1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Super Duty

By now you've probably realized that RK Motors Charlotte employs quite a few diehard Pontiac fans. I mean, after all, RKMC does attract people who bleed 100 octane racing fuel; and Pontiac, at its core, was completely dedicated to selling outrageous metal to serious gearheads. So naturally, we can't help but melt like a hot tire in a staging lane when we find a car like this investment grade Trans Am Super Duty. A concours-restored national award winner, this numbers-matching Poncho is 1 of only 212 1974 Super Duty coupes equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. And if you're a Firebird enthusiast who's searching for an exclusive F2 that you can literally purchase and haul straight to the show, it's your chance to become king of the muscle car hill!

Sold new at Mall Pontiac in Dayton, Ohio, and claiming a mere 15,250 original miles, this restoration-fresh Trans Am is simply spectacular. With a two-owner body that seems to have been fairly straight when the restoration began, it should come as no surprise that panel gaps are excellent and fit feels rock-solid. By the looks of that body's smooth finish, Super Duty expert, and second owner, Steve Schappaugh probably spent weeks blocking and sanding every one of its panel in hopes of forming a laser-straight showpiece. And once those panel's correct coat of Cameo White two-stage was decorated with standard Trans Am call-outs, he definitely accomplished that goal. Today, with unique visual sizzle that's as classy as it is aggressive, this top notch Super Duty is a highly desirable example of a major milestone in Pontiac history!

Now, before we dive into specifics, I'll go ahead and breakdown this white hot coupe's VIN and cowl tag.

VIN: 2V87X4NXXXXXX

2: Pontiac
V: Trans Am
87: Sport coupe
X: 455 cubic inch Super Duty V8
4: 1974 model year
N: Assembled at GM's Norwood, Ohio manufacturing facility
XXXXXX: Production sequence number

COWL TAG:

74 - 1974 model year
2FS87 - 2: Pontiac FS: Firebird 87: Two-door coupe
N - Assembled at GM's Norwood, Ohio manufacturing facility
187788 - Fisher body unit number
581 (ERROR, per PHS) - Deluxe Blue vinyl interior
A51 - Bucket seats
11 - Cameo White lower body
11 - Cameo White upper body
04A - Assembled during the first (A) week of April, 1974
WS4 - Trans Am
BUE - Blue secondary interior color
700001 - Fisher time date code

1974 was a defining year for the Firebird. Sales were brisk and new 'low speed' crash mandates required that the car either be completely redesigned or jump on the bandwagon of hideous and hastily done nose jobs that were creeping into every automaker's showroom. Instead of bowing to cost, Pontiac assembled a talented engineering staff which managed to blend both functionality and style into the well-integrated profile you see here. At the front of that profile, a 'black bar' nose hangs a standard screamin' chicken emblem between clean headlights, clear parking lamps, familiar Pontiac grilles and a road-hugging spoiler. At the top of that nose, a screamin' chicken hood centers an "SD-455" branded shaker in front of pristine greenhouse glass that's framed in bright stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, conservative door handles and small sport mirrors reflect traditional fender vents and correct fender flares. And at the back of the car, a subtle spoiler highlights clean tail lights, chrome exhaust tips and a second 'black bar' bumper.

The heart of any muscle car is its engine, and this Poncho's brawny Super Duty moniker is no misnomer. These largely hand-built monsters, which feature significantly reinforced components, share little more than a displacement number with their more common brethren. And this car's highly detailed SD-455, which hangs a correct 490132 casting number and January (A) 09th (09), 1974 (4) casting date behind a correct "W8" engine stamp and matching partial VIN, has been completely rebuilt to its original glory. At the top of the big engine, traditional Trans Am induction funnels fresh wind into a big Rochester carburetor and correct Pontiac intake. That intake sends a high octane air/fuel mixture into unique, high-flow cylinder heads that are equipped with familiar, stamped steel valve covers. And those heads utilize a roster of high performance internals to create rocket-like acceleration. That acceleration is sparked by a traditional points distributor, which sequences fire through fresh Packard TV R Suppression cables. Spent gases are handled by fully restored exhaust manifolds, which roar into correct, true-dual tail pipes. And heat from that combustion is controlled by a leak-free radiator, which services fresh hoses via new tower clamps and a familiar plastic shroud. Aesthetically, this Trans Am's first class engine bay is 100% ready for show. The mighty mill displays a slick coat of correct Pontiac Turquoise all the way from its intake to its oil pan. The car's fenders, firewall and hood are covered in a smooth layer of GM Satin Black. And niceties such as new decals, new stamps, a Delco battery and a fresh Delco Moraine brake booster can be found in all the right places.

At the bottom of this slick, second generation Firebird, solid floorpans reflect years of easy living. Behind the mega mill, a correct Borg Warner T10 4-speed, which hangs its typical 1304065903 casting number below a correct partial VIN, sends power to a sturdy 10-bolt rear end. Below that stellar drivetrain, a rebuilt Trans Am suspension, which includes correct power steering, thicker sway bars, better shocks and stiffer springs, combines with standard issue power front disc and rear drum brakes. And at the center of the car, a Gardner true-dual exhaust system barks out a deep, vintage roar. All this road ready hardware rolls on an attractive set of Pontiac Rally II wheels, which spin correct, but weathered, GR70x15 Uniroyal Steel Belted Radials. And everything under this killer classic is restored, clean and ready to roll.

