A highly original 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Ram Air III four-speed, finished in Polar White, is heading to auction.
A rare piece of American muscle car history is headed to auction as a 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Ram Air III four-speed prepares to cross the block with Broad Arrow Auctions. Representing one of just 1,769 Ram Air III four-speed models produced that year, this example highlights the pinnacle of early second-generation Trans Am performance.
Launched mid-1970 and styled by Bill Porter—who also penned the 1968 GTO—the second-generation Firebird carried a dramatic, European-inspired design. Long hoods, fastback rear ends, and aggressive aero features like fender flares, a “shaker” hood scoop, and spats ahead of the wheels made the new Trans Am stand out visually and functionally, generating real downforce at speed.
This Trans Am, finished in Polar White with its signature blue stripe, is powered by a correct 400-cubic-inch L74 Ram Air III V8 producing 345 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to a 12-bolt rear axle with a 3.73:1 gear ratio through a Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, equipped with a factory Hurst shifter.
Inside, the car features a Medium Bright Blue vinyl interior, Rally II wheels, and a series of factory-ordered options including a performance axle, heavy-duty radiator, tinted glass, and a center console. Additional period features like a front air dam, engine-turned aluminum dash panel, and padded three-spoke steering wheel further underline the car’s authentic 1970s performance heritage.
Although the engine is correct for this model, it is not numbers-matching, likely due to an early dealer warranty replacement. The Trans Am comes with Pontiac Historic Services documentation, maintenance records, repair manuals, and assorted spare parts.
Originally delivered to Bill Beck Pontiac in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 1970, this well-preserved Trans Am offers collectors a chance to own a significant piece of Pontiac’s performance legacy. Bidding is expected to be competitive as enthusiasts seek out these increasingly rare early second-generation muscle cars. See it here.
