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165th · 02-02-2005, 12:15 PM

Greetings, I imagine that by asking this question, I may be asking something that has a myriad of answers, or cannot be answered fairly without seeing a particular car, so I'm going to try and put some parameters around the questions. Here goes:

There are two questions actually,
1. What is everyone's opinion of which car (between the '70, '71, 72, '73 TA's) is most.... rare, interesting and therefore likely to appreicate more in value over the coming years?

2. Based on a car that is tired, unrestored, original paint (but with normal surface oxidation), some dents and upholstery tears, mostly rust free in the pans and wells, but has all original equipment.... what would be a fair value range for this TA, for 1970, '71, '72, '73? Basically an unrestored car, that has potential for a concourse restoration.

I have a '69 TA RAIII that I'd like to find a mate for, and don't know alot about the second generation cars, other than the production numbers varied certain years, some years due to strike, the introduction of the SD in '71?? and emissions in '72, '73. Anyhow, considering all this, what is the best of the best out of these years?
Thanks, Greg.

Red Goat · 02-04-2005, 09:45 PM

Now Larry, EVERTHING is for sale...for enough cash

!!!

Tim.

poncho-mike · 02-03-2005, 06:05 AM

The 70-73s seem to have gone up a bunch over the last year.

I have a Lucerne Blue 70 T/A, automatic with column shift. It's a 70K original mile car that is all numbers match and rust-free. It's also been off the road about 14 years in storage. The car has a few mods, mainly a trunk mounted battery, dealer install hood pins, and H-O headers (it has the original manifolds).

I was talking with a guy about a possible trade for a late model WS6 T/A, and I posted on the TAC website to get opinions on what the car was worth.

I got a number of replies, but most thought it was worth in the high teens. I offered it to two different people a couple of years ago for $12K.

Not too long after that, the 70 T/A in FL went on EBAY with a rod knock, rust, and many missing parts. It went for over $14K. It will cost a bundle to buy the original parts and make that car right.

The Lucerne Blue cars seem to be bringing a premium over the white cars right now.

Mike

165th · 02-02-2005, 12:15 PM

Greetings, I imagine that by asking this question, I may be asking something that has a myriad of answers, or cannot be answered fairly without seeing a particular car, so I'm going to try and put some parameters around the questions. Here goes:

There are two questions actually,
1. What is everyone's opinion of which car (between the '70, '71, 72, '73 TA's) is most.... rare, interesting and therefore likely to appreicate more in value over the coming years?

2. Based on a car that is tired, unrestored, original paint (but with normal surface oxidation), some dents and upholstery tears, mostly rust free in the pans and wells, but has all original equipment.... what would be a fair value range for this TA, for 1970, '71, '72, '73? Basically an unrestored car, that has potential for a concourse restoration.

I have a '69 TA RAIII that I'd like to find a mate for, and don't know alot about the second generation cars, other than the production numbers varied certain years, some years due to strike, the introduction of the SD in '71?? and emissions in '72, '73. Anyhow, considering all this, what is the best of the best out of these years?
Thanks, Greg.

Poncho racer · 02-03-2005, 11:10 PM

I have been swimming in this "have cash want 70-73 TA" thing for a about a month. I have been really dissappointed with what some folks call "restored," just about every potential candidate I came across had the incorrect engine. For some reason folks think they can still get a lot of $ for this type of car. I see some private shops have "correct" numbers matching cars yet the prices are out of sight. One in Illinois comes to mind with a '71 4spd 455HO numbers matching car. They won't even list the price!

Back to the quest....any leads appreciated!

Jeff R · 02-03-2005, 12:41 AM

Anything '70 RAIV is extremely sought-after. For history's sake, any '70 TA is unique in that it was the first year of the 2nd gens and last year before the feds mandated lower compression. The low-back buckets in the '70 also set it apart from the rest. Prior to '73, Polar White was the predominant color, making Lucerne Blue more rare and now more desirable. Next in line to the '70s I'd put the '73 SDs, particularly Brewster Green (absolutely gorgeous car) ...seems everyone who's got a '73 SD has red or white. Next I'd go for '72...low production numbers due to the UAW strike.

Stroker 455 · 02-03-2005, 10:43 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by johnta1:
But 165th TA, they only made 43 Formula 455 SD's in 1973!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Thats why I put the 73-74 SD Formulas #2.

roundportponchos · 02-04-2005, 11:04 PM

I agree w/Mike. The 71/2 TA is a better car than the RAIII. The 70 deluxe blue int. is the prettiest in my book. The 70 RAIV has a real mystique. It will always be top dog from 70 & up. I got one one a few months back in Cal.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by poncho-mike:
I personally prefer the 71-72 T/As over the 70 Ram III version. I think a blue 71-72 T/A 4-spd is more desirable than a 70 Ram III 4-spd. When it comes to deciding between a 71-72 automatic versus a 70 T/A, I still go with the 71-72. The tossup would be deciding between a 4-spd 70 and an automatic 71-72.

From a collectibility standpoint, the 71-72 4-spds seem to be more desirable. I had a 72 4-spd, and I didn't like it. The motor was so torquey, I used to go from 1st straight to 4th under most driving conditions. The 455HO is better suited to an automatic.

