Many potential buyers view a long-term ownership history favorably when searching for a classic to park in their garage. It helps them determine whether the vehicle in question has been treated respectfully or abused and neglected. If you share that philosophy and are searching for an exceptionally tidy pony car, this 1970 Pontiac Trans Am deserves more than a passing glance. It presents nicely, and its engine bay houses its numbers-matching 400ci V8. There is no rust that could potentially spoil the ownership experience, and it is ready for fun with its new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this beautiful Pontiac listed here on eBay in Mountain View, Missouri. The seller set their BIN at $69,000 with the option to make an offer.
Ford undoubtedly stole a march on the opposition with its 1964 unveiling of the Mustang. It created a buying frenzy, and it wasn’t until 1967 that General Motors responded with the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird. However, GM turned the tables in 1970 when it released the Second Generation Camaro and Firebird. The Mustang was growing substantially at that point, and the GM cousins remained true to the pony car philosophy where bigger wasn’t necessarily better. Admittedly, the dimensions increased marginally compared to its predecessor, but would remain virtually unchanged throughout the decade. This 1970 Pontiac is a Trans Am, which brings us to an interesting point regarding the Firebird’s evolution in the 1970s. The Trans Am was the least popular derivative in 1970, accounting for only 3,196 vehicles in an overall sales tally of 48,739. However, the tables turned in 1975, and the Trans Am became the sales leader for the rest of the decade. The seller has been this car’s custodian for thirty-eight years, and it carries the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treated respectfully. They repainted it in its original Polar White in 1987, taking the opportunity to replace the hood, fenders, rocker panels, quarter panels, door skins, and rear wheelhouses. They avoided reproduction items, utilizing genuine Pontiac components. The hood isn’t correct, but they are happy to include the right panel if the buyer wishes. The overall presentation is consistent with a tidy driver. There are no major cosmetic issues, and the underside shots confirm the Trans Am’s rust-free status. The glass is clear, the stripes are crisp, and the Rally II wheels are clean.
Purists will welcome the news that this Trans Am is numbers-matching. The seller admits they changed the carburetor and distributor, but will include the original components. The 400ci V8 sends 345hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque to a 12-bolt rear end via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Those figures are extremely healthy, allowing the Trans Am to keep pace with the opposition. The seller claims that this beauty has a genuine 114,000 miles on the clock without mentioning any verifying evidence. However, the overall presentation and the potential presence of Service Records make the figure plausible. Otherwise, it is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
Although it isn’t horrendous, this Trans Am’s Blue interior might be its weakest point. I can’t spot any torn or damaged vinyl, while the dash, pad, and console are in good condition. However, there is a hole where the factory radio should be, and the carpet looks dirty. Sourcing a radio should be possible fairly easily, and a deep clean may help the carpet’s cause. Otherwise, with a carpet set retailing for under $300, that would be a cheap way to improve the appearance markedly.
If you are in the market for a pristine classic, you probably won’t be attracted to this 1970 Pontiac Trans Am. However, if a driver-grade vehicle that could be improved without spending a fortune is more your cup of tea, it deserves a close look. The simple act of replacing the carpet and the missing radio would greatly improve the interior, while the panels and paint have no significant shortcomings. The listing statistics confirm that the Trans Am has generated modest interest since hitting the market, but are you tempted to negotiate an in-person inspection based on what you’ve seen?
A favorite design and year for these TA’s and looks sweet….
I think with the rear rail rust under trunk though 69K is a high price. (I would have had that section repaired prior to sale). It also wants me to see more pictures of the other rail, subframe, under doors and floors to feel comfortable too.
Good luck with sale….
A little rich, but it’s in good shape considering. The unibody support by the rear spring mount needs a look.
As Jim said it needs a look at that frame rail, but hey it’s in far better shape than most 56 year olds I know. And no useless ac to weigh down the car. A little steep at 70K. These early TAs handle far better than a GTO. Ask me how I know.
The only useless AC is one that don’t work.
AC on Pontiacs of the 60s and early 70s mean lots of them have the original factory spark plug on the right front. These Trans Ams are difficult to get to all the right side plugs but with just a little effort and some vac hose it can be done fairly easy.
This is not a 69K car, especially without AC, IMHO.
1 sold in Huston at mecum Friday for same money but a nicer example. this needs a bit of tlc
Even though the seller claims all GM parts were used, that’s a lot of sheet metal that was replaced. Like Jim stated, it looks like something was torn out of the frame. This car is a survivor, but all things get tired and this car’s drivetrain will need a refresh, in the future.
I have the exact car, but a 1971 with the 455HO and a 4-spd. Mine is all original, including all the sheet metal and the drivetrain was rebuilt. I got mine for a little more than the sellers asking price and mine is restored. It’s a very nice car, but the price is a little high.
Driver grade= $69,000? Please…
Bought and optioned to go fast!! Nice T/A!!
Full disclosure, I am not a Pontiac sort of a fella, but I will admit that I am partial to the ’65 GTO, the ’69 Judge, and particularly the ’70/’71 Trans Am in exactly this color combo. If I were to lust after one, it would be one like KHayes has and the big drawback to this one would be the automatic. Combine that with the condition issues and I see maybe a $30,000 car. I will admit that it’s pretty though.
The price is to be expected. It’s not a private party. When you see this stuff, it’s actually a car collection. Not a “used car lot”. Maybe it’s a tax write-off, for the building you store your cars in, to pretend to be a dealer.
These were the chick magnet back in the day….always like the first two years of them….