One of the joys of writing for Barn Finds is that some classics force us to sit back, draw a deep breath, and say, “Wow!” Such is the case with this 1971 Pontiac Trans Am. Its presentation is superb, which is unsurprising considering it is fresh from a rotisserie restoration. The attention to detail is amazing, and the numbers-matching 455ci V8 under the hood delivers performance to match its muscular appearance. The other reality is that without our readers’ contributions, the site wouldn’t have the opportunity to feature classics of this caliber. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Trans Am listed here on eBay in Lincoln, Nebraska. A spotless Trans Am of this vintage is never going to be cheap, with the seller setting their BIN at $159,900 with the option to make an offer.
The seller provides some information surrounding this Trans Am’s history, although it is unclear when it was restored or who performed the work. However, the listing images support their claim of a rotisserie approach, as the car is spotless. The builder massaged the panels and eliminated any potential rust issues before laying down a fresh coat of the car’s original Lucerne Blue paint. The depth of color and shine is amazing, and it is fair to say that this Trans Am has no cosmetic shortcomings. Its beauty is far more than skin deep, with the underside shots revealing floors finished in Red oxide that are clean enough to eat off. Every mechanical component is in as-new condition, and the lack of chips and other shortcomings suggests the Pontiac hasn’t seen much action since leaving the shop. The trim and glass are spotless, and the Trans Am rides on its code-correct Rally II wheels.
This Trans Am would be a brutal beast, courtesy of its mechanical specifications. Buyers could choose from the 455ci “HO” V8 or…the 455ci “HO” V8. They could select a three-speed automatic transmission, but this car features the more desirable four-speed manual, a 3.42 Posi rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. How brutal was the “HO?” Pontiac’s 1971 Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 335hp and 480 ft/lbs. However, the consensus was that the company had followed a typical industry practice of the era by understating both figures. Regardless of the truth, this Trans Am is genuinely fast. The seller confirms its numbers-matching status, stating that the builder’s attention to detail included ensuring that it retained its correct factory markings and that every part, nut, and bolt was correct. It is ready for action, needing nothing but a new owner behind the wheel.
The interior reveals an interesting fact about this Trans Am, suggesting the first owner focused on outright performance. They originally ordered the car with air conditioning, but the PHS documentation confirms that the Invoice was altered before delivery to delete the A/C. Otherwise, the console and AM/FM radio are the only factory options. Trimmed in Blue vinyl, the theme of as-new presentation continues wherever you look. There are no wear or marks, and the carpet looks perfect beneath the clear plastic covers. The beautiful machine-turned fascia is immaculate, and if Pontiac were still an active marque, this Trans Am would look at home on the showroom floor.
If you believe Hagerty, this 1971 Pontiac Trans Am is about as good as it gets. The paint shade is the most desirable, and the four-speed manual transmission adds to its potential value. That company also indicates that the BIN figure is well above the market average, even for a Concours example. Recent successful sales seem to support that, but the classic world can be unpredictable. I did locate an almost identical, freshly restored car that sold a couple of years ago for $120,000. Therefore, while our featured Trans Am is considerably more, I would never rule out sales success. Considering the example I have mentioned, do you think the seller will send the Trans Am to a new home at the BIN figure, or will compromise be the order of the day?
I have this exact car in Cameo White, all original and almost as clean, so I hope the seller gets his asking price. This is a gorgeous car and extremely popular, but I think the price is high. I was looking for an all original 1973 SD 4-spd car for 5 years, but couldn’t find the right car, for the right price. My 1971 came along and I’m happy with it.