It is easy to forgive any imperfections if a classic is an unmolested vehicle promising excellent performance. The seller admits that this 1975 Pontiac Trans Am isn’t flawless, although its presentation is consistent with a high-end driver. However, it is the 455ci HO V8 under the hood that could be the star of the show. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Trans Am listed here on eBay in Addison, Illinois. The seller set their BIN at $53,900 with the option to make an offer.
The 1975 model year marked the mid-point of the Second Generation Firebird’s production run. It also represented one of the most significant styling changes, with the new wrap-around back window improving visibility and giving the car a lighter appearance. The first owner ordered this Trans Am in Stellar Blue, complete with iconic graphics in a paler Blue two-tone combination. The seller is candid about this car’s overall condition. They admit that while it looks stunning in their image gallery, close inspection will reveal minor cosmetic flaws that typically accumulate when a vehicle is driven as its creators intended. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and this Pontiac has avoided the rust issues that sometimes plague Firebirds of this vintage. The glass is clear, and the Rally II wheels are excellent.
It is fascinating to delve into the Sales Brochure for the 1975 Firebird range. It provides some excellent information about the Trans Am, but doesn’t mention the fact that buyers could order their new toy powered by the 455 HO V8. That is unsurprising, because the motor was only a late addition to the Options List that appeared mid-year. The first owner ticked that box on the Order Form, combining the 455 with a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. It is worth noting that while the “HO” was the range-topping offering, the 7.6:1 compression ratio limited power output, with this V8 delivering a relatively modest 200hp. The seller confirms that this Trans Am retains its number-matching 455, but that it breathes better through ceramic-coated headers and a stainless dual exhaust. The car recently received a range of new suspension and brake components, and is said to run and drive well. The buyer can slip behind the wheel, point this Pontiac at the horizon, and enjoy a magical classic motoring experience.
The Trans Am’s interior is as impressive as its exterior, trimmed in a beautiful combination of White and Blue vinyl. The presentation is unsurprising because the list of replaced parts includes the seatcovers, door trims, carpet, headliner, dashpad, and the wheel. It appears that the dash, console, and the bright trim may be the only original items left. The first owner passed on features like power windows, cruise control, and a tilt wheel. However, they did select air conditioning and an AM radio for a more comfortable motoring experience.
The seller states that this 1975 Pontiac Trans Am is 1-of-857 ordered with the 455 HO/4-speed drivetrain combination. I have seen several sources quoting the exact figure, but their PHS Documentation may be all that is needed as confirmation. Their BIN figure is touching the top end of the market, although it isn’t unprecedented for a Trans Am of this caliber. The listing statistics look healthy, suggesting that this classic has piqued some interest since hitting the market. If you’ve previously owned a Second Generation Trans Am, are you tempted to give this one a new home?
B.J 🎤
Shaker hood scoop still closed after all these years?
In 1975 the 455 was certainly not a HO,not even close…this was a 455 with a 200hp rating,the same as 76′.1974 was the last year for the TH400 trans…so for 75 and 76 the only way to get a 455 was with a 4spd and 3.08 rear gear……
I like it! It has the A/C belt on it, and it is a manual. Just have the radio hooked up and add a spare tire for that price!
The HO was not quite in ’75, but still made gobs of torque and very easily improvable (California notwithstanding).
Very nice car. Pricey, but that is what ’70s T/As are getting these days. At this price, I would spend the extra 20k and hold out for a ’74 SD-455 myself though.
what sellers forget is for that kind of money a buyer wants something jaw dropping, or at least something unique to take to the car show. A mid 70’s firebird is hardly anything to oooh-aaah over. Lot of money for a car that nobody wanted new.
Nobody wanted? lol. Firebird and Trans Am sales were only going up at the time period. This was aided by the F-bodies being the last performance game in town. The Mustang II was carrying the banner for the original pony car but everyone else had cashed their chips. This is a beautiful example of what was attainable 50 years ago, regardless of just how HO the 455 actually was by then.
Man, this car is a looker. The 455 isn’t very HO, but with headers and a balance pipe this should be fun to drive. I had a ’75 T/A in Buccaneer Red with a 400 and 4 speed, one of my favorite cars for highway cruising. Two thumbs up.