Vehicle Description
We're not going to get hung up on how rare a 1972 Pontiac Firebird
is (fairly) or how much money was spend on this (a lot) or even how
famous the guy who built it is (Ken Smith). What we are going to
talk about is that this spectacular 1972 Pontiac Firebird resto-mod
is one of the finest F-body builds we've seen in a very long time,
a car that's fast, comfortable, and totally sorted. Need a car to
cruise AND win some trophies? This is it!
The all-new second generation Firebird shape lends itself rather
well to the pro-touring treatment since it was already long, lean,
and low. Finished in beautiful Audi Salsa Red paint, this one isn't
going to be able to stay out of sight for long, and by adding a set
of carbon-fiber looking stripes down the center, along with the
requisite body mods, it has a Trans Am look that's very appealing.
The guys who built it are professionals at the top of their game,
so finish quality is exemplary, with great gaps, a deep shine, and
no notable demerits in the appearance department. We love the
contrasting hood scoop that makes it look like the engine is doing
something special under the hood, and the factory spoilers, vents,
and nose all give it a predatory stance. Proper Trans Am decals
were installed as needed and even the parts that were chrome from
the factory were restored, not replaced or painted, so it looks
quite correct. You probably haven't driven a vintage F-body that
feels this tight, and that means these guys got it right.
The interior got the same kind of makeover: slight upgrades but
mostly sticking to the factory recipe. The biggest change is a pair
of ProCar bucket seats that are a lot more supportive than the
originals, yet they look right at home in this resto-mod. On the
other hand, the very cool 3-spoke steering wheel, engine-turned
dashboard, and center console are all factory-issue; after all, why
mess with a good thing? Obviously everything is new, from the
headliner to the carpets and again, fit and finish are excellent.
The gauges are hooked up and work with the upgraded motor, there's
a vintage-looking KC Harrison radio with MP3 input, and all the
wiring is new. Factory A/C blows cold thanks to new hardware behind
the scenes, and there's a tilt steering column to make it
comfortable for just about anyone.
The engine is a pro-built 1970 455 HO unit that's been bored .030
oversize, fitted with a set of Edelbrock D-port aluminum heads, an
Edelbrock intake manifold, and a Holley Trick Flow carburetor.
Sitting under that air scoop it looks quite correct, especially
with Pontiac Turquoise paint on the block. They did add a set of
beautiful cast valve covers, but other than the updated A/C and
alternator, the engine bay looks fairly stock. It's putting out big
power, but the built Stage 3 200-4R 4-speed automatic transmission
doesn't seem to mind. And true to form as a Trans Am, this one
loves to go around corners, complements of a full Hotchkiss
suspension, subframe connectors, QA1 coil-over shocks, and an
ultra-rare Herb Adams rear sway bar. Yeah, it's legit. It's also
fitted with Baer 4-wheel disc brakes that give it the stopping
power it demands. The 10-bolt rear end is fitted with 3.73 gears on
a limited slip and Moser axles, so it has no trouble hooking up,
but with that overdrive transmission, it cruises at 80 MPH spinning
only 2750 RPM. Nice! The hunkered-down suspension looks fantastic,
especially framing those gorgeous 17-inch "snowflake" reproductions
from Year One, which are wrapped in 255/40/17 front and 275/40/17
rear Continental performance radials.
This car is almost entirely new from end to end and is filled with
the best of everything. With performance, comfort, and style in
equal measure, perhaps the most shocking thing about this car is
its relatively affordable price tag. Call today!