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Original Y-code 455, Admiralty Blue, White Interior, Black Trim

Location: Irvine, California, United States
Condition: Used
Make: Pontiac
Model: Trans Am
Type: Coupe
Year: 1974
Mileage: 147,353
VIN: 2V87Y4N120172
Color: Blue
Engine size: 455
Number of cylinders: 8
Power options: Power Windows
Transmission: Automatic
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: White
Vehicle Title: Clear

1974 Pontiac Trans Am Description

1974 Pontiac Trans Am 455 - "In memory of Chris Thompson"
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). 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. 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 right window does not work (motor/regulator ?), the aftermarket radio does not power up, the windshield washer does not work (anyone surprised?).
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.
Thank you!

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