The 1969 Pontiac Trans Am was UNDERRATED... Intentionally?
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- Опубліковано 12 чер 2021
- Walkaround, history and paperwork for the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Comparison between Ram Air III and Ram Air IV packages.
Peter Klutt talks how the Trans Am stands up to the Camaro Z28, Pontiac GTO Judge, & Hemi cars in the market and on the track!
Ultra-Rare Cameo White with Parchment Interior
Believed to be 1 Of Only 14 Made With the rare Parchment Interior
Matching Numbers 400/335 HP Ram Air III Engine
Turbo 400 Automatic Transmission
Power Steering, Power Disc Brakes
Documented With Window Sticker, Protect-O-Plate, PHS docs And More
Previous Trans Am National 1st Place Winner
Most muscle car fans know the Pontiac Trans Am was named after the Trans-Am road racing series. The Trans Am made its public debut in the spring of 1969 as a high-performance version of the Firebird 400 and the only exterior colors available in its debut year was Cameo White with blue stripes, a salute to America’s traditional racing livery. For $3,556 ’69 Trans Am buyers got the look of a road racer and the power of the Ram Air III 400ci engine. Its midyear introduction and a strike at one of its assembly facilities limited Trans Am production to just 697 units that first year.
Originally sold at Flat Ryals Pontiac Buick of Kissimmee, Florida on November 19, 1969, this exceptionally rare 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is believed to be one of only 14 built with a standard Parchment interior. As a late build, it is also fitted with a rare Formula steering wheel. Under the hood is a numbers matching Ram Air III 400/335 HP V-8 backed by a Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Due to its extreme rarity, a complete rotisserie restoration was completed on this first-year Trans Am followed by a First-Place award at the Trans Am Nationals.
Important with any collector car of this rarity, this car's documentation includes the window sticker, sales receipt build sheet, owner's manual, Protect-O-Plate, owner protection plan, owner history and PHS certification.
Truly a remarkable, fully documented, award-winning example that would be the jewel of any muscle car collection.
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Given the choice - Ram Air IV Trans Am, Camaro Z/28, or GTO Judge? Let us know below!
Ram Air VI Trans Am
@@seangoodman665 with stick.
Definitely w 4 spd. That just goes without say.
Given that I had a 67, 68, 69, and have an 06 GTO, I would take that Ram Air IV Trans Am !
Sentimental choice, the GTO judge bought mine in 1978 for 1500.
I'm not even a Pontiac guy - but this was a fascinatin' vid - great hearing the history, the options, the evolution. Well-narrated and extremely knowledgeable.
when I was in high school there was 2 1969 Trans AM's in the parking lot owned by two brothers Chuck modified his for racing and his younger brother Jimmy's Trans Am was bone stock . Those were the days
Such a treat to see you back Peter. Your knowledge and expertise on these cars, along with some mind-blowing restorations of some ultra-rare cars over the years is just unmatched and puts most of the rest of the "car guys" and "experts" on here to shame. Keep up the great work!
"When the Firebird is equipped with the 400 engine it makes for a delightful driving experience " - Jim Wangers
Great video, just subscribed
Great job Pete, always love the detail .
1969 Pontiac Trans Am, is the most valuable year of all the Trans Am cars. Most rare is a '69 T/A convertible. Only 8 were produced.
Could you throw a 421 crank into this block?
@@kramnull8962 yes, but you'd need to change the piston rods as well.
Miss your show. Love the vids.
love this car one of my favorite with the 73 sd 455
Love the ‘70 1/2....
Mine was the 1970 and a half Trans AM i think the steering was knobs up, 4- speed the 428 cu.in motor off the showroom she was rated at 390 H.P Old Combat Vet Tom
The 1969 Firebird is hands down my favorite year for these beautys. My friend has a blue one with blue interior & the same rally wheels, it's not the Trans Am but it has the tach on the hood & power windows.
Thanks for sharing another exciting video, I really appreciate all the research & time you put into each one!! 👍👍🙂
My all time favorite Poncho
I built up a 400" 76' Firebird Formula when I was in my 20s. I would destroy big block Chevelles on a regular basis. Loved that car.
