Might Be A Good Deal: 1970 Pontiac Trans Am

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Pontiac introduced the 1970 Trans Am to the public on February 26, 1970 at the Chicago Auto Show. Typically, the new models for 1970 would have been introduced in the summer or fall of 1969. This caused many dealers to refer to this model as the 1970 1/2 Trans Am. This example of a 1970 Pontiac Trans Am is located in New York City. It is listed for sale here on Craigslist for $30,000. We appreciate Tommy finding this ad and sending it to us to consider. Pontiac offered the Firebird in a base model, Esprit, Formula or Trans Am model. Out of 48,739 Firebirds produced in 1970, only 3,196 Trans Am models were produced. This car is painted in Polar White which was a one year only paint color for the Trans Am.

The entry-level tier Firebird model comprised the base Firebird, designed as an affordable option. Moving up, the Esprit model boasted added luxury appointments to appeal to those seeking heightened comfort and sophistication. Positioned for performance-oriented buyers, the Formula 400 delivered muscle car capabilities at an attractive price point. Finally, the Trans Am represented the pinnacle for drivers wanting performance and a serious racing look. The Trans Am featured a comprehensive array of high-performance options including the highest performance engine, air induction, aerodynamic spoilers and a great handling suspension. During the period spanning 1970 to 1972, the Trans Am model was exclusively offered in two distinct color schemes: white with blue stripes or blue with white stripes. The 1970 Trans Am was equipped with the Ram Air III 400 engine(335 hp) as the base engine. However, the high-performance Ram Air IV 400 (345 hp), primarily engineered for racing purposes, could be obtained through a specialized ordering process, rendering it exceedingly scarce and highly coveted among enthusiasts due to its rarity and desirability.

Most Trans Ams were equipped with blue interiors although saddle, black, brown, green and red are also listed as options. The 1970 Trans Am is unique from later models of the second generation Trans Am in that it came with low back “Strato Bucket” seats. The low-back bucket seats were equipped with individual headrests, a characteristic that was consistent whether customers opted for the standard interior or chose the upgraded custom interior. In subsequent Firebird models, the seating transitioned to high-back bucket seats lacking headrests, a design adopted from the Chevrolet Vega line. Generally regarded as more superior in construction, the seats in the 1970 Firebird were esteemed for their quality compared to the later iterations.

Exclusive to the Trans Am model in that year, the rear spoiler stood as a distinct feature absent from any other model in 1970. When Chevrolet engineers found that Pontiac had utilized the Camaro wind tunnel to test their spoiler, Chevrolet demanded that the center section of the Trans Am spoiler be given to Chevrolet, which then incorporated its own side caps. Chevrolet marketed this modified spoiler under a COPO code for racing homologation purposes.

 

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Comments

  1. CadmanlsMember

    It just me, what’s wrong with 30k for a well used, engine replaced and I am sure some corrosion, it is NY TransAm. Myself I do like these cars but going to take that again and maybe more to make a nice car out of this.

    Like 21
  2. Uncle Ed

    La dee freakin da

    Like 2
  3. Larry darell darell

    It’s not just you. I was expecting a more pristine example. Maybe the price includes bodyman services, an interior upholsterer, and a slew of extra parts

    Like 1
  4. StanMember

    Pontiac motors have mid-range acceleration thats 2nd to none.
    Add says manual transmission? 🥴

    Like 4
  5. EJ

    The graphics are wrong for a 70 model. The dash is from a 74 or later TA.

    Like 8
  6. C Force

    A in person close up investigation should be done by any potential buyer,to see the real extent of the rust and to see if numbers are matching,correct vin# etc…etc…The production numbers are just too low not to before putting down any cash…and most importantly the engine.Is it correct?

    Like 1
  7. JoeNYWF64

    Ultra rare cruise control on a early ’70s t/a, i would think. But no tilt.
    Door panels & steering wheel from a late ’70s model.
    Wouldn’t smaller correct t/a decals for this car be the same price as the current incorrect larger later ones?
    I believe that shifter plate that matches the dash plate was never offered by the factory for any 2nd gen – correct me if i am wrong.
    Why paint over the rear glass shiny molding with black paint? It peeled when the factory did it as well in the late ’70s.
    I’m surprised the original blue shaker was painted white, unless it’s not the original shaker. Or the car was originally blue.
    Would like a peek under the hood & underneath.
    The new owner should ck out the Unisphere & NY pavillion on the way home!

    Like 1
    • Danny G

      Although this would be a nice e project car when it’s done, for a New York Car, he’s California Dreaming if he thinks anyone is going to give him 30k for it in it’s current condition……

      Like 4
      • Trenton Wuchter

        Watch what you say about California dreaming. I got in trouble using that phase awhile back. But I’ll back you up on the 30k thing. Half that would tops.

        Like 0
  8. V

    they allow a bevy of picture slots to fill but you chose to not list important ones of this ta’s internals. how can anyone justify asking price unless theres an end game around the original owner. is it an open title car.
    to much is hidden by not taking photographs…it appears no numbers match any of the car. worth 10,000 in parts if any of the car is original. lets see some more pics . to bad its not a 4 speed… to bad its not a 4 speed…to bad its not a 4 speed…

    Like 3
    • Brian

      It is a stick car. Wether or not it started life off that way who knows? What do you expect from a person that lives in Queens. There’s a reason he won’t respond to me and there isn’t any pictures of the cowl tag.

      Like 0
  9. Beauwayne5000

    It’s a faked up wrecked clone dash is from a later model 73 or 74 which means front end is swapped in – its gonna be all over the place with serial numbers & parts numbers
    No one is going to allow an original 70 1/2 TA get that bad of condition cuz it AINT a 70 1/2 TA
    Its some jumped up ol firebird with a Fake Hood Slapped on top.

    Like 7
  10. Brain

    I’ve tried to get the owner to get me some pictures of the underneath and asked about the engine swap. No response

    Like 0

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