[Held for Ransom]

A 997 car is Engineering Dept. Car would have used for testing, maybe by an employee driving it to and from work (usually a 3 month period). Or, other things. Would have loved to have the mileage listed in invoicing, but probably low enough because of the only 5%.

[keith k]

It's not too surprising that an early car might have gone to Engineering.

Would there have been an earlier "first" invoice that indicated the initial delivery to PMD Engineering?

Originally Posted by poncho-mike

Many years ago (mid-1980s, I think), I parted out an early 1970 T/A. I don't remember what the cowl panel data plate showed.

It was an oddity. It had the pot metal tail panel, the trunk pan had small round drain plugs in addition to the oval ones, and the WS block did not have the VIN stamped into it. Cast dates were late 1969. I ran the VIN and got the build sheet, this was back before PHS and Pontiac would send them to you for free. I also rememeber the PHS showing a 3 - 4 month difference between when it was built and when it shipped.

The additional holes in the trunk floor were there until about mid-May of '70. The metal tail panel came on so few cars that I haven't been able to figure out when they phased out, but I would expect this eBay car was originally built with one.

There were other early things that phased out quickly, like extra screws at the base of the interior A-Pillar trim and e-coat vent holes at the top of the rear wheel houses.

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by keith k

It's not too surprising that an early car might have gone to Engineering.

Would there have been an earlier "first" invoice that indicated the initial delivery to PMD Engineering?

Probably not. But, PHS should be asked in case something was added/deducted because of testing.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by RLEngland

What is the 997 your referring too?

As HFR said - the dealer code for PMD Engineering is 35-997.

These are for the '63 Super Duty cars but you can see some other cool dealer codes listed here:

K

[Formulabruce]

This TA was probably used at the 70 Firebird Roll out, and was a floor car there. ( pics exist). I remember in 1980 seeing a very low # TA at carlise for sale, I saved that vin, but finding it.... Anyway, would explain the ship date. Also this car " May" have 2 PHS ( we have seen a few cars with 2 PHS docs. )

[twilightTA]

Geez that’s a beautiful Trans Am.