the rust problems? So, it’s over to you for comments.