1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Description

Sadly, the time has come to thin my flock. Up for auction is my low mileage 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. This is a Numbers-matching (XE Block) 455 Trans Am I acquired at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale in 2010.
Only 3,130 Trans Ams were built with a 455 and automatic (4,550 total). This is the first year for the iconic “screamin’ chicken” hood bird and for the Buccaneer Red color. 1973 is a important year for the Firebird – in an era where power was falling victim to the EPA and insurance companies, and sales of the 1972 model crippled by a strike - the strong sales of this car saved the Firebird in the opinion of many. You can check the quality of the restoration from the photo - it’s quite nicely done. Many of the small details Firebird lovers will appreciate are there. The correct top-drive hose clamps that are very expensive to replace today are present. The tail-down stance which differentiates the Firebird from the Camaro is correct (if you find a Firebird with a raised rear end horrifying, this is the car for you). The various labels are present and in good condition original or reproduction. The plate “permanently” closing the shaker scoop is present and screams to be drilled out. The car is sitting on RWL bias ply tires. No self-respecting enthusiast would have been caught with the RTS (Radial Tuned Suspension) option for 1973 with its whitewall tires. There is no rust that I am aware of. I believe that when the engine was rebuilt, that it was mildly cammed up – it breaks those bias ply tires loose very easily and sounds amazing. The seller at Barrett Jackson suggested that it had been rebuilt to Super Duty specs, but I have no clear description of what he meant by that.
I’ve driven this vehicle very sparingly since I bought it. It is still in very good condition with a few small warts. The oil pan gasket should be replaced – there’s a slow leak. There is a small paint chip on the rear end at the fuel neck (I may fix this before it sells – been meaning to do it). There is a small tear in the front passenger seat and the turned aluminum dash has some mottling on the left side. The cracks at the corners of the side windows that are on almost every TA that has left the dealer’s lot or the restorer’s shop are present. All the gauges work except for the clock. None of these flaws are serious, so I have left them alone. I don't have the build sheet. The vehicle has a stock AM-FM radio which works. The 8-track worked the last time I tried it, the a/c blows cold-ish (it's been about 5 years since I charged it).
The only reason I am considering selling this vehicle is space. It is an important car and should go to someone who appreciates it and will make it better than it is today. I am happy to respond to any questions or requests for pictures as quick as I can. I will be patient with the buyer as I don’t keep this kind of money laying around either – I’ll wait a reasonable amount of time while you put finances in place as long as you show you’re serious by providing a deposit. I’m happy to help arranging shipping both in Canada and to the USA.