When assessing the future worth of a classic as a long-term investment, original mechanical components are a prime consideration. This 1970 Pontiac Trans Am ticks that box, with its engine bay housing its numbers-matching 400ci Ram Air V8. It presents nicely following a repaint several decades ago, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Trans Am listed here on eBay in Mountain View, Missouri. The seller set their BIN at $69,000 with the option to make an offer.
Pontiac launched its Second Generation Firebird range for the 1970 model year, and despite its delayed debut, sales totals were very impressive. The Trans Am variant returned for its second year, with 3,196 buyers taking one home. That figure represented a mere 6.5% of total Firebird sales, but the badge would eventually dominate Firebird sales later in the decade. This Trans Am looks extremely tidy in Polar White with the appropriate Blue stripes. The seller states that it was professionally repainted in 1987, with the shop taking the opportunity to replace the hood, fenders, rocker panels, quarter panels, door skins, and rear wheelhouses with genuine steel. The hood isn’t correct for this car, but the seller will include an appropriate replacement if the buyer wishes. The car remains rust-free, and there are no major cosmetic shortcomings. The trim and glass look clean, and the Trans Am rolls on Rally II wheels, carrying the correct codes.
Trans Am buyers in 1970 received Pontiac’s wonderful 400ci Ram Air III V8 under the hood. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 345hp and 430 ft/lbs, making the car genuinely fast. This car’s three-speed automatic transmission sends the ponies to a 12-bolt 3.55 Posi rear end, guaranteeing neck-snapping acceleration. The seller emphasizes the Trans Am’s numbers-matching status, although they admit that the current owner, who has been its custodian for thirty-eight years, replaced the carburetor and distributor. This isn’t a disaster, because the original components form part of the package. Otherwise, this Pontiac runs and drives extremely well, with no odd squeaks or rattles. Therefore, potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.
This Trans Am’s interior is slightly disappointing for a vehicle in this price range. The dash is missing its radio, the carpet is dirty and tired, and the console lid is damaged. Those items aren’t deal-breakers, but they are unexpected. Addressing those shortcomings would be worthwhile because the rest of the Blue vinyl trim looks pretty nice. There are no gaping holes or evidence of developing splits, while the dash and pad are clean. Replacing the substandard items should cost less than $1,000, which is money well spent.
With an asking price of $69,000, this 1970 Pontiac Trans Am isn’t a cheap classic. Of course, the seller’s willingness to negotiate might improve the situation. That begs the question of whether the price is justified. Although values have dropped slightly over the past year, the figure is in the ballpark for a Trans Am of this caliber. The good news for potential investors is that values are showing signs of rising, suggesting now could be the ideal time to buy. Investment potential is only part of the equation, because the ownership experience should chiefly focus on enjoyment. The performance this Pontiac promises should tick that box, but is that enough for you to consider reaching out to the seller?
The interior isn’t That bad at all: I’ve seen people ask waaay more for interiors that were close to being trashed at this site and elsewhere,….
My only beef with this car is that it isn’t a manual, but that wouldn’t be a deal breaker. Someone’s going to give this car a good home and enjoy it for many miles to come.
All can agree, one of the great front ends on any car.