[Rocky Rotella]

I've been tracking VINs (and colors, engine serial numbers, vehicle build/ship dates, and delivering dealers--where possible) from 1972 Trans Ams and 455 HO-powered Formulas for several years now.

I know some of you guys have, too. For those who are/were, if you're willing to share your database with me, I'd sure like to add your findings to my list.

And if you own (or know someone that owns) a 1972 Trans Am or HO-powered Formula and are willing to share its info, please feel free to send your info and/or documentation to me.

You can PM here, send me an email at jamesrotella@cox.net or a text to 402-740-3886.

My goal is to eventually prepare a blog post the findings on my website at www.PontiacV8.com.

[Transamric]

A bit off topic here,...but with all the work you've done researching the McQ Trans Ams, have you ever done research trying to find out info about the Thunderbolt and Lightfoot '73 TA?

[Rocky Rotella]

Hello, Ric.

I have some additional (read: new!) info on the McQ cars that I'm putting together for a blog post. It should be on my website in the next couple of weeks.

I know the white T/A from Thunderbolt and Lightfoot exists. At one time it was in a museum in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I never did know the VIN for that car, however, and I don't know who owns it today, but I'd sure be interested in speaking with anyone that does.

[Transamric]

Unlike with McQ, it appears that only one TA was used in TB& LF. Is that your understanding too?

[Rocky Rotella]

Yes, just one car in that movie. And it was owned by Clint Eastwood at the time.

[pvp44]

I sold a 72 white 4 speed in 2019 and bought a project Blue/Auto 72 in 2021. I will research vins and post. I still have the Blue 72 which is not yet completed.

[pvp44]

Oh and friends in Spokane,Wa. believe to have the MQ car in their possession but I have not yet seen the car.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Just read your latest news about more McQ factoids on your website Rocky.
Incredible results ! Amazing

Re: pvp44
A longtime owner of one of the McQ cars is a member of this forum.
He is in Washington state.
Its the car discussed in Rocky's first article.
Battle scarred and bruised.

Would be awesome if your friends know of another car besides that one.
Keep us posted if you find out more info.
Thanks

[Lloyd-TX]

Originally Posted by Rocky Rotella

I've been tracking VINs (and colors, engine serial numbers, vehicle build/ship dates, and delivering dealers--where possible) from 1972 Trans Ams and 455 HO-powered Formulas for several years now.

I know some of you guys have, too. For those who are/were, if you're willing to share your database with me, I'd sure like to add your findings to my list.

And if you own (or know someone that owns) a 1972 Trans Am or HO-powered Formula and are willing to share its info, please feel free to send your info and/or documentation to me.

You can PM here, send me an email at jamesrotella@cox.net or a text to 402-740-3886.

My goal is to eventually prepare a blog post the findings on my website at www.PontiacV8.com.

Hey Rocky, hope you and your Dad are well!
You have mail, my friend. Hope these help you in some small way!

Be good!

[65madgoat]

Can anyone chime in and let me know what is the accepted or approximate number of lucerne blue cars that were produced in 1972 of the total of Trans Am sold?

[Lloyd-TX]

Originally Posted by 65madgoat

Can anyone chime in and let me know what is the accepted or approximate number of lucerne blue cars that were produced in 1972 of the total of Trans Am sold?

Sorry, I used to know those numbers by heart but alas I'm getting older now!

2116 total 1972 T/As, of which four were special order paint cars. One Cardinal Red, one Adriatic Blue, one Starlight Black and one Revere Silver.

Sure wish I could recall the Cameo White and Lucerne Blue numbers for you!

[65madgoat]

I think it is 1,286 total Trans Am in 1972.... no? 2,116 was 1971 I believe. Now how many of those were blue?

[Lloyd-TX]

Originally Posted by 65madgoat

I think it is 1,286 total Trans Am in 1972.... no? 2,116 was 1971 I believe. Now how many of those were blue?

Of course you are absolutely correct! Being senile SUCKS!

That 2116 number was for the 1971 T/A production.

[Lloyd-TX]

I'll wager that Rocky knows all those numbers by heart!

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by Lloyd-TX

I'll wager that Rocky knows all those numbers by heart!

All he has to do is open his book.

[Rocky Rotella]

@pvp44 I'd be interested in knowing more about your 1972 Trans Ams if you happen to find their info. And as BVZ noted, we know of one McQ car in that area. Could it be this one?

https://www.pontiacv8.com/blog/2023/...-1973-trans-am

@BVZ Thank you for the comments on the most recent McQ blog post! I was extremely excited when I opened the email with the material from the Batjac archive!

@Lloyd-TX All is well here and I hope the same for you. Email received! Thank you for the files!

@Held For Ransom Yes, that's true, but I still like challenging myself to see if I can remember what I forget these days!

[Rocky Rotella]

Originally Posted by 65madgoat

Can anyone chime in and let me know what is the accepted or approximate number of lucerne blue cars that were produced in 1972 of the total of Trans Am sold?

Unfortunately, Pontiac didn’t retain its color records for each model year, so I don’t know of any specific document that contains such a breakdown. It’s possible it existed at one time, but that document hasn’t surfaced yet or I just don’t know about it.

We do know that Fred Simmons hand-collated the 1970 Trans Am color numbers and of the 3,196 total Trans Ams produced, 2,150 were Polar white and 1,046 were Lucerne Blue.

I’d imagine that based on what we see of cars that still exist today the white-to-blue ratio probably held pretty consistent for the 1971 and 1972 model years, respectively.

Of the 2,116 1971 Trans Ams and 1,286 1972 Trans Ams produced, I’d guess 30 to 35% were Lucerne Blue in each respective model year. That is, however just a guess and it could vary between the two model years!

We must consider that skewing the ratio slightly for 1972 is the fact that at least (4) 1972 Trans Ams were produced in Special Order colors. While it's possible that only (4) were built and all (4) happen to survive today, it's also very possible that others were once out there or are waiting to be discovered today.

[pvp44]

That is the one owned by Andy, no other car known unfortunately. He is a friend and attends our annual car show at our service center.
My current 72 Blue/Blue Auto Vin# 2V87X2N523045 I believe came out of Great Falls MT.

[pvp44]

PHS states dealer as Valley Pontiac Co. Youngstown, Oh.

[Rocky Rotella]

Thank you!

Is the blue interior standard or custom? And can you confirm the ship date on the PHS-provided invoice?