1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Super Duty

Description

SUMMARY

• $110K professional restoration that occurred in 2010
• Restoration included many NOS components
• 1 of 731 1974 Trans Am Super Duties equipped with an automatic transmission
• Original 455 cubic inch Pontiac V8 / 392 horsepower
• Correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
• Correct Frigidaire air conditioning
• Sale includes restoration receipts, a restoration summary and Pontiac Historic Services paperwork
• Correct Admiralty Blue paint / Correct Blue interior
• NOS Rally Wheels
• Factory power steering / Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes

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There are decent cars, there are over-the-top cars and then there are cars like this numbers-matching, air conditioned Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty. Primed and ready to show, this coupe received a $110K, ground-up restoration courtesy of Arcade, New York's Muscle Car Alley. And the result, as you might expect, is one of the coolest Firebirds on the planet. But don't take my word for it. Check out our photos, study the specs and let the car sell itself!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Well, okay, since you're going to keep reading anyway, I'll go ahead and tell you exactly how nice this Poncho is. The car's bodywork is first-rate throughout, with flat, smooth panels that are complemented by factory-style alignment. Naturally, those panels' pigment is a clean combination of base and clear, with said clear cut and buffed to a pristine shine. That Admiralty Blue shine, correct to the car, is sophisticated but attention grabbing. And, since this F2 is a product of the '70s, there's a lot of metal flake and Screamin' Chicken flash.

As is the case with most 41 year old classics, some sheetmetal has been expertly replaced. But, since none of the car's hard parts show substantial signs of rot, this was probably not a rusty car at any time in its life. And its original buyer, hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is likely the main reason why. Replacement parts are a combination of NOS and reproduction items. Noted NOS items include: weatherstripping, headlight bezels, bumper filler panels, bumper guards, chrome exhaust extensions, center caps, trim rings and door sill plates. And new items include: grilles, window moldings, door handle escutcheons and decals.

ENGINE

An original 455 SD big block lives between the fenders, rebuilt and now displacing 462 cubic inches thanks to an overbore. That block wears a correct 490132 casting number behind a correct “Y8” assembly stamp and matching partial VIN. The intake is a correct LS2 piece that's capped by an authentic Quadrajet carb. The distributor, unique to the Super Duty, is present and accounted for. Correct cast iron heads aid in combustion while exhaust is handled by stock manifolds, high performance SpinTech stainless pipes and great-looking NOS tips. The radiator is cooled with the help of an NOS fan shroud. A new high-torque mini starter brings everything to life. And, for good measure, the engine builder dyno-ed the big mill at 392 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and a whopping 462 lb./ft. of torque at just 3,000 RPM.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Now, the reason I say this car is so far over the top in terms of restoration quality is the chassis. Of course, everything is highly detailed and authentic, but check out the red oxide primer on the floors that's been professionally clearcoated! It's also obvious that everything was neatly masked and blocked off before the body was painted, because there's no overspray anywhere; just crisp, clean paint and primer under a coat of glossy clear. No, it's not how they did it on the factory floor. But, if you're restoring a car, why NOT go all-out and make it as perfect and durable as possible? This Pontiac will look great for years to come! Mechanically, there's a correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed that was completely rebuilt at the time of restoration. A fresh, 3.08-geared Safe-T-Track axle trails that transmission. The brakes, suspension and floors are equipped with fresh bushings, fresh lines and a new tank. And rolling stock consists of original 15-inch SD wheels with modern 255/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As.

INTERIOR

Not surprisingly, the interior is just as nice as the rest of the car. Everything is as new as the restoration, from the carpet to the seat covers, to the door panels, to the door panel pull straps. The automatic shifter plate and lens is an NOS piece, as are the seatbelt side retainer clip bases and door weatherstripping. The original seatbelts were restored by Ssnake-Oyl, the dash was restored by Just Dashes and all the interior chrome was carefully replated. Heck, even the cigarette lighter is a new piece.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The SD Trans Ams were not cushy, emasculated boulevard cruisers. A specialty motor and performance package that Pontiac engineers somehow put together and snuck out the door, they were THE REAL DEAL! Because they were snuck out the door only 731 were built. This particular Super Duty's original invoice shows the following hardware:

• Y90 Custom trim group
• U69 AM/FM radio
• D55 Front console
• B85 Hood moldings
• A01 Soft-Ray tinted glass
• B32 Front floor mats
• AK1 Custom seat belts
• WY3 Bumper protection
• LS2 455 SD 4-barrel engine
• U80 Rear stereo speakers
• B80 Roof molding
• WW7 Hood decal
• C60 Air conditioning
• B33 Rear floor mats
• QRZ GR70x15 white letter tires

The car was also equipped with an optional Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed and, yes, factory air conditioning.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

• An Owner's Manual
• Restoration receipts
• A restoration summary
• Pontiac Historic Services paperwork
• A reproduction window sticker

Pontiac Super Duty cars are only going up in value and, in general, mid-'70s Trans Ams continue to see a notable bump in market performance. When you're talking about numbers-matching cars that are restored to incredibly high standards, you're talking blue chip investments. This 'bird is a no-stories, no-excuses piece with all the right components in a gorgeous color combination that could make it the star of next year's Pontiac Nationals!