One of the reasons why the '70-'72 Trans Ams came in only two colors and the '73-'74 models in only three colors, was because the plastic add-on pieces were molded in color and the T/A grahics were specific to those colors. With low volume cars such as the early Trans Ams, it wouldn't be profitable for PMD to carry 15 different colors of wheel flairs, stripes, and graphics for all 15 regular production colors that were available. In fact, all the add-on T/A pieces were molded in color until 1979, and by that year Pontiac was producing over 100,000 T/A's.
In 1972, all Pontiac models (A,B,F,and G bodies) were available with the W51 special paint option. The only '72 Pontiac model that it wasn't offered on was the Trans Am, most likely from the reasons stated above. Obviously, the Trans Am in question was built with the special paint option, as were a couple other T/A's that year. It would be very interesting to find out what the circumstances were behind this exception to the rule. Questions such as who ordered this car , was it shipped in primer or in color (Remember the PHS said "Color Unknown"), and why would Pontiac even produce such a car, would be helpful. I agree that the buyer would have to had to know somebody to get this car built that way or maybe it was some type of promotional car. We may never know.
Jim
|