Customizing any classic involves a leap of faith, and some owners will receive flack from enthusiasts for interfering with an iconic vehicle. This 1974 Pontiac Trans Am is an example of that thinking. Although the owner treated it to a nose job, they include the original parts for reversal if the buyer feels that is appropriate. The engine upgrade poses a greater challenge, but it isn’t insurmountable. The car presents well and is listed here on eBay in Salinas, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $17,600, but there is time for the situation to change.

Ah, where to start with this Trans Am? It is 1-of-10,255 produced in 1974 against a background where management seriously considered dropping the ax on the entire Firebird range only two years earlier. The seller admits it isn’t a show car or a trailer queen but should be considered a tidy driver-quality vehicle. It presents nicely in Buccaneer Red, a shade introduced in the previous model year. The paint shines beautifully, while the decals are crisp and free from checking. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and this classic has only limited minor rust near the rear spring mounts and what the seller identifies as the traction bars. I haven’t been skirting around the issue, but the owner treated this classic to a nose job. They preferred the frontal appearance of Firebirds built between 1970 and 1973. It is understandable because it makes a more aggressive impression. However, those craving a factory look will be pleased to learn they retained and include the original front in the sale. The trim and Rally II wheels are in good order, and the only glass defect is a cracked windshield.

The Trans Am’s interior presents well for a driver-grade classic. The driver’s seat wears an aftermarket cushion, but the White vinyl beneath looks excellent. The same applies to the remaining upholstered surfaces, with no signs of stains or yellowing. The dash and pad are crack-free, and the beautiful engine-turned gauge fascia looks particularly crisp. There are no visible aftermarket additions or signs of modifications. It isn’t brimming with factory options, but the original owner ordered this Trans Am with air conditioning, a rear defogger, an AM radio, and a factory 8-track player.

Pontiac offered buyers the 400ci V8 as the entry-level motor in the 1974 Trans Am, which this car’s original owner selected. However, this classic is no longer numbers-matching. The original V8 made way for a 1974-vintage 455ci unit, producing 250hp. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, allowing this Pontiac to cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds. That is well short of figures achieved earlier in the decade, but it is worth noting that the ’74 Trans Am was 160 lbs heavier than the cars produced in 1970. Combine that with power losses resulting from emission regulations, and buyers soon realized the glory days of fire-breathing Trans Ams were gone for good. Some enthusiasts may be disappointed by the loss of this car’s original engine, but sourcing a date-correct unit as part of a faithful refurbishment shouldn’t be challenging. The seller states this classic starts and runs but has a small exhaust leak and needs a tune-up. If that is all it requires, hitting the road quickly for some fun shouldn’t cost a fortune.

The 1974 model year was a banner one for the Pontiac Trans Am as sales climbed into five-figure territory. I helped cement the future of a classic that was recently in danger of extinction, ensuring it survived into the new millennium. The demise of Pontiac means we will probably never see the badge reemerge. Preservation is the key to honoring the brand’s legacy for future generations to appreciate. Would you leave this one untouched, or is the idea of returning it to its original form irresistible?