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.
Second Gen T/A’s are a hot ticket right now and premium prices are being asked for clean, original cars. I have seen excellent examples selling for over six figures. I searched for 6 years for the right 1973 T/A, in Brewster Green, 455 SD, 4-spd and all, or mostly, original. In the last 10 years, I have not been able to find the right car.
That being said, the seller is dreaming at $45k. This car needs so much and so much is missing. If this car were all original and had NO rust issues, it would be worth $80k-$90k. It needs A LOT more than $45k, to get this car to that level.
What he said ,including the search for the 73 BG T/A
I would be afraid of what’s hiding under all of that white paint too. Looks like this thing was parked in the water
Seems odd to me that someone would treat this car to a respectable top side refurbishment while completely ignoring the underside. I guess they feel some buyers would be so excited by the fresh paint and interior they wouldn’t even take a peek underneath.
It happens more than you think. More often than not a seller will gloss over any problems or never mention them at all. The “term lipstick on a pig” has persisted for a reason.
Steve R
That is exactly the phrase I was going to use.
I wonder just how offended the seller would be if someone offered $17k max…
I was dreaming there wasn’t that much rust. I love these cars in better shape at that price.
Aren’t those the wrong wheels for a TA?
No, those are correct for that year.
The actual Rabbit of Caerbannog. Looks harmless and sweet but it’s going bite the head of someone’s 401k. Run awaaayyyyy!
Better have the Holy Hand Grenade at the ready…
The number of the counting shall be three. lol
Four shall be right out.
Great looking ride but 45 large with non matching motor and rust problems is a mite much,
The gas tank is held in with ratchet straps!!
Not sure how I missed that one! That’s the “quick release fuel tank” option to go along with the “lightweight subframe” option. Run!
Ooh…I have to check this out! Wowzers, you ain’t kiddin!
Accorfding to the ebay ad: US $39,990.00 or Best Offer. I can weld, but this one scares me. I don’t understand why someone would drill a big hole in the right front fender far an antenna. All F body cars, ordered with or without a radio had a windshield antenna.
There are lots of issues like that. The closer you look, the worse it gets. Whoever did the paint and finishing work on this car took a lot of short cuts, windshield, ashtray in the console, bottoms of the doors below the door panels, fuel line to the carb, missing rubber bumpers in the engine compartment, rusty chrome parts in the interior and the rusty undercarriage shown in the pictures. Add up those small issues and they are no longer insignificant.
Steve R
you know it’s bad when rachet straps are holding up the gas tank. 45k to play then 60k+ to fix. juice aint worth the squeeze.
Your right about the ratchet straps on the gas tank. What a idiot! Moving time bomb. More like a 20 grand car maybe.
And let’s not forget about more quality work like the plumber’s all-strap holding a heater hose to the RT side of the engine…
This is my wife’s favorite year , if they get reasonable on the price I might think about taking this one on. I can see about $20000 for it as it sits . And another $20000 just to make a good safe driver . You can add another $40000 to make it a show car.