1974 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty 455 Sold for Close to $90,000

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【Summary】A 1974 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty 455 was recently sold at auction for nearly $90,000. The car was a limited release with only 943 produced that year. It featured a powerful V8 engine and had just under 54,000 miles on it. The sale attracted significant attention and surpassed typical valuation metrics. The Trans Am was a formidable competitor to other American classics like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. This sale demonstrates the enduring appeal of this iconic muscle car.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 11:18 PM PT

1974 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty 455 Sold for Close to $90,000

A vintage 1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Super Duty 455, known for its Buccaneer Red paint, recently sold for a hefty sum of $89,296 at an auction on the Hagerty Marketplace. This particular car was in excellent condition with just under 54,000 miles and had undergone a meticulous restoration. It was also a limited edition model, with only 943 units produced in 1974.

The Super Duty 455 variant of the Firebird was a standout in terms of performance compared to the standard model. Introduced in 1974, the 455 referred to the cubic inches of its V8 engine, which was meticulously hand-assembled. The engine was considered a technological marvel of its time, borrowing elements from Pontiac's 366-cubic-inch NASCAR engine. It featured heavy-duty connecting rods, a new block, and modified crankshaft and heads, resulting in a reported 310 horsepower.

The sale of this particular model garnered significant attention, with over 21,000 views and 39 bids on Hagerty's platform. According to Hagerty's valuation metrics, a similar car in good condition would typically be valued at around $85,700. However, a pristine example in "concours condition" could fetch as much as $103,000.

Despite its high price, the sold vehicle came fully equipped with desirable features such as a three-speed Hydra-matic transmission, power locks, power windows, air conditioning, dual exhausts, and heavy-duty stabilizer bars. The interior boasted Red perforated Morrokide vinyl upholstery, adding to the car's luxurious yet powerful aesthetic.

The Pontiac Firebird, an iconic American classic and a worthy competitor to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, was first introduced in 1967. It initially offered a choice between an inline-six or a V8 engine. The Trans Am variant, which became popular for its specialized handling package, was introduced in 1969. However, Pontiac as a brand met its demise in 2002 due to declining sales and a shrinking market share in sports coupes.

This auction and the impressive price it fetched reaffirm the enduring appeal of the Pontiac Firebird, especially the Super Duty 455 version, which represented one of the pinnacles of 1970s muscle car engineering.