This 1973 Pontiac Trans Am is a bit mysterious, as it’s said to be from the estate of a collector car builder. There’s not a whole lot of specific information given, which is likely because the seller is unfamiliar with the car himself, but it looks like plenty of hard work has already been performed. This cool F-Body can be spotted here on Craigslist, with the seller aiming for $28,000, though he’s also willing to work out a deal. It sometimes creates challenges to take over a non-stock project, so head to Newport, Oregon, if you want to check out this TA in person first and see if it is right for you. Our thanks go to Barn Finds reader Curvette for supplying the tip!
This one’s stated to have gotten a frame-off restoration, and it’s sad that the last owner didn’t live long enough to see his Trans Am completed. There’s no word on how long this project has been in the making, but I sense that it may have been in the works for quite some time. Although not presently attached, both the hood and front bumper are included, plus they are also already painted. The seller sounds confident that all the parts needed to finish the car are there, so hopefully, nothing has been overlooked.
Other than stating that it runs, the additional amount of information we get from the seller regarding the engine is exactly zero. However, it certainly appears heavy-duty, although what’s inside the block is a total mystery. There are no details about the transmission, either, but a few photos from underneath show some fine-looking suspension components, so it seems that the objective here was to create a competent performer that also handles well.
The above photo is all we get of the inside, but that’s a sweet rollbar, and I hope it’ll never be put to the test. It would have been nice to see the interior components that come with the car, but judging from the overall vibe, I’m guessing that many will be racing-oriented. This one seems like it’s at a decent point to take over, and if that engine is as robust as it looks, maybe $28k is a pretty good value here. Is this 1973 Pontiac Trans Am one you’d be interested in completing?
Looks fast just in the garage.
Awesome project to finish but something just doesn’t look right with this ad. It’s kind of odd in the way it reads as though the writer is educated but hasn’t got a handle on sentence structure in English.
If the ad is real, it appears that the overall deal is perfectly priced for someone handy with rebuilding and has an interest in doing a classic/restomod Firebird.
No info on the drivetrain, It appears to have an aftermarket manual trans, AC, but there are no photo’s of the rest of the parts needed to complete the car. Could be a fun project, but not a fan of the color or the wheels…
A lot of work has been done and a lot of expensive parts here!!
A lot of work has been done and a lot of expensive parts here!! I don’t like the rims. A lot more work has to be done. Wonder what kind of estate sail this was. Project gone south/health reasons/death/ or lost interest?
Unibody, frame off?
Lots left to do. If the motor is assembled right you’ve got that out of the way. Blue was not a ’73 T/A color but it looks like it could still use some paint work. Someone with ability and facility could be in luck.
They did have Lucerne Blue in ’73 for the TA but the blue on this car looks almost purple.
In 73 it was green, white, or red. As stated, the VIN posted is not for a Trans Am.
This is a clone, not a factory built Trans Am. The engine is a big block Chevy, the transmission appears to be a Doug Nash/Richmond 5 speed. As mentioned, there are a lot of expensive parts but there is much work left to do.
I wouldn’t expect the seller to be able to provide much useful information. They said they bought it from an estate and there is a good chance no receipts came with it.
No matter how nice the work looks, there are too many unknowns about the car for most potential buyers. All risk from this point forward falls on them, not the seller. Due to the drivetrain someone buy the car just for the engine and transmission, then sell the body as a roller.
Steve R
Right up my alley. I did a 73 Bird, with only a fraction of all those expensive parts. This would really boogie. I put a 400 SBC stroked and bored, with a light weight clutch, so it would handle better than that big block ( 455? ). Good value, for sure.
My favorite gen trans am but a lot of work left.
If not loaded with projects right now. (V8 Ranger, Turbo 2wd Ranger and building a new home) I would jump all over this at this price. I agree on the BB Chev and transmission comment. It appears that no expense was spared on the drivetrain, suspension and brakes. The heavy lifting (as in all the mechanical work and spending) has been done. So the rest looks like fun. This is my favorite body style Firebird although not real enthused about the color. (Blue is bad luck for me. Every blue car I have owned with the exception of a Mustang that I only owned for a few weeks. Has been totaled. I didn’t even have to be in the car!) It would be a blast to complete and to drive this car.
If not loaded with projects right now. (V8 Ranger, Turbo 2wd Ranger and building a new home) I would jump all over this at this price. I agree on the BB Chev and transmission comment. It appears that no expense was spared on the drivetrain, suspension and brakes. The heavy lifting (as in all the mechanical work and spending) has been done. So the rest looks like fun. This is my favorite body style Firebird although not real enthused a out the color. (Blue is bad luck for me. Every blue car I have owned with the exception of a Mustang that I only owned for a few weeks. Has been totaled. I didn’t even have to be in the car!) It would be a blast to complete and to drive this car.
One picture shows mufflers installed and different picture shows no mufflers. Stripping the car for parts while for sale?
Not likely, the price someone could get for a couple of mufflers is insignificant compared to most of the parts/sub assemblies visible in the pictures. Most of which would be easier to sell too.
Steve R
This car looks really interesting and all of your comments are very educational to read!
As it is customized, it may not appeal to everyone’s flavor, but it does have a lot of really nice parts. That being said, though, who knows once this car is roadworthy how it will perform if all these parts will work well together.
The ad is very odd and it doesn’t give much details but it does give a VIN number.
From what it looks like this car is not a Trans Am. It started life as possibly a 1970 formula Firebird with a 352 barrel engine.
You are right about it starting life as a 350 2bbl, it could possibly could have started out as a Formula, but not a 1970, the VIN says it’s a 1973. You would need to order the PHS packet to know for sure. If interested in deciding a VIN, search 1973 Firebird VIN, most popular cars are easily found. This is tool people looking at a lot of cars use to know what they are looking at other than relying on a seller to know and be truthful.
Steve R
Looking at the VIN number this started life as a 1973 Firebird Formula with a 350, 2 barrel engine
VIN decoders are a great tool often overlooked.
Steve R
Seeing this post made me think “hmm I’ve seen this before” and clicking on the ad shows me why. It was advertised a few times on Portland (Oregon) CL, and I HAD seen it before, I’ve been looking for the right gen 2 ‘bird and this wasn’t it. Not sure if it’s a flipper, or what the deal is but there’s something that doesn’t all add up and or smell right.
Might pan out to be a decent deal, and might be a money pit, or worse. As always proper diligence, lots of communication, and travel to where the car is to see what’s really ‘the deal’ is wise. Airplane tickets and a rental car are way cheaper than 28k!
We ran SCCA races on the Newport Airport in the 60’s courtesy of Curtis LeMay. Newport was one of our favorite airport tracks because it was a great party town as well.