[cayenne]

Hello all,

Just joined the forum here. I'm starting to research and learn all I can, as that I'm wanting to buy a '74-'76 Trans Am 455 4-speed car in the near future.

I had a friend in high school, that had a '76, eagle delete, white exterior with firethorn red interior 455 4-speed. I've wanted a similar car ever since...and now, hoping to get one.

I am not a mechanic, but want to learn. Fortunately, I have lots of friends that are talented in turning a wrench (and actually own a lot of them) and are willing to help me learn...maintain and upgrade my car.

I'm not terribly stuck on a color scheme....the only one I don't care much for
is the silver one, but I figure if worst comes to worst, I can always
paint one to my liking. I do lean towards liking the 50th anniversary
black and gold 1976 car, but I'm not that picky.

I'm not looking for 100% numbers matching, showroom, garage queen,
'don't want to mess with it' because it is a collectors item type car. I want a car that can be worked on, and maybe upgraded without ruining collectors value.

I'm looking for likely 1974 - 1976 Trans Am, 455 with 4-speed. I'd
like one in as good as possible shape, possibly already restored
somewhat....I need to get something immediately driveable and
enjoyable. (as I mentioned, I'm not a mechanic....yet).


I want to get one that is in as good a shape as I can get...figuring
my upward budget for initiate purchase is about $16K-$18K. I'm looking
to maybe finance about $12K for 4 years...keep the monthly payments in
the $250/mo range. (Are these prices I'm looking at reasonable for a NICE car? )

I'd like to eventually, have motor work done on the 455....bore it
out, new cam, etc...raise it from the lower HP 200-250HP it came stock with
and maybe eventually bring this thing up to 400-500hp,
normally aspirated. I'd likely want to upgrade the suspension
system, exhaust system....basically as I go along, this car will become a resto-modded
car. Mostly original, but working on it to bring the nice things of
modern tech to it for handling and performance.

Anyway, I'm trying my best to step back, be objectionable, and spend time learning what's out there for what price...what to look for....etc.

One big disadvantage....Not being a mechanic...I'm not sure what to look for for a good car.
And so many of these cars...are NOT local (I live in the New Orleans area)...so, not sure how to make sure I'm not only getting a good deal, but also that the car is sound mechanically when buying over great distance.

I'm not able to just jump up and fly
around the country looking at every car that looks interesting to
me....so, that worries me a bit.

Anyway, any thoughts, suggestions, etc...greatly appreciated, and looking forward to conversing with ya'll and learning from you too.

Cayenne