This 1973 Pontiac Trans Am is an unfinished project build, but almost every piece of the puzzle is present for the right person to see the restoration through to completion. The paint isn’t show-quality, but with its rust issues eliminated and its original 455ci V8 under the hood, there is an opportunity for someone to transform it into something genuinely special. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Trans Am listed here on eBay in Oakdale, California. The seller set their price at $32,500 with the option to make an offer.
The 1973 model year brought evolutionary changes to Pontiac’s Second Generation Firebird range. This Trans Am reflects one of the most obvious, ordered by its first owner in the new-for-1973 shade of Buccaneer Red. The seller describes the paint as driver-quality, meaning that close inspection will reveal a few small paint and panel imperfections. The unfinished restoration included eliminating most of the rust using fresh steel, with the seller stating that there are some small pinholes in the trunk pan. Otherwise, this Trans Am is rock-solid. Interestingly, the seller focuses their listing images on the passenger side, but this driver’s side shot reveals no major problems. The glass appears to be in good condition, and the Rally II wheels are spotless.
Regular readers will know my feelings about detailing sprays, and the seller appears to have poured it over the seats. I would rather see the upholstery in its natural state, not super shiny. The problem with this approach is practical, because the spray makes seats extraordinarily slippery, and removing the treatment completely can be time-consuming. However, there appear to be no rips or other problems, and the carpet is new. The dash and pad are in good condition, as is the machine-turned dash fascia. It is missing a few items, such as some handles and the radio, but the first owner equipped the car with air conditioning, power windows, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel.
The seller doesn’t supply any overall engine photos, but this image confirms that the car’s 455ci V8 is numbers-matching. The first owner ticked the boxes beside a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Pontiac quoted power and torque figures of 250hp and 370 ft/lbs for the 455, providing very respectable performance for any passenger car from this era. The seller confirms that the Trans Am ran when the project began, and the engine was dismantled. They have bolted the motor back together for shipping, but the new owner will need to tackle a rebuild. However, with the bores in good condition, the seller believes it may require only rings, bearings, and gaskets.
This 1973 Pontiac Trans Am is a promising project candidate, though the new owner will need to spend quite a few long hours in their workshop before it returns to its rightful place on our roads. It may have emerged at the start of the Malaise Era, but rising values indicate that enthusiasts still feel affection for these classics. If that doesn’t sound convincing, the fact that the seller’s listing has attracted over 420 views in the past day is impressive. It has translated to a Watch List tally of 49, suggesting that this Trans Am has generated plenty of interest. Does this promising Pontiac tempt you?
great looking body. where will you be after getting in @ 35k? would be nice to see some PHS docs. they say they have everything, but do they? why not just finish it.
Lots of issues on that fresh paint on a project car that needs nearly everything else and has a $32,500 asking price. This isn’t a much more desirable 71-72 455HO or 1973 455SD, the engine on this car was the same 455 as passenger cars of that year. There are better deals out there.
Steve R
There’s no excuse for cheesing out and applying a “driver quality” paint job on a car like this, it deserves far better. Even though it needs quite a bit to complete it properly, it’s originality and engine justify better standards for such a desirable car.
TransAmMan likes it! Price is way too high though. I’ll just keep my 96.
But if you have 3 friends, 2 will have to hitch a ride or bring a 2nd car along for a road trip. Same for a modern Mustang, Camaro, & any front drive 2 door.
Love the color and year. Don’t like ride height. Some people cannot afford a $25,000 paint job
Welp, another dreamer looking for a sucker I guess. Easily 10k too high.
To make this a $100000 car you need to strip this paint of and start over. The car has lots of potential , the seller needs to cut the price by half. How ever buys it needs to have deep pockets to finish it right .
Several shades of red on this one. Also, someone spilled a quart of oil on the drivers seat it looks like.