1974 Pontiac Trans Am 455 - "In memory of Chris Thompson"
Original numbers-matching Y-code 455, Admiralty Blue, White Interior, Black Trim, Partially-restored, second-owner, fully documented!
In December 2017, my brother-in-law Chris Thompson passed away
after struggling with cancer. His 1974 Pontiac Trans Am was
one of his prized possessions. Chris purchased the vehicle on
July 28, 1977 from his close friend in Northern California.
Chris cherished his Trans Am until the very end. For
43-years, this vehicle has been babied, garaged, and driven.
Yes, this is a driver in the truest sense of the word. Not a
garage queen, not something has been sliced and diced without
regard for the pedigree. Chris LOVED driving his Trans
Am, keeping every receipt and documentation from the day he
purchased it. In fact, service invoices go back to
1974 from the original owner. The original owner's manual in
the original dealer envelope including all 1974 factory service
information was maintained including copy of the original window
sticker! He was an active member of the Firebird Nation
forum.
After Chris passed, I had the vehicle transported to Irvine, CA in
an enclosed trailer where I could help our family find the next
loving owner of this incredible car.
While we don't have many barns left, if we did, this would be
considered a barn find. See that "space saver spare tire" in
the trunk? That is original and has never been on the ground
[yes, they had space saver spare tires in 1974. It was
actually a factory option (code QRZ)]
Is it numbers matching? Yes - engine and rear end. No -
transmission (replaced in 1983). Other components?
Don't know.Is a show car? No, but it is beautiful to see and
to drive. Runs like a champ!
Is it original? Mostly yes. In fact, it still has the
original windshield with the integrated AM antenna. Rear glass with
defroster and side glass are original. Factory white interior
(code 592) is bone stock, factory bucket seats are badly cracked
and have seat covers. Rear seats are original and in
excellent condition given their age. Door panels and headliner are
clean, stock, and original. Dash is exceptionally clean...no
cracks. The vehicle was repainted in 1982 by Santini in
Huntington Beach, CA ($$$) with original Admiralty Blue (code 29 -
see fender tag). He elected at that time to remove the
screaming chicken sticker along removing and filling the Pontiac
emblem on the nose. 36 years later, the paint still looks
amazing.
A few things were done over the last 43 years that detract from the
"original" badge, including headers and Flowmaster exhaust,
rear-mounted battery with shut-off switch, AC compressor removed,
heater disconnected, distributor replaced with Mallory electronic,
etc. An aftermarket cruise control was added as were fog
lamps ans AM/FM cassette stereo. Factory rims were replaced
in 1977 with the vortex wheels shown in the picture. Brand
NEW BF Goodrich Radial TA 225/75R/15 were purchased in Jan. 2018
for safety as the former tires (not original) were bald and badly
cracked (think "barn find")
Is there any rust? Believe it or not, this vehicle is 99%
rust-free. The right-rear quarter panel is showing some
surface rusting under the paint, but that panel and every other
panel on the vehicle is 100% original, straight, and rust
free! Try to find another example this clean. It just
doesn't happen.
Does it leak? You bet. Oil and transmission fluid
mainly. Not too bad, but find me a 44-year old original car
that does not leak. Does everything work? Mostly yes
including the clock and cigarette lighter (not kidding). The
windshield washer does not work (anyone surprised?). All
internal and external lights and accessories work perfectly.
P.S. The signature on the dash panel is Dick Guildstrand "Mr.
Corvette." Dick passed away in 2015. Chris met him in
1997 and asked that he sign his cherished Trans Am. I don't
know if I would have done that, but it meant a great deal to
Chris. Bottom line, this is the PERFECT vehicle to undergo a
full restoration, or just drive it and enjoy it for what it
is. Please let me know if you have any questions re
Chris' car and I'll dig through the records to find out.