1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

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 vintage Indian like this investment grade Trans Am. Completely detailed, and highly accurate throughout, this pristine big block Poncho features factory air conditioning, a stack of historic documentation, and features the original numbers matching drivetrain.

But, before we get to far lets first decode the VIN:
228871N******
2: Pontiac
28: Firebird Trans Am
87: 2-door hardtop
1: 1971
N: Norwood, Ohio
XXXXXX: six digit production sequence

Because their production was so low to begin with, early second generation Trans Ams are becoming increasingly hard to purchase. And when you throw in the fact that, for years, first generation cars got all the glory in the eyes of restorers, it just complicates the search even more. Only 2,116 Trans Ams left the factory in 1971, and only 1,231 were equipped with an automatic transmission like this immaculate '71. RK Motors Charlotte is happy to feature this killer 1971 Trans Am which combines a striking blue on white color combination with the original YE 455 cubic inch V8 and the original 3-speed automatic transmission. Not only does this stunning Poncho have the power to back up its outstanding looks, it's also fresh out of a professional, frame-off restoration that's so spotless you'd think it's never been driven. It starts with the body that is covered in a fresh coat of Cameo white with blue accent pieces on the hood top and trunk. The overall look combined with the powerful 455 under the hood makes for a very intimidating ride.

The 70's were a defining decade for the Firebird. Sales were slow 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 automakers showroom. GM refused to spend the money on redesigning the car because of its low sales; and fortunately, Pontiac had a talented engineering staff which managed to blend both functionality and style into the car you see here. Up front, a straight and glossy Endura bumper hangs a familiar 2-piece Pontiac grille between clear headlights and chrome trimmed parking lights. At the top of the car, a blue screaming chicken logo leads to a great looking "455 HO" branded shaker that sits in front of pristine, Soft Ray glass that's bordered by well-maintained stainless trim. At the sides of the car, body-matched sport mirrors hang between traditional Pontiac fender vents, chrome door handles and correct white fender flares. And at the back of the car, an optional decklid spoiler hangs the words Trans Am above a centered "PONTIAC" script, a pair of pristine exhaust tips, the last set of 'small' tail lights to ever adorn a Trans Am rear valence, and a chrome bumper.

The heart of any brawny muscle car is its engine, and this Firebird's 455 is enough to grab the attention of any one that walks by or hears it fire up. These largely hand-built monsters, which featured significantly reinforced components, were arguably some of the last high horsepower monsters created in the muscle car era. Lift the hood, and you'll see the original numbers matching 455 ci V8 that wears a correct YE stamp and matching partial VIN. At the top of that big engine, a traditional Trans Am underhood induction system feeds fresh air to a correct 4-barrel carburetor that's bolted to the Pontiac intake. The powerful engine was completely rebuilt in 2006 by Automotive Machine in Fraser, MI. During the extensive build the block was overhauled, new pistons, rings, bearings, cam, lifters, oil pump, and timing set was installed. Aesthetically, this Trans Am's first class engine bay is 100% ready for show. The block itself displays a slick coat of correct blue paint all the way from its intake to its oil pan. The car's fenders, firewall and hood are covered in a combination of smooth GM satin black paint. And niceties such as a newly freshened air conditioning system, a new brake booster, and a full set of correct decals are found in all the right places.

At the bottom of this slick second generation Firebird, solid floorpans reflect years of sunny southwest living and a fully sorted suspension tells the story of excellent maintenance and very little storage time. Behind the monster motor is the original, virtually indestructible, GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission, that sends power to a familiar 10 bolt rear end that does a great job on both the back roads and the interstate. Below that stellar powertrain a rebuilt Trans Am suspension, which includes power steering, thicker sway bars, better shocks and stiffer springs, combines with standard issue power front disc and rear drum brakes to provide quick stops and great handling. And at the center of the car, a true dual exhaust system utilizes an X-pipe crossover and welded aftermarket mufflers to bark out a deep, vintage roar. All this road ready hardware rolls on a restored set of Pontiac factory styled steel wheels without trim rings, which spin proven F60-15 Goodyear Polyglass rubber. Everything under this classic appears to be restored, tagged and painted just as it would've left the factory.

In terms of interior dcor, Pontiac's 70s team was firing on all eight cylinders. While this car's horsepower rating might seem relatively modest compared to earlier muscle cars, there's no disputing the beauty of its design. The rebuilt vinyl bucket seats are supple, firm, and look every bit as nice and rich as their name implies. Below those seats, like-new carpet, which is carefully protected by thick firebird branded rubber mats, displays no fading or unraveling; and between those seats, a molded black console props an enclosed storage bin behind the 3-speed automatic controls. At the top of the car, a stain-free headliner is stretched tight from the front window to the back window. 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, an optional tilt steering column spins a black Formula steering wheel around an engine turned instrument panel, sliders for the car's climate system and a AM/FM radio. And behind the cockpit, a fully restored trunk hangs a fresh decklid decal above a full-size spare tire and a correct jack assembly.

The sale of this pristine pony car includes the PHS documents, restoration receipts and assorted product manuals.

If your definition of classic Detroit muscle is a highly accurate, beautifully presented, meticulously crafted Pontiac, it's your lucky day! This 455 is fast, rare, impressive, and there probably aren't many cars built in 1971 that are more desirable. So, what are you waiting for? Don't miss your chance to take home a world class, investment grade Trans Am!

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.

If you have ZERO feedback on eBay, please call or email us to request our authority to bid on our vehicles. We do not release our reserve prices, as this would be unfair to the other bidders, so please don't ask!

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