The demise of marques like Pontiac has motivated passionate enthusiasts to strive to protect and preserve some of the brand’s more iconic models. That is true of the Second Generation Trans Am, but this 1974 example stands out from the crowd. I wouldn’t describe it as unique, but its paint and trim combination is not one that is seen every day. Potential buyers may also be attracted by the lack of significant rust, making its restoration straightforward. The seller has listed the Pontiac here on eBay in Rutledge, Tennessee. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve, sitting at $6,000 at the time of writing.

This Trans Am could probably best be described as a product of its time. The seller traced its history back to 1978, when the previous owner purchased it. They enjoyed the car until around 1992, performing a few period-correct upgrades before parking it for over three decades. The car’s Admiralty Blue paint hasn’t aged well, although preservation is viable for those preferring a “survivor” look. Trans Ams of this era are renowned for rust problems, but this car has avoided the worst of those issues. The trunk pan has a couple of patchable quarter-sized holes, and some lower exterior extremities have heavy corrosion where there is no steel penetration. However, the underside shots tell this car’s story. The floors, rails, and rear valance are as solid as the day this car rolled off the line. Anyone with reasonable welding skills could patch the trunk, with the rest of the exterior requiring nothing beyond basic surface preparation before fresh paint is applied. The front bumper and spoiler are damaged, the remaining trim is in good order, and the glass looks clear. One notable change is the existing Snowflake wheels. Pontiac didn’t offer these until 1977, and the ones on this car may have been fitted when the engine received its upgrades in the 1980s.

The first thing to consider when examining this Trans Am’s drivetrain is that it is no longer numbers-matching. The seller confirms the cylinder heads and intake are original, but the 455 engine block is of 1970 vintage. The original owner ordered this classic with the Y-Code 455ci V8, producing 250hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed the V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and a 3.42 Safe-T-Track rear end, adding power assistance for the steering and brakes for an effortless driving experience. The seller states that the previous owner handed the Pontiac to a speed shop in Memphis, Tennessee, for some performance upgrades. These included a new camshaft, carburetor, and headers. It is unclear how much extra power the changes unleashed, but it is fair to expect this car to have eclipsed the factory ¼-mile figure of 15.4 seconds. It seems the car hasn’t seen active service since around 1992, and the seller doesn’t mention whether the car runs or drives. Therefore, factoring the cost of a thorough inspection as the bare minimum would be wise.

Examining this Pontiac’s interior brings us to what makes it stand out. I have seen many Trans Ams from this period, but I can only remember seeing two others where the original owner teamed Admiralty Blue paint with Red Custom interior trim. To say it is a striking combination is an understatement, and it is guaranteed that this vehicle turned heads in its prime. The seller admits the interior requires a healthy helping of TLC, with items like the carpet and door trims looking very tired. The dash seems reasonable, and although the pad hasn’t cracked, it has that dry appearance that suggests that fate isn’t far away. This Pontiac isn’t weighed down with factory options, but a new owner in a warm climate will welcome the air conditioning.

I am not about to suggest that this 1974 Pontiac Trans Am is an automotive unicorn, but I have seen very few featuring this car’s combination of paint and trim. More intensive research may confirm its rarity, which would be an exercise worth considering. That is one of its potential attractions, with the car’s structural integrity and lack of rust another. It could be ideal for someone seeking a first project candidate, particularly if they harbor a desire to preserve an icon from a now-extinct marque. I hope someone gives this Trans Am the love it deserves. It has waited over three decades for that to happen, which is also three decades too long.