Mike <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jeff R · 02-04-2005, 01:20 AM

Stroker 455, I got typing and spaced out the 12-bolt. I could have rambled on and on about the '70 but didn't want to sound too biased toward my own car.

Poncho road racer, not a cheap hobby. Good luck finding a properly restored car of this vintage that won't cost a fortune. I bought my RAIII/TH400 (not entirely restored and not numbers-matching) for $6K almost 1 1/2 years ago. When I got it it appraised at $15-20K. Since then I've only done some work on the interior and suspension, and I was recently offered $30K. Sorry, it's not for sale...I'm keeping it until I die. I just wanted to make the point that these cars are skyrocketing in value, especially since the demise of the F-body.

Stroker 455 · 02-04-2005, 07:51 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jeff R.:
Stroker 455, I got typing and spaced out the 12-bolt. I could have rambled on and on about the '70 but didn't want to sound too biased toward my own car.

Poncho road racer, not a cheap hobby. Good luck finding a properly restored car of this vintage that won't cost a fortune. I bought my RAIII/TH400 (not entirely restored and not numbers-matching) for $6K almost 1 1/2 years ago. When I got it it appraised at $15-20K. Since then I've only done some work on the interior and suspension, and I was recently offered $30K. Sorry, it's not for sale...I'm keeping it until I die. I just wanted to make the point that these cars are skyrocketing in value, especially since the demise of the F-body. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Hey Jeff we understand the love we have for our Birds so dont apologize.Besides this is a Pontiac forum right?
I feel the same way as you,I have had my 70 since 1987 and paid $5000 then.After restoring it in 1990 and with her going into another reso with horsepower mods she will be with me till I die.

poncho-mike · 02-03-2005, 09:08 PM

I personally prefer the 71-72 T/As over the 70 Ram III version. I think a blue 71-72 T/A 4-spd is more desirable than a 70 Ram III 4-spd. When it comes to deciding between a 71-72 automatic versus a 70 T/A, I still go with the 71-72. The tossup would be deciding between a 4-spd 70 and an automatic 71-72.

From a collectibility standpoint, the 71-72 4-spds seem to be more desirable. I had a 72 4-spd, and I didn't like it. The motor was so torquey, I used to go from 1st straight to 4th under most driving conditions. The 455HO is better suited to an automatic.

Mike

Stroker 455 · 02-04-2005, 11:23 PM

Its not what's a better car its what you like better.My opinion is I would rather have my 70 Bird than any other year T/A.If I didnt own one thats the one I would be looking for to buy.Granted a 4-speed Ram Air III or IV would be better but I might not be as straight or as clean as mine is.

70TA · 02-03-2005, 03:08 PM

I FOUND MY 70 TA WHITE WITH BLUE INSIDE RAM AIR III 4-SPEED IN TEXAS IN 2003. GAVE 17500 FOR IT, THOUGHT I GAVE TO MUCH FOR IT BUT NOW JUST GLAD I FOUND ONE THE WAY THEY ARE GOING UP.

Dens71TA · 02-05-2005, 11:56 AM

I prefer the '71/72 Trans Ams. With the 8.4:1 compression ratio they are designed to run on 87 octane fuel which makes driving them on a daily basis a much more common occurrence

Larry Navarro · 02-05-2005, 05:48 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Red Goat:
Now Larry, EVERTHING is for sale...for enough cash

!!!Tim. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!....
like jerry mcguire says"....show me the money!!!"....

Stroker 455 · 02-02-2005, 11:01 PM

I was offered between $25,000 to $30,000 for my 70 T/A with a Ram Air III and Turbo 400.But I have since decided to keep it.
I agree with
#1 Ram Air IV 70 T/A
but with #2 I would go with a 73 or 74 Formula with a 455 SD.
#3 Would be a 73-74 T/A with a SD
#4 Would be a 1970 T/A with a Ram Air III
#5 Tied with 71 and 72 455 HO T/A's
#6 1977 T/A with the W72 400

Larry Navarro · 02-04-2005, 06:01 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR> Since the '70 RAIV is out sight price wise, then based on this list, I should go chase a '73SD.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Don't think the '73SD is any less expensive, or obtainable, than a '70 RAIV....the SD's are just as rare and no one that I know of is turning loose of them.
I have folks emailing me all the time,...."well, when you do want to sell, keep me in mind"... type inquiries.
I'm saving mine to pay my house off.....I want to retire early.

165th · 02-04-2005, 03:01 PM

Larry...

"well, when you do want to sell, keep me in mind"

I couldn't resist it!!!

As I've been researching, I see what you mean, they are few and far between. Hope you didn't mind the fun... but really... when you want to sell...!

Greg.

Stroker 455 · 02-05-2005, 10:48 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Dennis Smith:
I prefer the '71/72 Trans Ams. With the 8.4:1 compression ratio they are designed to run on 87 octane fuel which makes driving them on a daily basis a much more common occurrence

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree the CR of the later model T/A's were more user friendly.But other than that and the engines they were almost the same.

superdutybob · 02-02-2005, 02:17 PM

What about 70 RAIV Auto?

I would say anything RAIV or SD 4 speed would be of the most value. I wouldn't turn away from a nice 71-72 455HO car either. I prefer the 4 speeds over auto's and I like Lucy Blue over the white cars.

A car that fits your description could run anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on which of the combos above you choose to pursue.

Hope that helps answer your very broad question.

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