The 1970 model year marked the moment when the Pontiac Trans Am cemented its spot in the new car market. Buyers were drawn to its looks and the performance potential of the 400ci Ram Air III V8 under the hood. Our featured Trans Am ticks those boxes as an exceptionally tidy survivor. It has no apparent needs, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jack M. for spotting the Pontiac listed here on Craigslist in Paradise, California. The seller set their price at $75,000, and it appears that they are firm on that figure.
Pontiac introduced its Second Generation Firebird range for the 1970 model year. Initial sales were lower than the company had anticipated, but things would improve throughout the decade. The original owner ordered this first-year example in Polar White with traditional Blue stripes. The seller indicates that it is a survivor, and the only reason they have elected to part with it is because it doesn’t get the use it deserves. The paint shines extremely well, the stripes are crisp, and the underside shots confirm that this classic is rust-free. The trim and glass are in good condition, and although the wheels exhibit minor imperfections, their condition is consistent with that of a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage.
Powering this Trans Am is the beautiful 400ci Ram Air III V8 engine. Pontiac quoted power and torque figures of 345hp and 430 ft/lbs for this motor. The rest of the major mechanical components include a four-speed manual transmission and a 12-bolt rear end, meaning that this classic should have no trouble applying those ponies to the pavement. Potential buyers assessing the long-term investment potential of this Pontiac will welcome the news that it is numbers-matching. The seller has splashed their cash on new body mounts, suspension bushings, and ball joints. The deal included PHS Build Sheets, and the car’s mechanical good health would allow the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
The Trans Am’s interior isn’t perfect, but its overall presentation is above-average for a vehicle of this vintage. The dazzling Blue vinyl is free from rips and tears, and the carpet is clean. I think I spotted wheel wear, but that seems to be the only aspect of this interior that justifies criticism. The machine-turned fascia isn’t worn, the pad is crack-free, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. This interior houses a few desirable factory options, including air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, and an 8-track player. A cartridge is inserted into the 8-track, suggesting that it may be in working order.
A glance at the sales tallies confirms that the Trans Am had developed a strong following by the time this car left the line. Introduced in 1969 during the final production year of the First Generation Firebird, 697 buyers handed over the cash for the Trans Am. In 1970, that figure had rocketed to 3,196. That proved to be the tip of the iceberg, as by the mid-1970s, the Trans Am had comfortably become the most popular Firebird variant. This one is a stunning survivor, needing nothing but a new home. Are you tempted to make that happen?
Good to see the CloudFlare issue is resolved!!!
This has to be one of the best Pontiacs of the time-at least of all the ‘60’s and ‘70’s cars that people of that era want to own. My kid brother bought the Formula 400:version of this in his youth-great car.
This one is especially nice, and the back story of the seller parting with it must be interesting in light of the other two parked nearby.
It’s one I’d check out in half a second given the opportunity.
Picking the nits here – but at $75Bigs, why not. What’s with the passenger side door lock pull? Looks like an old coat hanger was used?
That’s an aftermarket anti-theft lock plunger, designed to prevent someone from hooking the knob on top of the factory plunger with a coat hanger to break in.
I put these on every car I owned that had the “mushroom” style knob. Reproduction knobs are $12.99 for chrome, $7.99 for black.
Steve R
Yeah, I used these back in the 70’s and 80’s. Nowadays people have switched from coat hangers to slim Jim’s. I don’t let my hobby cars out of sight anymore.
It’s a really good looking car. The seller states “cars been completely gone thru”, that seems like more of a restoration, unless “survivor” now simply means it still exists. A 4spd with AC wouldn’t have been common at the time. I don’t know about specific pricing for 1970 Trans Ams, but these should have a strong enough following to entice serious consideration from potential buyers.
Steve R
Very nice clean Pontiac with a nice drivetrain. Only thing i see is the A/C belt is missing and why and the wires hanging down under passenger dash but that is not a deal breaker. The floors look almost perfect.
My favorite Firebird body style. In my favorite color for Firebirds. (Not crazy about the blue accents ) Right engine, right transmission and right color. What’s not to like? Oh yeah, the price. Although people in Paradise CA, deserve a break after what they went through a few years ago. But for $75,000 the A/C should work!
Is that black steering wheel correct? Shouldn’t it be blue? For the price being sought, I concur with the comments, fix the AC please.
If I remember correctly. (I’m now 72 and I worked at a Pontiac store in ’72-’75 while in college.) They were all black. All I really remember is I loved to drive them. I autocrossd a few and also a few Corvettes and preferred the T/A to the Corvette. But overall I preferred a smaller car for autocross. I never had the chance to try either one for a track day. Although I did run one each at an autocross that was held on a road race track. So it was almost like a track day. (1lap at a time :( ) I still felt more comfortable in the TA.
Maybe for 75k you would get an air conditioning belt and heck maybe it would work?
If I remember correctly. (I’m now 72 and I worked at a Pontiac store in ’72-’75 while in college.) They were all black. All I really remember is I loved to drive them. I autocrossd a few and also a few Corvettes and preferred the T/A to the Corvette. But overall I preferred a smaller car for autocross. I never had the chance to try either one for a track day. Although I did run one each at an autocross that was held on a road race track. So it was almost like a track day. (1lap at a time :( ) I still felt more comfortable in the TA.
It’s been my experience that if an otherwise nice car has inoperative A/C, it’s because it needs either an expensive part , or requires deep disassembly to fix, or both. At least he isn’t throwing a quick charge in it so that it works for 15 minutes.
Nice car, I can see me flying up Bruce rd. into Pat Keen park!
For the asking price I’d expect a much better presentation and functionality, I love the 60’s and early 70’s ponchos but at 75k I wouldn’t want a punch list of work to make me really proud to own it.