1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Super Duty 455

Description

The 1973 and 1974 model years of Pontiac’s second-generation Firebird are notable to muscle car enthusiasts for the availability of an enormous 455 cu-in V8 in Formula and Trans Am trim. Borrowing technology from their 366 cu-in NASCAR engine, the hand-assembled SD 455 V8 featured heavy-duty connecting rods and an entirely new block with a revised crankshaft and heads to deliver a claimed 310 horsepower. However, when the SD 455 hit the streets and began turning high 13-second quarter mile times, both those lucky enough to get behind the wheel and those watching the tail lights disappear would describe those horsepower figures as wildly understated, surely to appease insurance companies. Offered for just two model years, the SD 455 was equipped in a limited number of now highly collectible Firebirds.

Highlights 

• One of just 943 Pontiac Firebirds equipped with the Super Duty 455 cu-in V8 for the 1974 model year

• Highly desirable Trans Am trim featuring:

  • Variable-ratio power steering

  • Power front disc brakes

  • Safe-T-Track differential

  • Formula steering wheel

  • Rally gauge cluster with clock and tachometer

  • 15 inch Rally II wheels with trim rings

  • Heavy-duty front and rear stabilizer bars

  • Firmer shocks and high-rate springs

  • Non-functional shaker hood

  • Front air dam, deck lid spoiler, rear wheel air deflectors, front fender air extractors

  • Dual exhaust with chrome extensions and performance muffler

• Finished in vibrant Buccaneer Red over an optional Custom Interior trimmed in Red perforated Morrokide vinyl upholstery

• Subject of a thorough restoration completed to factory specifications under the previous ownership

• Engine and transmission are numbers-matching as per the Pontiac Hertiage Service (PHS) documents (Block casting date is L203, 20 December 1973, heads show G143 casting dates, 14 July 1973)

• Please note that while the odometer displays just under 54,000 miles, the true mileage of this Firebird Trans Am is unknown

Features

• Three-speed Hydra-matic automatic transmission

• Firebird hood decal

• “Trans Am” decals

• “SD 455” decal on shaker hood scoop

• Power locks

• Power windows

• Power trunk release

• Remote mirror control

• Bucket seats

• Center console

• Electric rear window defroster

• Cruise control

• Engine-turned aluminum trim

• Retro-style AM/FM/USB push-button stereo 

• Air conditioning

• Three-spoke Formula steering wheel

• Lockable glovebox

• Roof drip moldings

• Door edge guards 

• Lamp Group

• Custom Trim Group

• 3.08:1 rear axle ratio

• Factory-correct red oxide underbody coating

Included 

• Window sticker

• Rubber “Trans Am” floormats

• Jack

• Spare 

• Digital copies of the Pontiac Heritage Service (PHS) documents

Ownership History

This 1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Super Duty 455 was treated to what appears to be a high-quality restoration under previous ownership. The seller represents it as being a strong running and driving example with no known mechanical issues at the time of cataloging.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $1,000. Learn more about the program here.