If you are a purist, don’t stop reading just yet. This 1970 Pontiac Trans Am is the real deal, according to the seller but it is powered by a big block 502 cubic inch GM crate engine. It is also a 4 speed car. 1970 was the first year for the 2nd generation Trans Am and the introduction was delayed until February 1970 so many refer to this Trans Am as a 1970 1/2. There were only 3,196 Trans Ams produced in 1970. Of those, 2,828 were equipped with a 4 speed. So actually more 4 speed Trans Ams were delivered in 1970 than automatics. This Trans Am is located in Eagle, Idaho and is listed for sale on eBay with 2 days remaining in the auction.
Here is where the purists will get upset. Under the hood of this rare, first year Trans Am is a GM Performance 502 cubic inch big block V8 engine. Brand new, this engine costs about $15,000 and puts out around 500 horsepower and 560 lb ft of torque. The seller states that the engine runs great and pulls through all 4 gears. In stock form, the 1970 Trans Am was equipped a Ram Air III 400 cubic inch V8 engine rated at 335 hp which was the base engine. Buyers could opt for the high-performance Ram Air IV 400 cubic inch V9 engine that was rated at 345 hp. Only 88 of these cars were produced with the Ram Air IV. However, the seller has offers the winning bidder a complete YH code 400 cubic inch V8 engine (350 hp) , if you want to swap it out.
The interior of the car is the factory blue and the exterior is Polar White. The second generation Firebird was offered in multiple models – base Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am – from 1970 to 1981. It was a 12 year life span that produced some great cars that bring back a lot of memories for guys my age. From 1970 to 1972, the Trans Am model was exclusively offered in two distinct color schemes: white with blue stripes or blue with white stripes. In 1970, the white was a brighter Polar White. In 1971 and 1972, the white was a less stark Cameo White. This car comes with a number of parts to restore the interior to its factory appearance including the one year only seats.
Currently, this 1970 Pontiac Trans Am is bid to $30,100 and it is listed here on eBay. The seller states that the decals on the car are tired and show their age. There are plenty of options with this car. It can be driven as is or returned closer to stock with Pontiac power under the hood. What would you do?
Finish the interior and drive it as is until the day the wheels fall off-which hopefully is never. These, IMHO, were the best looking T/A’s and Formulas, of which my little brother had in same color scheme with the Ram Air.
Nice example and that it has a factory crate motor is of no concern if you’re behind the wheel and makin’ miles go by.
The Pontiac 400s can be built upper 400s on HP and TQ. The original rating was short of actual. I would build the Pontiac 400. Put it on a stand and thrash the 502. What a thrill.
Oh boy a Mountain Motor!!! That’s what we call them back in the day. All motor no juice or Turbo etc! Yeah if I had the extra cash I would be bidding also! That’s a hell of a ride. I would be having fun power slides into turns😄! This is a great deal getting good clean interior to go back in. Good luck to the next owner! Somebody is going to have fun 😊! 🐻🇺🇸
Oh, man. BBC? Now it’s any car.
That’s an easy fix. Drive and enjoy while you piece together the Pontiac engine of your choice, then sell the BBC to recoupe some of what you spent.
Steve R
Not many cars can claim 500 HP and 560 lb ft. Oh I see. You were being sarcastic. I’m any case I would leave it alone. This bird would be big fun
Kinda sorta finish the interior – i.e. three bottles of Armorall. Then drive it like you stole it.
Careful w this in the rain 🌧 😲 lol
Drool, drool, bookmark page, drool, drool…..this car is soooo sweet. I love the early 70’s Trans Ams, especially with nice wide tires!
I am not a purist , But! ’70 Trans Am is Pontiac holy grail. Put a correct engine and everything else you can find to make it what it was meant to be!
Sold with a high bid of $32,600.
Steve R