For sale is a real-deal 1970 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air III. This is the first year of the 2nd generation Trans Ams, with only 3,196 produced in 1970. Of that number, only 1,769 RAIII manual transmission cars were produced, making this a very rare car today. It is a real 70 Trans Am (WS4 code, “228870” VIN) built at the Norwood Plant and is finished in white to match its “10 10” Polar White exterior color code.
What is particularly special about this car is that it has its complete and original drivetrain, with the original, numbers-matching 400 ci “WS” block (1970 TAs only came with 400 blocks), original, numbers-matching Muncie M21 (“B” code) 4-speed transmission, and its original rear axle with its original “COX” 3:55 gears and 12-bolt posi-traction rear axle (dated May 19, 1970). It also comes with its original intake and exhaust manifolds, #12 heads (both heads are dated April 22, 1970, though the “12” is difficult to see) and the original alternator and steering box.
There were engine components missing when I purchased this car (it was purchased from an owner in California about 8-9 years ago), as a previous owner converted the car to electronic fuel ignition. As a result, the rare 7040273 carb and 1112024 points distributor were missing. I have since purchased a correct Q-Jet restored carb with the correct part number and date code for this car (the carb is a restamp). I also recently purchased the correct 1112024 distributor, with a January date code preceding the car’s build date (the last week of May, 1970: 05E). Those who know 70 TAs know the importance of having these components. I have also installed the proper reproduction clutch fan and shroud. The radiator appears to be original to the car, though I cannot confirm. The car also comes with a single, transverse-mounted muffler (correct for the car) and the original exhaust tips. I have also replaced the hood hinges and installed a reproduction, correct single-snorkel air cleaner pan. The old hood hinges and original pan (with snorkel missing) will be included. I have also purchased the correct alternator/power steering brackets that were pulled from a 70 TA parts car. Please note that the factory tachometer is currently disconnected from the distributor, as that connection is currently being utilized by the EFI set-up. All gauges are original and correct for the car and do function, except for the tachometer as mentioned.
The car has had a number of modifications done, mainly with the sheet metal components. Most notably, it has fiberglass rear quarter panels, although the fit and bodywork was done very well and shows no seams or breaks. It also has late-70s front wheel wells and rad support, as well as reproduction fenders. However, things like full steel quarters and the correct rad support are reproduced and readily available. Things like the correct wheel wells (with the often-missing well extension plates) and correct 70-72 fender braces are not available as reproduction parts, yet I have since purchased these correct parts and they will be included with the car. Also, I have replaced some pieces on the car with reproduction parts (so to make the car more visually appealing; things like the taillight lenses, lighter, LH and rear windows and the vertical window trim that runs along the sail panels). All those original and correct parts, including the correct grille mounting brackets, front spoiler, original front parking lamp lenses, gaskets and bezels and Guidex taillamp lenses will be included with the car. Other components that have yet to be installed, like new wiper arms and the correct air cleaner cover, are also included. The rear bumper appears to be original, as are the taillight bezels. The underside is very clean and the floor and trunk pans are in very good shape, although the trunk components are missing. I still have the LH and rear window glass that I replaced with new – please let me know if you wish me to include those pieces, as they are quite scratched. The exterior window moldings were also recently refurbished to remove dings and scratches.
The car had the incorrect shaker when I purchased it and I have since located and installed the correct shaker, although the functional components (like the solenoids) are not included (they were removed when the EFI was installed). But all these components can be purchased after-market. What is very hard to find – the shaker solenoid wiring harness – is intact and will be included in the purchase.
The car comes with reproduction 15x7 Rally wheels and BF Goodrich radial tires, with the correct dimensions to mimic what originally came on the car: Firestone F60-15 Wide Oval tires. The original JW wheels were missing when I purchased the car.
The interior is currently black and was converted from its original “201” Standard Bright Blue interior by a previous owner. All parts are available aftermarket or can be dyed to convert it back to its original Bright Blue. Alternatively, you can leave it black if you prefer, as the upholstery and door panels are in very good shape with no tears or rips in the upholstery. The dash pad has no cracks and the dash bezel was restored by Randy Combs, as I understand from the person who sold me the bezel. The bezel is like new and has the correct, original gauge rings. The bezel delete plates are reproduction. The radio is aftermarket and the rear package tray was recently replaced.
The paint is of a very good driver quality and the decals are also in very good condition. Overall, the car presents extremely well - you will not be disappointed.
I have been following these cars for some time and many that are offered for sale today have non-original, non-matching drivetrain components or are clearly missing the correct body components.This car has its original drivetrain, hasmany of its original componentsand I've collected all the missing, authentic parts (i.e. parts not reproduced) needed for afull restoration.Enjoydriving and showing this car today and, if you look to restore it later,anything still required for your restorationcan be acquiredas reproduction parts from your choice of parts suppliers. I will also include a copy of the original 1970 Assembly Manual.
Don’t miss this incredible investment opportunity! You can buy and enjoy this car as-is (it runs, drives and presents well; I take it out regularlyduring the summer months to many local car shows), knowing that you can restore it to investment quality whenever you feel like it. All the features and hard-to-find parts are with the car, so you’ll be well on your way to finishing the car of your dreams.
Please post any questions you may have and I will respond asap. This car is being sold as-is. The seller will assist in arranging shipping.
Additional photos have now been added:
https://imageshack.com/user/ML1062
Thanks for looking!