Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The early second-gen Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is pure 1970s muscle royalty, and this 1971 specimen is hunting for a new garage on Bring a Trailer. Dressed in Cameo White with that unmistakable blue stripe, it packs a replacement 455 V8 under the shaker hood and shows just 6,400 miles on the odometer – though, as always with classics, the real mileage is anyone's guess.1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerWhat It's Worth Right NowAccording to Classic.com, the second-gen Trans Am market is still flexing its muscles, with a benchmark price hovering around $41,000 and average sales at $44,000. But here's the wild part: sales have ranged from a bargain-bin $2,400 to a jaw-dropping $228,000, all depending on how original, clean, or rare the car is.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat price spread tells you everything you need to know about how hot early second-gen Trans Ams are right now. The 1970-1973 models are the real crowd-pleasers, especially if they're rocking factory colors, original parts, or a restoration story worth bragging about.1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerThis Trans Am sits in that sweet spot between a weekend driver and a collector's trophy. Sure, the original engine is long gone, but with its sharp looks, low miles, and all the right Trans Am touches, it's a tempting catch. Expect it to land somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000 – unless a bidding war breaks out.Condition and DetailsOnly 2,116 of these 1971 Trans Ams ever rolled out of the factory, and this one got a makeover back in the 1990s before hibernating in storage for the last seven years. It still sports its Cameo White paint, blue hood graphics, black deluxe vinyl inside, spoilers front and rear, shaker hood, dual exhaust, and those classic 15-inch Rally II wheels.1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerPop the hood and you'll find a replacement 455-cube V8 hooked up to a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed auto. The engine's been treated to an aftermarket cam, Holley electric fuel pump, and a fresh exhaust. The carb got a rebuild too, just in time for the auction spotlight.1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerInside, the cabin stays true to the car's period styling with black vinyl bucket seats and engine-turned dashboard trim. A few age-related issues are disclosed, including a lifting dash pad and an air-conditioning system that does not blow cold at idle or operate on its highest fan speed. The five-digit odometer reads 6,400 miles, though total mileage is unknown.1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe OfferSpecificationDetailMakePontiacModelFirebird Trans Am (2nd Generation)Year1971Mileage6,400 miles shown (TMU)EngineReplacement 455-cu-in V8TransmissionTurbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automaticDrive TypeRear-wheel driveExterior ColorCameo White with blue Trans Am stripeInterior ColorBlack deluxe vinylFactory BuildNorwood, Ohio (Second week of February 1971 production)Notable EquipmentShaker hood, 15-inch Rally II wheels, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, front bucket seats, front and rear spoilers, dual exhaustInterested in this 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am? View the listing here.What Makes the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am UniqueThe 1971 Trans Am is a legend for a reason. It was one of the first of the sleeker, meaner second-gen Firebirds, with that aggressive nose, shaker hood, and blue stripes that basically scream 'seventies muscle.' With production numbers on the low side, it's no wonder collectors are always on the hunt.1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerThis car keeps all the right details and still packs that unmistakable big-block Pontiac attitude. Even with a swapped engine, it looks and sounds exactly like an early Trans Am should – perfect for anyone who wants to actually drive their muscle car instead of just staring at it.Final ThoughtsThis 1971 Trans Am is the real deal when it comes to classic muscle car looks, and being an early-production model only adds to the cool factor. With its Cameo White paint, 455 V8, and a solid restoration in its past, it's got plenty of street cred – even if it's not a museum piece.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor anyone shopping for an early second-generation Trans Am, this auction is worth watching. As always, it's a good idea to review the refurbishment documentation, verify the mechanical details, and inspect the car thoroughly before placing a bid.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
+16 others
