Vehicle Description
1972 Pontiac Trans Am. 455HO/TH400. One of a production of 1286 of which 828 were automatic. GM was suffering a strike in '72. As such the 1972 model holds the distinction of the second lowest production numbers, second to the 1969 debut model. This TA is Cameo White with the blue interior. Optioned with A/C, AM/FM radio, SoftRay glass, drip mouldings and unitized ignition. PHS documents included. This is a #'s matching TA still having the factory original 455 HO engine including the Ram Air exhaust manifolds.
From the documentation I have, The TA was sold new to Essex Harris on 12/22/71 from Ferrar-Bach Pontiac in Los Angeles, CA. I have service documents from Mr. Harris and it appears that he actively maintained the vehicle. The engine was rebuilt in 1993 and includes a mild HO Racing cam along with a complete balance and blueprint and the addition of an HEI distributor. There has been approximately 30k miles clocked since the rebuild, most of which appear to have been by Mr. Essex. After ownership of 32 yrs., on 2/21/04 he sold the TA to Barry Allen of Western Spring, IL. The documents indicate that Mr. Allen put a considerable amount of time and expense to restore the TA, Including an extremely nice paint job, refreshing the interior and various mechanical items. Sometime in 2013 the TA was sold to Steve Wilen of Phoenix, AZ. It appears that Mr. Wilen performed a bit more of the mechanical restoration. In April of 2015 I bought the car through another collector in Spring, TX that was holding the TA at the time. It appears that after the original owner sold the car, very, very few miles were clocked. I also have sat on it with clocking less than 50 miles.
This TA spent almost all of its life in Sunny California and the condition shows it! The under carriage still wears its dealer installed undercoating and every panel is as solid as it left the factory. The body on this TA is as original as they come. All of the gaps are great. The doors don't sag and open and close as they should. The springs in the drivers seat are a bit weak but other than that the interior shows very nicely. The AM/FM flip radio is there but doesn't work. The clock also does not function, typical for these cars. The dash pad is very nice. And it has the factory ratchet style shifter. Underhood shows as it should for the rebuild being 30k miles back and it was probably a daily driver during that time. All of the original brackets, clips, wire mountings, etc. are in place. A time capsule for sure and those are hard to find parts! The A/C is all in place and at sometime was converted to 134a refrigerant. I don't think it has held its charge. The engine starts and runs well but could benefit from a complete tune and carb refreshing. The engine is leak free. The TH400 trans needs a front and rear seal. Documents show the brake system was rebuilt including using a correct Moraine booster, although the pedal feels a bit spongy. Suspension feels tight and she drives straight and responds to steering input nicely. It has a Magnaflow exhaust with a transverse muffler. Still has the correct 15" Rallye II wheels.
In full disclosure, I bought this TA to use as a base for a Pro-Touring build. But it is just too original and intact for me to desecrate. I have owned several Second Gen F bodies and I can assure you the is one of the nicest, most original TA's you will find for less than $50k. With the engine and chassis detailed and a few other small details this car would easily sell for $55k or better. I am asking $45k as it sits now. Considering the condition, originality and documentation this is a fair price and a good value for the buyer with most certain appreciation in the near future.
Feel free to contact me with any questions and I can provide pics of anything on or under the car.