When it comes to interior dcor, Pontiac's 70s team was firing on all eight cylinders. While this coupe's insignia may be considered overkill, and its horsepower rating might seem relatively modest compared to earlier muscle cars, there's no disputing the beauty of its design. The rebuilt custom bucket seats are supple, firm, and look every bit as nice and rich as their name implies. Below those seats, like-new carpet is protected by color-keyed floor mats. And between those seats, a molded console props an enclosed storage bin behind a chrome Hurst shifter and correct Delco radio. At the top of the car, a stain-free headliner stretches tightly between fresh shoulder belts. At the sides of the car, hard to find door panels hang pristine chrome handles between chrome window cranks and full armrests. In front of the driver, a fixed steering column spins a black Formula wheel around an engine-turned instrument panel. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk hangs a fresh decklid decal above a full-size spare tire.

Not surprisingly, significant honors back up this F2's "award-winning" claim. Here's a list of the car's national accolades:

Concours Gold at the 2013 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (scoring 990 out of 1000 points)
Class Winner at the 2013 Trans Am Nationals

The sale of this pristine pony car includes:

A vintage owner's manual
Pontiac Historic Services documentation
A Pontiac Historic Services window sticker
A certificate from its win at the 2013 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals
Judging sheets from its win at the 2013 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals
A flyer documenting its win at the 2013 Trans Am Nationals

If your definition of classic Detroit muscle is a highly accurate, beautifully presented, meticulously crafted Pontiac, it's your lucky day! This Trans Am is fast, rare, impressive and very desirable. So, what are you waiting for? Don't miss your chance to take home a world class, investment grade Super Duty!

Please note that all sales are binding and final. Our cars are sold "as-is" with no warranty expressed or implied. Please carefully read the terms & conditions of the sale before bidding. Winning this auction does not entitle you to come inspect the car and decide if you want to buy it, but obligates you to complete the purchase! A $1000.00 deposit via PayPal is due within 24 hours of the auction close ... NO EXCEPTIONS.

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Each and every one of these cars is listed on eBay, but only one sale, on average per month, actually occurs on eBay. If you see a car you like, don't wait! Call us! When you see it disappear from eBay, it means that it was sold by other means. Because we advertise heavily in other mediums, we reserve the right to cancel any eBay listing at any time.

If you would like to make a sales visit or arrange an inspection, we would be happy to schedule a personal appointment with either yourself or your representative. To do so, contact Frank Carroll at (704)596-5211 or (440)413-7118. Frank's email address is: Frank.Carroll@RKMotorsCharlotte.com. For those of you who need to fly in, we can provide transportation to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We can also recommend accommodations within a short distance of our facility.

RK Motors takes pride in delivering road-ready cars to our customers. That's why every car we sell comes with the assurance of our Seal of Approval process - a comprehensive inspection performed by our sister company, the RKM Performance Center. From major visual defects to basic functionality issues, our Seal of Approval checklist covers the basics so you can feel confident about your purchase.

For international buyers, note that we've shipped cars to collectors and classic car fans world-wide for years. We can provide you with a firm quote for transport to any shipping port in the world in a sealed container and handle the process for you from start to finish. Our domestic and international ground transport solutions are enclosed only. If you wish to use an open carrier, you will need to arrange that. Our Transportation Manager, Anthony Conner, stands ready to help you with your transport & shipping needs. Anthony can be reached at: Anthony.Conner@RKMPerformance.com.

A common question we receive is: "do you accept trades"? We do accept trades, but will only consider #1 or #2 condition vehicles. If you would like us to review a trade, please send recent, high resolution pictures of the entire car, including the underside. Also send a detailed description which includes all specifications, facts, figures, history and documentation present with the car. Lastly, give us a clear idea of what you are seeking in trade value. If you are a MyClassicGarage user, you can send us an Evaluation file for review. Our MCG virtual garage name is: RK Motors Charlotte. Email information and pictures on your trade directly to Frank Carroll. Frank's email address is: Frank.Carroll@RKMotorsCharlotte.com.

Our 60,000 sqf retail showrooms are located in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina . We usually have 200-250 incredible cars on display, and there's always something new. Feel free to make an appointment, stop in and meet our staff, and, more importantly, see the Greatest Showroom on Earth! Each and every one of our employees is an absolute car nut and we do this because we love cars!

In addition to our retail showroom in Charlotte, NC, the RKM Performance Center is located in a 40,000 sqf facility in Mooresville, NC, which is about 20 minutes north of Charlotte in the heart of NASCAR country. We perform complete restorations for classic car collectors worldwide. RKM restored cars have won numerous national awards.

Check out our feedback from other customers who have purchased cars from us in the past on our website. We pride ourselves on describing our cars accurately, and, our cars really do look better in person than in the pictures!

Every car that you see for sale is in our physical possession and located at our main facility, 5527 Lakeview Road, Charlotte, NC, 28269. For general information, call us at: (704)596-5211.

RKM Performance Center

• Heated paint booth
• Sanding room
• Mixing room
• Sandblasting cabinet
• Interior shop
• Metal fabrication shop
• 10 two post lifts
• Alignment rack