This 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (Serial Number: 2V87Y3N124580) was my husband's passion. We did a complete restoration over 10 years and had a short article in Smoke Signals. The car runs well and along with the car, I am including all of the additional parts (transmission, carburetor, fender, etc.) as well as notes and documentation.
The 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am represents a highly desirable example of Pontiac’s second-generation performance car, combining the aggressive styling, large-displacement V8 power, and four-speed manual transmission that helped define the early Trans Am. The 1973 model year holds particular significance within the collector market, representing one of the final years Pontiac continued to offer serious large-displacement performance during the transition away from the traditional muscle-car era. This example has been restored and mechanically refurbished over time and presents today as a very nice older-restored, quality driver-level Trans Am.
The exterior presents very well overall and benefits from an older repaint that continues to show nicely, with only minor scuffs and age-related imperfections present. The body panels remain straight and well presented, complemented by the Trans Am's signature shaker hood scoop, front chin spoiler, fender air extractors, rear spoiler, dual sport mirrors, urethane front bumper, and re-chromed rear bumper. The car rides on 15-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels fitted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. The tires date from 2006 and are beginning to show age-related separation and should be replaced prior to continued road use. The Soft-Ray glass remains complete, although minor scratches are present within portions of the side glass.
Power is supplied by a fully rebuilt Pontiac 455 cubic-inch V8, utilizing a four-barrel carburetor and original-style exhaust manifolds. The engine compartment maintains a largely period-correct appearance with original-style valve covers and air cleaner while benefiting from numerous mechanical improvements, including a new radiator, water pump, flex fan, distributor, alternator, hoses, battery cables, and power-steering reservoir. Power brakes are also present with a newer master cylinder. The engine bay presents very well overall, with only minor road grime consistent with normal use following the mechanical refurbishment.
Backing the 455 is the desirable four-speed manual transmission, further enhancing the performance character and collector appeal of this Trans Am. The rear axle retains a factory-style configuration with a positraction identification tag present. Considerable mechanical work has also been completed underneath the vehicle, including a new fuel tank, fuel and brake lines, custom exhaust and muffler, front springs and shocks, rear shocks, upper and lower ball joints, and steering linkage. Aftermarket front and rear sway bars have been installed, along with an upgrade to four-wheel disc brakes. The frame and floor pans remain in good driver-quality condition with minor road grime and surface corrosion consistent with the vehicle's age and use.
The interior is another strong component of the vehicle and presents exceptionally well. It retains front bucket seats, the factory four-speed console, Hurst shifter, crack-free padded dashboard, factory gauge package with stainless bezel, original AM/FM radio, factory-style steering wheel and door panels, and non-tilt steering column. New carpeting has been installed, and the front and rear seating surfaces remain in excellent condition. A Rockford Fosgate AM/FM/CD radio and Lanzar Reign amplifier have also been added. The primary interior deficiency is the headliner, where the underlying padding has begun to separate and will require attention.
In summary, this 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am represents a very attractive and extensively refurbished example of one of the most desirable years of the second-generation Trans Am. Its rebuilt Pontiac 455 V8, four-speed manual transmission, positraction-equipped rear axle, strong body, attractive older repaint, excellent interior, and substantial mechanical refurbishment provide considerable collector appeal.
Exterior:
Dual sport mirrors
Front chin spoiler
Urethane front bumper
Soft ray glass around vehicle
BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires P255/60R15 (2006)
Front fender vents
Halogen headlights
Dual windshield wipers
Original style front grill
Original front turn signals
Firebird Rally II steel rims (15”)
Rear spoiler
Re-chromed rear bumper
Shaker hood scoop
Engine and Engine Bay:
455 Pontiac V8 engine fully rebuilt
Original style valve covers
New water pump
Four-barrel carburetor
Factory style manifolds
New flex fan
New radiator
Original air cleaner
New distributor
New alternator
Power steering (new reservoir)
NAPA Legend battery
New hoses
Power brakes
New mastery cylinder
New battery cables
Driveline & Undercarriage:
Four speed manual transmission
New muffler
New custom exhaust
Aftermarket rear sway bar
Factory style rear end (posi tag is present)
New fuel tank
New fuel lines
New brake lines
Four-wheel disc brakes
Factory style rear spring packs
Newer rear shocks
New upper and lower ball joints
New steering linkages
Aftermarket front sway bar
New front springs
New front shocks
Interior:
Bucket seats
Factory four speed console
Padded dash (crack free)
Hurst shifter knob and lever
Dual sunvisors
Day/night mirror
New carpet
Original AM/FM radio
Factory style door panels
Rockford Fosgate RFX8350 AM/FM CD radio
Vinyl floor mats
Factory gauge pack
Remote driver mirror
Factory stainless gauge pack bezel
Non tilt steering column
Factory style steering wheel
Original fuse box (some original wiring and some new writing present)
Full size spare tire
Lanzar Reign 4000W amplifier
