In the early 1970s, if you chose a Firebird as your car, it was straight-forward that you really liked to drive – and do that driving in comfort. You likely wanted the gusto and fun sports cars are very good at providing, but with the pampering and smooth ride most drivers crave if given the choice. Firebird was well-established for offering luxurious, yet affordable exciting machines. There was the standard Firebird, the luxurious Esprit, three Formula Firebirds (350, 400 or 455 depending on engine), and the Trans Am “for those who take their excitement most seriously.”

At the top of the chain was a new Super Duty 455-cid V-8 engine with four-barrel carburetor; choosing this powerplant provided you the opportunity to make daily driving into a sport in itself. 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 uniquely cast block that allows easy conversion to a dry-sump oiling system per factory specifications.

This 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. The powerful engine is connected to a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission. The standard gear ratio for the Super Duty model is 3.42:1. An engine-turned dashboard and full instrumentation that includes a tachometer with integrated clock along with an array of spoilers, fender flares, fender side engine air extractors and shaker hood scoop provide an exciting visual platform for this uncommon musclecar.

The offered 1973 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty is reported to be unrestored with its complete original drivetrain, sheetmetal, interior and paint. Along with a red and black presentation, this car also features factory Honeycomb wheels, BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, sport mirrors, bucket seats, center console, Safe-T-Track differential, Delco AM radio, tilt steering wheel; power windows, steering and brakes. Also included with the car is the PHS documentation, manuals and the build sheet.

To further illustrate its place amongst rare and respected American muscle machines; 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 question for most speed-seekers desiring this car is likely…how serious do you want to get?