This 1970 Pontiac Trans Am seems to tick many of the boxes considered essential by dedicated enthusiasts. It is a two-owner classic with a known history, and the odometer reading of 69,000 original miles is documented. It presents superbly, and the first owner’s decision to order it with the Ram Air III option meant that it had power to match its good looks. However, much has changed since 1970, and it will be fascinating to discover whether our loyal readers approve of the modifications made to this desirable classic. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Trans Am listed here on eBay in Bellevue, Washington. The seller set their price at an eye-watering $134,950 with the option to make an offer.
After a relatively short three-year production run, Pontiac released its Second Generation Firebird range in 1970. The Trans Am variant had easily cemented its place in the market and proved to be the must-have among enthusiasts seeking a performance edge from their new pony car. This first-year example has a known history, with its second owner purchasing it in 1971. The car’s overall condition tells the story of a classic that has always been cherished and makes a positive first impression. Its Lucerne Blue paint holds a mirror shine, and the panels are laser-straight. Its overall presentation and rust-free status are unsurprising because the vehicle received a nut-and-bolt professional restoration in 2015. The owner chose a faithful path visually, with the car retaining its original paint shade, stripes, and trim. The exception is the wheels, which are significantly larger Rally-style wheels produced by Year One. However, those wheels are the most obvious of a raft of changes designed to make this Trans Am a fire-breathing beast.
This Trans Am is a heavily documented classic, with paperwork confirming that the first owner ordered it with the Ram Air III version of Pontiac’s beautiful 400ci V8 under the hood. The company quoted power and torque figures of 345hp and 430 ft/lb. They teamed that motor with a four-speed Muncie M21 manual transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. It is impossible to ignore the engine bay’s cosmetic enhancements, but its beauty is more than skin deep. The owner dispatched the motor to Butler Performance during the restoration, where it received forged internals, Edelbrock Performer RPM aluminum cylinder heads, a Holley 750cfm carburetor, an MSD distributor, headers, and a 3″ exhaust. The power output should be considerably higher than when this classic left the factory, and should satisfy the most hardened enthusiast. Potential buyers can consider the Trans Am a turnkey proposition, ready for action.
At first glance, this Pontiac’s interior appears largely original. However, it didn’t escape the owner’s attention during the build. The Alcantra-trimmed console is the most visible change, but the spend goes deeper than that. The remaining upholstered surfaces are no longer vinyl; they now feature custom Black leather for a luxurious feel. The owner added new matching carpet and a headliner, ensuring the presentation is first-rate. The dash and pad are spotless, the distinctive machine-turned fascia is excellent, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although some will welcome the pushbutton radio for tunes on the move.
While I appreciate the changes made to this 1970 Pontiac Trans Am and acknowledge that they will undoubtedly unlock significant performance gains, I am, by nature, a purist. Therefore, I would prefer to see cars like this one left in unmolested form. I also believe that, regardless of the history, such wholesale changes make the odometer reading less relevant than it would be if the Trans Am were a genuine survivor. That brings us to the BIN: any classic with a six-figure asking price can’t be considered affordable. That raises two questions, and it will be interesting to gauge your response to both. The first is whether you approve of the changes made to this Trans Am. The second is whether you believe the price is justified. So, it’s over to you for comments.
WOW! Just WOW! I am not a diehard purist; I don’t have a problem with some changes as long as they don’t stray too far from the original, e.g. the wheels, which are one piece alloys, but not so large in diameter as to not look original at a glance. The alcantara & leather isn’t bad either. In my eye this is one BEAUTIFUL Trans Am! GLWTA!! :-)
BTW: I upsized the Magnums on my Charger to a 15″ one piece alloy, because large 14″ tires were becoming difficult to find. Most people don’t even notice the difference! :-)
This Bird will fly 🏁
I have a 1971 Trans Am, all original and can attest to the sudden increase in prices for original T/A’s. The car looks great and has some nice upgrades, but the people who are laying down the serious bank for these cars, want all original. I have a 1970 Nova SS 396 and because the original engine and 4-spd trans are long gone, the value has taken a big hit. I think $135k is a pipe dream.
Butler is the go-to for Poncho power! Car should be a hair-raising experience, but too expensive to drive except into an enclosed trailer.
It’s surprising the dealer didn’t include some of the original paperwork in the ad, there were 59 pictures, one or two more with a copy of PHS and window sticker would be a plus.
It’s a beautiful looking car, but much of the parts selection is what you’d expect on a clone, not a low mileage original. Typically when you come across modified top dog muscle cars those modifications were performed when the car was either new or relatively new, not 4+ decades old.
Steve R
Yes a great car!! Want to see some other big numbers, just look at the seller’s other items.
I’m no staunch purist. I appreciate all or mostly original cars a lot, but also I am not going to criticize another person for doing what they wish to their vehicle. However on a low mileage car, if one chooses to make alterations that subtract originality, one should be aware of the impact that will have when it comes time to sell. The big money spenders, the hardcore collectors, they want original a majority of the time, especially if they’re spending six plus figures. It’s a nice looking car, need to see PHS docs, but I think the seller needs to reevaluate their expectations when it comes to price.
Had this one been left alone, it would probably bring nearly the entire asking price. However, modifying an all original Lucy Blue Trans Am unfortunately probably devalued it. They’re rare and highly desirable when restored-not modified.
Three things stand out about this six figure T/A. The mouse-hair covered console attracts the eye and not in a good way. The detailer overlooked cleaning/replacing the pedal pads. This might be a quibble but expectations should be as high or higher than the asking price. The non-working gauges are not a quibble. Note the broken voltage and temperatures gauges. For ~$135k the car should be perfect.
The purists have a point about the dollar value of originality. However, those who perform modifications such as the ones on this car indicate (to me) that the car is meant to be DRIVEN, not just hermetically sealed an left in a garage.
Certainly it’s a LOT of money, but can anyone say that the restoration investment makes this car less desirable?
Beautiful TA but $134k, no thanks.
Love the looks but the car should not only be perfect it should also be absolutely ALL original for six plus figures.
Wife said I couldn’t buy it. Evenif it was priced correctly. Which would be closer to 5 figures
Modifying a car to your own taste and keeping it is one thing. Doing the same and selling it it is another. Sure some of the mods are improvements to driving. The Alcantara console is subjective. At least it’s not on the steering wheel which carries a huge ick factor for me.
that’s the we really don’t want to sell price. needs factory wheels
If listed on BJ’s auction this might get bid to $135k, but I doubt it. Nice TA though.
If the car were original, maybe $100K. As a retro mod, maybe $50K.