1971 Pontiac Firebird 455 Trans Am tribute

1971 Pontiac Firebird 455 Trans Am Tribute

You are viewing a dry rust free 1971 Firebird that has been meticulously transformed into a beautiful Trans Am tribute . I am a serious Pontiac enthusiast / collector / restorer and am representing this classic Pontiac for a close friend / fellow Pontiac enthusiast. I have been performing restoration and performance building of traditional Pontiacs for 45+ years. I performed the engine build on this Firebird and witnessed all other aspects of its creation. Spending most of its life in dry New Mexico it carries all of its original panels except those replaced to “create” this T/A tribute. Floors and trunk are clean and rust free. It even carries all original brake and fuel lines! Stripped and refinished in correct Cameo white single stage urethane. Correct Phoenix graphix decals applied. Body is straight and smooth. Only visible flaw is a couple of hairline cracks in paint on front original urethane bumper as shown in photo. Only noticed on close inspection. This car is a real head turner! All new weather stripping. Complete correct T/A blue “Legendary” interior. Seat upholstery, headliner, door panels console and carpet. Dash pad is crack free. Instruments tastefully upgraded to Auto Meter “Pro-Comp” gauges. A B&M “Quick Silver” shifter was also added. A Pioineer AM/FM/ Casette unit was added above the original factory 8 track player.

Now for the real fun! A 1973 455 block was thermo-cleaned, bored .030, decked and line bored. An all standard nodular crank was chamfered and superfinished. Eagle “H” beam connecting rod, TRW forged flat topped pistons, Sealed power bearings and “Moly” rings. Entire assembly balanced. Melling oil pump, Cloyes “tru-roller” timing set. A Comp Cams XE 274H was used. In. dura.230 @ .050, ex. Dura. 236 @.050 .488 in. lift, .491 ex. Lift, 110 degree lobe separation. This is one of the best street 455 Pontiac cams I have found. Pulls like a freight train with good street manners. The block is topped with “Kauffman” D-port aluminum heads. Harlan Sharp roller rockers and Comp pushrods. A polished Edelbrock Torker intake and 800 CFM Holley double pumper round out the engine. An MSD Pro billet “all in one distributor “ is used. Fuel system consists of a Holley HP 150 Pump and regulator with gauge. Summit 4 tube headers and 2 ½ exhaust run all the way back behind the rear wheels.

The engine is backed by a fresh performance built Turbo 350 trans with shift kit and 2800 RPM stall speed converter. 8.5” 10 bolt posi-traction rear end with Richmond 3.73 gears. This all rides on new 8” X 15” Pontiac Rally wheels and raised white letter radial tires. I have driven this car on several occasions and it is a BALL to drive. Runs down the road straigh, turns and stops smooth and sure. And goes like a “bat out of hell”!

It has been driven a mere 1260 miles since completion as the speedo indicates. Total true mileage is unknown.The owner loves this car but does not have the time to enjoy it. Also his wife will not allow his kids to ride in it!

Here is an opportunity to own an exact replication of a piece of collectible Pontiac history at a fraction of the cost of a “real” one. The beauty of this car is that you can drive and enjoy it. AND in case you haven’t noticed, with the value of “real” T/A’s skyrocketing, well executed “re-creations” or “tribute” cars are rising as well. Soon they will become out of reach to the average enthusiast. The sellers reserve is WAY below the amount invested, not only in $$$ but in time and commitment!

The only thing this particular car could use is a small amount of final detailing under the hood and inside the trunk. But all the real $$$ has been spent! This is an excellent driver/ cruise night car with show winning potential! You will not be disappointed! It will put a big smile on your face as you get the “Thumbs-Up” everywhere you drive. Don’t hesitat, this is a rare opportunity to own a beautiful solid turn key T/A (tribute) ! Ask all questions prior to bidding and I will answer quickly.