I remember buying a light blue 76 Formula new right out of high school. I sold it after a year as I couldn't afford the insurance. 45 years later I am retired and can buy a C8 and afford whatever it takes. 😁
@@mikerieck306
What is a C8?
@@hotwheel6663 A new Corvette.
Yes mine would beat the big block MoPar ,Fords and Chevy. I out run may 440 , 396 and 428 Fords.
Mr. Klutt, I salute you. The knowledge you posses is truly mind bending, sir! Hands down, if I had the resources this car would be in my stable! Thanks for continuing to post such excellent content, LMC!
Great video! A coworker of mine mentioned a few years ago that his dad owned a Trans Am when he was a kid. I assumed it was a late 70’s or 80’s model. A few days later he hands me his phone and says, “it looks terrible but this is my dads old car.” My jaw dropped as I looked at a true, correct 1969 Trans Am! It had been sitting in a garage here on Long Island since they took it off the road when they couldn’t get it started. I offered to buy it however the car was promised to another family member who is currently having it restored. I was thisclose to owning it but it just wasn’t meant to be. Huge fan of Legendary Motorcar, please keep the videos coming!
Thanks for the support Tim, always love hearing car stories!
Had a 1971 455 H.O. TRANS AM. Had the engine and transmission balance and blue with 10.75 compression putting out 500hp/575 ft lbs. of torque. Currently owned by a gentleman in Vancouver, BC. My understanding is he had it detained……..Canadians!
Love the research and information put into these videos. Quickly becoming my favorite UA-cam channel
Thanks Brent! we'll keep on it
Awesome videos, but you should start them up so we can hear them rumble!!
Trans-am without question, this car is so rare you just don’t see them often.
Great video, this colour combo for Pontiac is bang on and very nice even 50 years later. Enjoy the fact you are giving the values and current pricing for your highly desirable cars.
Missed out on purchasing a 69 for $3000 back in 1979. Interesting thing about it was the original owner had ordered it without the rear spoiler. That was in Burlington, ON. Wonder if it still exists. Ended up buying a 70 T/A, which I still have.
I bet you think everyday about that decision
I owned a 69/400/4sp posi brand new .it's was an awesome unit....got it right off the show Rm floor
Well done video. Tnx for posting!
I had heard a lot of hype about the Ram Air IV but never really listened to it, but coming from Peter it has changed my mind!
Always enjoy learning the details you provide when presenting a vehicle, the facts and your opinions. Looking forward to the next presentation.
Great video!! Keep them coming. I miss your show. Always informative.
Thanks for the fun video. I love that car!
I always really appreciate your car knowledge. I'm glad you have this channel now. Can you imagine if someone knew all the ins and outs of ordering. And then hung on to that car. Talk about a great investment
It's hard to believe, with the value of these cars today, but back in the 70's, I saw early Trans-Ams, 428 CJ & Boss 429 Mustangs, Hemi cars, 427 & 454 Corvettes, Chevelles and El Caminos, and others, sitting on streets and being used as every day cars. I owned a '71 white T/A auto for a number of years.
Your presentation style is classy and excellent. Very much matched to these type of cars. Great job, thanks man. Cheers
Always enjoy seeing Pete doing car videos. Dream Car Garage a personal favorite. Nice to see you again
That white version of the Pontiac with the blue strips is one of my all time favorites...
masterclass presentation. Always spot on !
Love your videos! Awesome stuff guy's!!
Peter I’m always amazed by your automotive knowledge
Great video very informative !👍
Super sharp trans am I wish it was in my garage but out of my range for sure . enjoyed the video Peter!
Nice review of a classic and beautiful car.
When you actually see one on the road like I did years ago you just go Wow! This was around 1995. I already knew they were special back then and felt blessed to see one being driven
One of the best Pontiacs made. Especially with the turbo 400 automatic. Had a 69 regular firebird in high school learned a lot mechanically on it.
I heard the music from Gran Turismo 2 and instantly knew I was at home on this channel.
Would love to have one of these
Good job presenting!
Back during my street racing days everybody knew you didn't dare race the 69 Firebird that looked exactly like the one in this video.
