Mothballed in 1998 for a someday restoration, this 1972 Pontiac Trans Am in Martinsville, Indiana awaits a new owner and a timely revival. These TAs were no joke, with a single engine option, the 455 high output LS5 V8. A labor strike affected production in model year 1972 and this claimed factory four-speed car is even more rare. TranZam confirms the seller’s count of 458. This one is rusty as all get-out, though, so consider yourself warned.
The Trans Am’s obligate LS5 455 HO carried over from ’71, though its HP rating dropped from 335 (gross) to 300 (net) on paper, according to TranZam. This change occurred industry-wide to better reflect as-built power with factory air intake components and accessories connected.
Credit the seller for stating “all the sheet metal is bad,” except maybe the doors. If this is your dream car, though, maybe that’s not a show-stopper. The “buy the best one you can afford” rule may apply for a skilled welder seeking the budget four-speed ’72 TA of their dreams.
The original 221 Ivory interior should have had light seats and door panels, based on a Google image search, and the seller claims the interesting lack of a center console is factory-correct for this car. Additional pictures show the solenoid-operated shaker hood scoop, and tip your hat to the seller for including many pictures and details on this long-idled project.
A few years before the iconic “Black Trans Am” hit the movie screens, the ’72 came in the two recognized American international racing color schemes: white with blue stripes or blue with white stripes. This one came white with blue. Check out more pictures and details here on eBay where at least nine bidders have come to terms with the epic work required to save this rare and rotten beast. Bidding over $5000 so far sets the market value with about two days left. Should someone save this rare stick-shift Trans Am, and will that someone be you?
IMO ..It’s going to cost a fortune to get this into show car
condition. You’ll be underwater when done. Just my opinion.
Would be a gorgeous car though.
Yes, you would be underwater, but there are plenty of ‘car guys’ with wads of cash laying around. To me, the 70-73 Trans Ams are the best looking American car, ever. Plus the fact that it’s a very rare 4-speed, and I hope it gets saved.
Agree with you Big Al, but will go one step further by saying it’d cost as fortune just to make this one a driver, let alone a show car. Real shame because the early 70 T/A’s were some of the best looking of all T/A’s.
Cool car. The 4spd non-console looked better and gave you more knee room. This will be a nice car when finished.
Steve R
This is a rough one. Nothing like leaving the engine open to rust into oblivion. Rare, yes. Worth it, don’t see it.
Its up to 8k with the reserve not met yet. Some sellers really are delusional. Rare as all get up but completely rusted out, interior rotted, who knows if the engine even turns. Only a skilled shop could do this one without going broke.
5 grand??? What am I missing? Niceley optioned, but the allure hard stops there. In my humble opinion, maybe $1000.00.
Someone is needing the title really bad–to give that price. I know where a 74 trans–455–4 speed it at. It was in a flood,but alot cheaper then this on. It will also need alot of work… I gotta get back to the guy.
The 455HO is an entirely different engine than the 455 passenger car engine in the 74 Trans Am. It changes the dynamics and is what drives up the desirability of this car, whoever restores it will do it as a labor of love, not as a profit center.
If I were looking at this car I’d make the payment contingent me getting a clean title in my name. I’ve have several friends wind up with unexpected nasty surprises at the DMV after buying a car from someone whose name wasn’t on the title.
Steve R
These in white/blue always remind me of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. The 70-73 TA one of the best looking cars ever built.
Ooof, no way. Bidders seem to feel differently. I guess ignorance is bliss. Good luck to the purchaser. They will need it.
this one is r u f f . i saw a guy on tv where he sets a ratted out car in a scene like the car is in a desert. with a couple stuffed animals and a time depiction…
a diorama this car wood be perfect for this idea. the aging is already there to the car. this diorama will definitely tell a story. granted you coudn;t drive it no more but hey its better the buzzards dont pick at the bones instead of the crusher…
My best guess on this is someone wants the VIN and data plates and the drivetrain. They’ve got a workable bodyshell and sub-frame waiting.
Once it is done , the new owner will have bragging rights to a very rare and desirable car but that will only be in 5 to 10 years !