Expert Auto Appraisals inspected this 1974 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty. I performed this inspection at the 2023 Broad Arrow auction in Amelia Island. My assessment proved this was a well-kept and original example of the Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty, finished in an attractive color combination, Admiralty Blue, with a Black Deluxe interior. The car has just 16,006 original miles at the time of inspection. This car has the original Super Duty 455 cu-in V8 and the factory four-speed manual transmission. Broad Arrow cataloged the car with an auction estimate of $140,000 to $180,000. I did bid on the vehicle for my client. However, I was the underbidder on the vehicle, which sold for $173,600 with the buyer’s premium.
Pontiac 455 Super Duty
Pontiac produced the Trans Am Super Duty in 1973 and 1974. Only 252 Trans Am’s were ordered in 1973, 943 in 1974 with the 455 Super Duty. Additionally, Pontiac offered the Super Duty 455 in the Firebird Formula, with only 100 produced over the two years. At its release, the Super Duty 455 engine was the most powerful motor sold in the US, rated at 310 hp. At the time, emissions standards were becoming an issue for manufacturers. This event led to Pontiac recertifying the engine with revised camshaft and carburetor adjustments, lowering the horsepower from 310 to 290 in 1974. These forced adjustments also lead to delays in production. Even with these constraints, the engine still had 395 lb-ft of torque, and due to other internal upgrades such as airflow improvements and unique cylinder heads, this was one of the quickest cars Pontiac produced.
Auction Inspection Services – Broad Arrow
Typical points examined on a Pontiac Tran Am auction inspection are chassis and body quality, driveline originality, and mechanical performance. I can also arrange an evaluation drive to check the vehicle’s road performance if available. This type of service proves to be invaluable for our clients. As always, I collect the information necessary for many buying or bidding decisions. In addition to the report, over 100 images covering all aspects of the vehicle were provided.
Expert Auto Appraisals inspects all Pontiac Trans Am and all other marques throughout the United States and Canada. I attend the auctions in Scottsdale, Monterey, and Amelia Island every year. Because of this, I provide inspection services at most auctions. I am at most RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Co., Broad Arrow, and Bonhams events. I also regularly attend Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and GAA auctions. If you are considering the purchase of a special-interest car, contact us to perform an auction inspection of the vehicle for you. Contact us today at 772.621.2622 to discuss your needs, or use our online Pre Purchase Inspection Request Form.
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