Yes the PMD cars were feared by Ford , Mopa, and the Chevys Old Combat Vet Tom
Maybe not as financially as it once was, however, desire
Is an entirely different story!
Got to have that muncie...
Back in the day it's the first thing We All Looked For!!
I had a 1966 gto Royal bobcat 421ci 6pack 4sp 433 pos rear and my friend got one of these 1969 trans ams I it was one of the rare cars I couldn't beat in the quarter
I miss dream car garage. Peter is the automotive encyclopedia.
awesome content. a big fan from Australia (ex body guy too)
Love the Trans Am. That 69 looks amazing and I really like that interior rather than the blue interior we normally see.
I have always respected your knowledge on these cars and the business you have built. I am in awe. But, that drivers side low beam headlamp is driving me crazy. Would love to visit your showroom someday. Best regards.
I was a dealer in SoCal back in the eighties.
Mainly 63-73 muscle, sports and a few exotics.
I seem to remember reading an article stating that the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 Convertibles interiors and other finishing details were hand assembled by Lee Iacocca, John DeLorean and Ross Perot; the three top guys at GM at the time.
What’s in my garage now?
1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible. 👍
Great video Pete!
Please being back your old opening theme 🎶 music 🙂
Nice sales pitch for a beautiful car. Shocked at the "value" of a convertible Ram Air IV. Sure like to see more technical details about this car.
Do you need a car like this? No, you don't need a car like this. Do you want a car like this? Heck yeah, you want a car just like this one!! If I ever win the lotto, one of the first places I'm going is LMC in Milton. 😁😎
Of all the Pontiac trans am made, the 1970 is the one to own! In my opinion obviously. It's got that "look" just the total package. White w/blue stripes and interior treatment, what's not to love?
I had one with the Ram Air 3 and Turbo 400. Just married, not enough money to pay for the insurance on a starting out Firefighter wage. Sold it……mourned that for many years!….😉. Still married to the same girl though so I have lots to be thankful for.👍🏻😉
You didn't even mention the inline 6 with overhead cam, Factory 4bbl / 4 speed cars. Hot Rod did an article on them and said all you needed to do was put a Exhaust Header on it, everything else was already done! Hot cam, Quadrajet 4bbl 10.5 -1 compression, no pushrods to give trouble, good high revving setup!
I've always been a trans am lover specially the 79 it was my favorite out of all my cars as a teen but those 68-69 firebird t/a are beautiful
I don't know that I'd refer to it as "the lowly firebird" because the 400 hoods looked pretty sharp and refined. I'd give my '73 TA 455 4 speed for a 68-69 Firebird 400 4 speed convertible.
The engines were rated lower because GM said no more than 1hp for ever10 pounds of curb weight. 3450lb car 345hp 3700lb car 370hp the only car that was exempt was the Vette.
I'm glad somebody posted the real reason they were under rated on HP.
The thoroughness of the provenance research and museum quality restoration of the cars in your inventory justifies the asking prices.
My dad had one in the early 70's,,,its what I learned to drive on,,,,how funny
nice to see someone that knows what there talking about.
What a beautiful car! The Firebird always looked better than the Camaro, especially so when fitted out as a Trans Am. Ironic that the Firebird Trans Am never won a single Trans Am race 😢. Loved all of the history and data presented. Superb car!
My first car in 1985 was 69 firebird in the dark green metallic. Saved my $ up bought all the trans am parts to build a clone trans am. Unfortunately it was severely damaged in an accident, so I still have dreams of another firebird build
My 1971 Pontiac Lemans GT-37 is a Ivory "Parchment interior " car!
