1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Ram Air III Four-Speed

Description

Pontiac called it “The Beginning of Tomorrow.” Designed by Pontiac stylist Bill Porter, who also created the 1968 GTO, the second-generation Firebirds were introduced mid-way through the 1970 model year wearing dramatic, European-influenced bodywork with long hoods and truncated fastback rear ends.  

No longer was the Trans Am an option package; it was a standalone model representing the pinnacle of Firebird perfection—base Firebird, plush Esprit, sporty Formula, and awesome Trans Am. Engine options for the Trans Am were carried over from 1969, which included two variants of the 400 cu-in V8 including the standard 345 horsepower L74 Ram Air III. The fender flares, “shaker” hood scoop, and spats ahead of the front and rear wheel openings were developed for racing and unique to the Trans Am, and they actually generated downforce. And the beauty was more than skin deep, with John DeLorean personally involved in the interior design. “Everyone involved with that vehicle wanted it to be really good, not only from a performance standpoint but from an ergonomic standpoint,” Bill Porter related. 

Just 3,196 Trans Am models were built in 1970, including 1,769 Ram Air III four-speeds, and these early second-generation cars were some of the finest all-around performance machines from the heyday of American muscle. 

Highlights 

• Highly original 1970 Firebird Trans Am Ram Air III four-speed 

• One of 1,769 Ram Air III four-speed produced in 1970 

• Powered by a correct 400 cu-in four-barrel L74 Ram Air III V8 rated at 345 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque 

• Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter 

• 12-bolt rear axle with 3.73:1 gear ratio 

• Finish in Polar White (10) with a blue stripe 

• Medium Bright Blue Vinyl (201) interior 

• 15-inch Rally II wheels with raised white-letter Goodyear GT II tires 

• Factory options ordered on this Trans Am include: 

  • 368 – Performance Axle 

  • 401 – Radio 

  • 494 – Console 

  • 531 – Tinted Glass 

  • 701 – Heavy Duty Radiator 

• The Body by Fisher tag decodes as: 

  • Style 70 22887 – Trans Am 

  • Body: NOR 727685 – Norwood, Ohio, body plant production number 

  • Trim: 201 – Medium Bright Blue Vinyl 

  • Paint: 10 10 – Polar White 

  • 04D – Fourth week of April build date 

  • WS4 – Trans Am 

• The chassis number (228870N114833) decodes as: 

  • 2 – Pontiac 

  • 2 – Series, Firebird 

  • 887 – Trans Am two-door coupe 

  • 0 – Model year 1970 

  • N – Norwood, Ohio, final assembly plant 

  • 114833 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Front air dam 

• Engine-turned aluminum dash panel 

• “Shaker” hood scoop 

• Rear ducktail spoiler 

• Thick stabilizer bars, front and rear 

• Heavy-duty springs and shocks 

• Padded three-spoke steering wheel 

• Voltmeter, water temperature, and oil pressure gauges 

Known Imperfections 

• Correct engine but not numbers matching 

Included 

• PHS documentation 

• Maintenance receipts 

• Repair manuals 

• Assorted spare parts 

Ownership History 

Built the last week of April 1970, this Trans Am was shipped to Bill Beck Pontiac, Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina, on 5 May 1970. It is powered by a 400 cu-in L74 Ram Air III V8 that is correct for this Trans Am but is not matching numbers, possibly a dealer warranty replacement. The consignor acquired this Trans Am in 2007. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Tim Rollinger   Phone: 912.596.2099   email: trollinger@hagerty.com