Vehicle Description
This was the car everyone was afraid to see in their rear-view
mirror in 1971. The Trans Am graduated to big horsepower in 1971,
and this one sports its original, numbers-matching 455 HO motor
along with that classic Trans Am paint scheme to create one of the
most intimidating cars of the era.
Restored in the early 2000s and in long-term ownership dating back
more than 20 years, this car has an awesome pedigree. Cameo White
made a return as the Trans Am's standard color, topped by a single
blue stripe with a shadow effect that actually looks really cool.
Only 2116 Trans Ams were built in 1971, so seeing one then or today
isn't exactly a common occurrence, but there's no mistaking it when
you see it. The paint shines up well with only a few minor signs of
use and the proper decals were all reinstalled as needed to give it
a factory-correct look. The deep chin spoiler, Endura front bumper,
and ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid all make this car look
extremely aggressive and there's no denying the appeal of the big
scoop poking out through the hood. Overall gaps are good, the nose
cone fits better than most, and even the rear spoiler lines up as
it wraps around the bodywork, all signs that the guys who worked on
this car knew what they were doing.
The blue bucket seat interior was equally well restored using
factory-style materials and patterns. There's a lot of pleating
going on, but that was the style and it does give the T/A a very
performance-oriented look. That image is assisted by a center
console and a 3-spoke steering wheel that looks very European in
its design, and the view over that long, low hood is simply
spectacular. The original instrument panel (included with sale) has
been replaced by a very cool custom gauge panel with a full
complement of top of the line Auto Meter American Muscle gauges
that glow red when you turn on the headlights. There's also an
AM/FM radio in the dash, new carpets throughout, and an extremely
nice dash pad on top to make it look finished. The trunk is
correctly outfitted with a reproduction mat as well as a full-sized
spare with jack assembly.
This is the car's original, numbers-matching 455 HO engine which
has been rebuilt with a few internal tricks to add power without
changing the stock look. There's a Ram Air IV camshaft and forged
pistons working in conjunction with the original heads and intake.
Ram Air Restorations supplied a set of their new cast iron exhaust
manifolds, and everything lives under the big air cleaner so it
looks like the factory intended. The heavy-duty, freshly built
TH400 3-speed automatic snaps through the gears smoothly yet with
authority and the brake system offers braided brake hoses and a new
brake booster and lines. A 2.5-inch exhaust system with transverse
muffler gives it a spectacular sound and the very clean
undercarriage shows a car that has been nicely maintained since the
restoration was completed. Factory Rally II wheels are standard
equipment and wear 245/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials at all four
corners.
Documented with the original Protect-O-Plate and owner's manual,
this highly desirable Trans Am gets all the big stuff right. It's
also in exactly the right condition to simply go out and have fun
with your big block Poncho. Call today!