The Ram Air IV cars have surprised a lot of people over the years thinking it's just another GTO with a 400. Well I own a 1970 GTO Ram Air IV with the factory M-21 4 speed close ratio transmission and a limited slip 4.33 rear end. The Ram Air IV is nothing short of spectacular . 4 Bolt main block with forged pistons, special 614 heads, 084 aluminun intake, 273 4 speed carb. Special HL-64 lifters, stronger pushrods, Swirel polished and tuliped valves, Valve springs with 320 lbs. ft of pressure to eliminate valve float at 6000 rpm.. The Trans Ams and GTOs in my opion with the Ram Air IV are the real treasures from Pontiac. So few were built and only a handful remain. For rarity the 55 Trans Ams with the Ram Air IV are super rare. Super valuable and hard to find. The GTOs and Judge from 1969 and 1970 are also super rare to find today. The Ram Air IV Judge convertibles can bring up to $600,000 today. Only 5 were built in 1969 with this engine and all were 4 speeds. The GTO is a better looking car than the Trans Am and received more publicity but any Trans Am with a Ram Air IV is just a popular and valuable. Pontiac in 1970 produced 302 GTOs with the Ram Air IV and 4 speed combination in hardop models. 140 automatic harddtop GTOs and Judges . 327 Ram Air IV 4 speed Judge Hardtops . Another 37 cars were convertible GTOs and Judges with various transmissions. Given the choice I would take any Pontiac with a Ram Air IV over any Z-28 Camaro. Finding a Ram Air IV today is difficult and findong one for sale is almost impossible. .The 1969 GTO and Judge were produced in less numbers than the 1970 model but not by much. Z-28s can be found anywhere at different prices. Chevrolet made great cars as well but for performance the Ram Air IV speaks volumes.
My old welding instructor had a light blue GTO Judge 1970 he bought from his buddy for 1800$ and raced it its whole life, he's a super smart machinist and machined a cam for it and had it running in the 11's. Sold it twelve years ago for 120k. He builds custom bikes. Awesome guy.
I saw a 69 Trans Am on a dealer's back lot in April 1981. Lustine Oldsmobile dealer, close to Washington DC. The Ram Air ducts were already gone just had a cheap chrome air cleaner. It could have belonged to an employee.
Excellent video, well-researched. I took my driver's test in 1974, in a 1964 GTO with a six-pack and a 4-speed! And every since then I have always had a GTO or a Firebird. Currently I have a 1970 and a half formula 400 Ram Air 4 Firebird that my late wife and I built together and 99. Unfortunately in 2019 I was hospitalized for a week, and Street people broke into my house, and stole everything including the car and tools. Recovered the car and tools, but they took the car boonie bouncing oh, so now it's due for a restore and upgrades. Already have the Holley EFI package ready to go in it and LED headlights. 6 years ago I installed a modified th700 R4 with locking torque converter, and cruise control. His original rear end gears were 3:32, so currently it can do well over 170 miles per hour, and at cruising speed I get 17 mpg, lol! Not bad for old Detroit Steel stovebolt special, LOL
Not called a 6 pack on a Pontiac it is call Tri-power.
@@tomcherry7029 oh, a carburetor Nazi!
@@garyg2318 nope a automotive Pinterest. Terms are misused a lot and then we lose the history. Just as not all Limited slip differentials are called positraction or posi.
@@tomcherry7029 well I have the history in my garages, and they all have a posi! Troll on princess!
@@garyg2318 not trolling and unless you have Chevys then you dont have posi , pontiac is a Safe-T-track , but i guess you shade tree boys dont know that.
Cool !
The 69 T/A and the 69 Z28 are my all time favorite cars❤❤❤❤
My Dad worked for Pontiac Motors and he had the 7th 67 Firebird made. It was a demonstration car and had the 110v in station lighting still in it when he bought it. It was white with red interior and was an OHC 6. He traded it in for a 68 Ram Air II a year later. He sure wishes he would have kept that first one !
I would love to have the 68 ram air 2!!!!!
we all wish we had held on to the first one i wish i have kept my 2nd, one a 1965 GTO 4-speed with the six pack. As i later found out i should have bought a 68 Firebird Formula 400 engine i was by far a better motor for that 65 GTO Old Combat Vet Tom
@@tomm9860 Pretty darn sweet Tom. Thank you for your service.
My brother in law has a 1968 Trans Am that sat for 12 years that came with the purchaseof his grandmother's house. 30k original miles but needs a full restoration. Nice package also. He just finished restoring a 1964 Mercury Park Lane Marauder R Code 427 side oiler. 1 of 9 made and 1 of 4 left in the world. Mecym told the owner the car was rust free. Wasn't true. After 1500+ hours, it's done. Should be valued between $100k and $200k.
