This exceptional 1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD is offered with 49,000 original miles and is a rare, unrestored and unmolested survivor that originally comes from the state of Arizona. The Trans Am is powered by the scarce 455-cid SD V-8 engine. The power output was listed as 290 to 310 horsepower by the factory, but most serious observers believe that these figures are quite conservative. All Super Duty engines were built by hand; they have a fortified engine block with four-bolt main bearings, forged pistons, free-flow round-port heads, Ram Air exhaust manifolds, 800-cfm Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor and a dry-sump oiling system. The powerful engine is connected to its original Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission. The standard gear ratio for the Super Duty model is 3.42:1. According to sources, 252 Super Duty Trans Ams were produced in the 1973 model year; 180 with the automatic transmission, as seen in this car.

The Super Duty is finished in Cameo White and has a tan interior with vinyl bucket seats. The SD-455 is equipped with power steering and brakes; factory air conditioning, radio, twin sport mirrors with driver’s side remote, an engine-turned dashboard and full instrumentation that includes a tachometer with integrated clock. Factory and original Honeycomb wheels along with an array of spoilers, fender flares and shaker hood scoop provide an exciting visual platform for this uncommon musclecar.

The engine was completely disassembled in late 2013 and inspected. Internal parts inspection identified a collapsed lifter and worn camshaft. The engine was then completely rebuilt by a well-known expert and produced a staggering 401 horsepower on the dyno after the build. The builder carefully preserved all of the original paint and block markings to retain its survivor status. As a result of these great efforts, the engine bay appears as it did in 1973 when new. The transmission was concurrently rebuilt with the V-8 SD engine.

The original paint is very respectable with a great shine. The rust-free undercarriage displays all of the original paint markings and the rare, original exhaust system with factory resonators remains with the Pontiac. The factory installed saddle interior is equally impressive and shows no wear, damage or blemishes. The trunk and engine compartment are as accurate and tidy as the rest of the car. This beautiful musclecar runs and drives like new and it is accompanied by PHS documentation, full ownership history, copy of the Arizona title and window sticker. To further illustrate the quality of this machine, it was chosen a one of only four special invitees to the “class of 1973” 40-year reunion at the 2013 Musclecar and Corvette Nationals in Chicago, Illinois. It was also honored with a Gold Concours Award.