Column Shift! 1970 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air III

I am a fan of classics with unusual features, because they help them to stand out in a crowd. This 1970 Pontiac Trans Am project is such a vehicle. It doesn’t seem unusual on the surface, but the first owner’s decision to order it with a column shift is definitely different. The seller has “broken the back” of the hard work required to return it to a factory-fresh state, leaving the buyer to add the finishing touches. They have listed the Trans Am here on eBay in Palmyra, New York. They set their BIN at $36,500 with the option to make an offer.

Pontiac introduced its Second Generation Firebird range in 1970, with our featured Trans Am a first-year example. Ordered by its first owner in Polar White, it has led an interesting life. Originally a Californian resident, it moved to New York last year. Sadly, it spent many years parked under a cover in California, with the roof suffering as a result. The seller decided not to take any shortcuts, having both the roof and one lower rear quarter panel professionally replaced to address the sheetmetal shortcomings. The underside shots reveal dry surface corrosion, but no penetrating rust. I would treat the corrosion to prevent deterioration and ensure the car remains rock-solid for many years to come. The seller also fitted aftermarket Rally II wheels and has replacements for the front spoiler and fender flares on backorder. These should arrive within the next week, and along with the new hood, new Ram Air setup, weatherstripping, and rubber seals, they are included in the deal.

Powering this Trans Am is its numbers-matching 400ci Ram Air V8. A three-speed Hydramatic transmission handles shifting duties, and the car also features power steering and power brakes. The Ram Air was a handy weapon in 1970, and its performance is still considered respectable fifty-six years after this classic left the lot. That year’s Firebird Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 345hp and 430 ft/lbs, making the Trans Am a genuinely fast car. The seller’s cash splash didn’t end with this Pontiac’s exterior, because they recently installed a new radiator, water pump, alternator, and brake booster. They include a new master cylinder for the buyer to fit. Otherwise, they state that the car runs and drives well, suggesting it is mechanically ready to go once the buyer hands over the cash.

The seller admits that the Trans Am’s interior is a work in progress, but with the new seatcovers and door trims installed, it should look pretty stunning once fully reassembled. The deal includes new rear plastic, sound deadener, underlay, a new carpet set, and kick panels. The dash is dismantled, and it is unclear whether the seller includes the removed parts. However, I suspect they probably will. The first owner ordered the Pontiac with air conditioning, and although the system is complete, it doesn’t blow cold. What makes this interior unusual is the column-mounted shifter. I’ve seen lower-spec Firebirds with that feature, but I admit this Trans Am is a first for me. It is unclear why the first owner ticked that box, but it is definitely unusual.

The 1970 Pontiac Trans Am is an inherently desirable classic, and this car looks like a promising project candidate. Whether the shifter adds to its potential value is questionable. Still, it is certainly a conversation starter should the new owner arrive at a Cars & Coffee after finishing its restoration. The Trans Am has generated significant interest since hitting the market, with the Listing View and Watch List tallies of 306 and 39, respectively, looking pretty impressive. If you’ve longed to own a Trans Am, could this 1970 example be a contender?