The same steering wheel as my '79 Formula, White with the baby blue velour interior it was so 70s 😄
Had a chance in 1985 to buy this exact year firebird and white and blue striped with the
455 HO for $ 10,000 needed all put back together but was all there. I regret not try
ING to get it but it would have been on credit. Now I wish I had gotten the car. It was in Pekin ,Il.
My top car videos on here to watch, in no particular order are: Legendary Motorcar, My Car Story with Lou Costabile, Jay Leno's Garage, and Edd China's Workshop. Mr. Pete being that I am a fan of the older Chevies and the 1969 Camaro Z/28 was the only option; I'll take the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge!
Very cool 😎
legend
Trans Am, my dream car
I hope I see more of your videos
My first car was a '69 Firebird.So, yeah, I'd take the Ram Air IV Trans Am over most any other 60s - 70s muscle car.
Pontiac had a 303 Tunnel Ram project for SCCA racing, but it didn't make it to production. The round port heads were used by the 400 Ram Air IV and Super Duty 455. The 10hp difference between T/A and GTO was just a plate added to prevent the carb secondaries from opening fully. Anyone with a screwdriver that could remove 2 screws would have the same power output as the GTO.
I just made a similar comment. I knew someone else would have had to mention the RA-V Motor.
Just found an article.....
www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/pontiac-ram-air-v-that-never-was/
@@gfoursux9 , I don't think that article is entirely accurate. The 303 program was the 'Tunnel Ram' project that created the round port heads. RA-V was a 400 V8 that also didn't make it into production but was close enough that PMD made the parts available over the counter (crate engines?) and there are some o f these around. But the 303 Tunnel Port was strictly in the experimental phase.
Awesome I like the TA’s but ? On convertibles I was always told from looking up history there was only four convertibles built in 1969 cool video
sweet lil' runner
Great post and what a beauty. Is it true that that the OHC 6 Firebirds are also rare and worth a fortune?
I haven't read every comment (131 as of this posting) but didn't Pontiac develop a 303 Cu In RA-V to meet the 305 Cu In ceiling? That was supposedly a wild power plant. Did they eventually use it for the T/A Series?
Love the Trans am. Pontiac reduced the HP on the TA by adding a screw in the carb to keep it from fully opening. Once removed the bird was screaming.
Yes That's a fact just turn that screw in to get the extra H.P. i did it on mine
I think you might be wrong on the manual transmission I believe they will always be worth more especially because less and less cars will be using them so anyone looking for a originalclassic muscle car is going to want a stick because there will be less new muscle are sports cars with a manual option
There are still plenty of these out there available, looking at about 5-6 of them as I type.
Jerry Titus did run first gen Firebirds in T/A in 1968. They exploited a rule that it was “sold” in Canada with a 302.
Someone was playing Gran Turismo 2 when they used the soundtrack in this video haha
Nice, Gran Turismo 4 music :)
I am building this car right now!! Thank you for all the info. I have a 400. So how do I know if it a 4?
They were actually pretty cool my best friend had one in high school it wasn't a trans am it was a firebird I'm not going to lie but it did have the 400. headers and an intake on it the guy that sold it to him said it had a can but I'm not sure but it would one wheel peel like hell!
i had read years ago these cars out-handled the comparable z/28.
I might add that all 4 tests were 100 percent stock intake, carb, heads, manifolds etc. without any extra tuning.
Beautiful example of a 69 Trans Am... at 159k it should be! Wow
They limited the secondaries to only open to 80% in Firebirds I always heard
That rear quarter panel leading into the tail light area looks so much like a corvettes profile. True it has the wheel opening of the Camaro, but the top part of the quarter fades off faster than the Z28. Could be the white paint though.
Very eloquent car. At rebuild time would be the prime candidate for a 421 crank. This car shouldn't be driven though. No price to put on this if you owned it.
Its interesting how the car options that were the least desirable, became the rarest. Which then makes them the most desirable now.
When i paint mine white should i add some pearl to the white? Thanks. Then i am ordering trans am stripe kit off e bay
Don't care what current trends are ANY kind of sports car or muscle car give me a MANUAL any day of the week!!! I'll have an automatic in my truck✌