Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was one of the last true muscle cars of its era, and this 1974 example is a single-family California survivor. Powered by its original 400ci V8 and wearing the signature Shaker hood, it is finished in Admiralty Blue over white. It is on Cars and Bids at $2,662 with six days to go, so the bidding is just getting started.1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmCars & BidsWhat it's worth right nowThe 400-powered Trans Am spans a wide value range depending on condition. According to Hagerty and current listings, standard 1974 Trans Am 400 examples run from around $13,400 for rough cars to over $62,500 for the very best, with driver-quality survivors generally trading from the mid $20,000s into the mid $40,000s, well below the rarer Super Duty 455 models.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis car's original-engine survivor status and single-family California provenance support the range, while the corrosion and cosmetic notes below place it in the middle. At $2,662 with six days remaining, the bidding is a placeholder and should climb into the low $30,000s.1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmCars & BidsCondition and detailsThe car is a genuine survivor with honest, driver-grade condition. It retains its original 400ci V8, rated at about 225 horsepower, backed by a three-speed automatic and a limited-slip differential, and it carries the desirable Shaker hood, power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. The seller reports it has been in a single California family since new, inherited in 2007, and it was repainted in its factory color in the 1990s after sandstorm damage.1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmCars & BidsThe condition needs an honest look. The seller discloses some corrosion on the wheels, in the trunk, and on engine-bay and underbody components, which warrants a careful in-person inspection on a car of this age to gauge whether it is surface or structural, though a California car should fare better than a rust-belt example.1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmCars & BidsCosmetically, there are chips, scratches, and paint imperfections, weathered bumper trim, and interior wear on the seats and door cards, so it presents as a driver rather than a show car. The five-digit odometer shows 74,000 miles, so treat the mileage as shown, though the single-family history supports its believability.1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmCars & BidsAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakePontiacModelFirebird Trans AmYear1974Mileage74,000 miles shownEngine400ci V8Power225 hp and 330 lb.ft of torqueTransmission3-speed automaticDrive typeRear wheel drive with limited-slip differentialExterior colorAdmiralty BlueInterior colorWhiteCurrent bid$2,662, with six days leftInterested in this 1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am? View the listing here.What makes the Trans Am uniqueThe second-generation Firebird Trans Am is one of the definitive American performance cars of the 1970s. The 1974 redesign brought a one-piece shovel nose with twin slanted grilles and a lowered tail with full-width taillights, and the Trans Am sat at the top of the range with its aggressive aerodynamic addenda, fender flares, front-fender extractors, and the unmistakable Shaker hood scoop poking through the hood. As the muscle car era wound down under the weight of emissions and fuel-economy pressures, the Trans Am carried the torch as one of the last genuinely potent and characterful performance cars standing.1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmCars & BidsIts cultural presence only added to the legend, with the 1974 Firebird gaining fame through television, including the Rockford Files. That combination of bold styling, the signature Shaker hood, and last-of-an-era significance is exactly what makes the second-generation Trans Am such an enduring and collectible icon.My takeThere is real charm in an honest survivor like this. An original-engine 1974 Trans Am with single-family California ownership, the iconic Shaker hood, and genuine survivor character is exactly the kind of muscle car worth preserving and enjoying as it is. The Admiralty Blue over white looks great, and the honest patina tells its story.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits in the $25,000 to $40,000 range, most likely around $29,000 to $35,000, reflecting the original-engine survivor status and provenance against the corrosion and driver-grade cosmetics. Before bidding, inspect the corrosion carefully to understand its extent, treat the mileage as shown, and buy it for its looks, sound, and cruising character rather than outright pace. Handle that, and you have a genuine, characterful slice of 1970s muscle history.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.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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