Pontiac was the brand that ushered in the muscle car era and ushered it out with a bang. Sure, there were muscle cars before the 1964 GTO and after the Super Duty 1974 Firebird, but the GTO set the standard, while the Firebird paid tribute to it.
Both Pontiacs in our AutoHunter Picks aren’t quite those bumpers in American automotive history, but they are part of the tribe. And the Corvette and TVR? Just two more AutoHunter cars worth talking about. Enjoy!
1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Though Smokey and the Bandit cars are garnering most of the attention these days, it’s the earlier Trans Ams that are the standouts thanks to 455s, honeycomb wheels, and bold graphics. This Trans Am is a ’74, the first of the facelifted Firebirds, but its worked 455 is said to have been built up to Super Duty specs.
The red Custom interior with matching carpet seems fancy — too fancy for this hopped-up pony car that could make you forget the lean years were upon us.
1970 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 Convertible
Every once in a while, a special car crosses the AutoHunter block. Today, that car is a 1970 Corvette convertible equipped with the LT1 engine. This is peak small-block Vette stuff here thanks to the 370-horse engine and close-ratio four-speed, but then there’s the Marlboro Maroon and Saddle trim combo. “Gorgeous” is an understatement.
Considering the LS5 was the top 454 in 1970 (so strange when the Chevelle had the LS6), I dare say a small-block may be the ultimate Corvette for 1970.
1974 TVR 2500M
The former Liberty Buick dealership in Wilmington, Delaware used to sell TVRs, though I didn’t realize how special this was back in the 1980s. I didn’t fall in love with this wedge-iest of sports cars at the time, but this earlier 2500M has my interest piqued due to the Ford 302 V8 and five-speed transplant.
How much does this car weigh? Two-thousand pounds? I think I would do something very dangerous in this car – and rigor mortis wouldn’t be able to wipe the smile off my face.
1966 Pontiac LeMans Convertible
If you are unaware that Pontiac was the golden child of 1960s Detroit, then let this moment be an education. In 1966, you could order the sporty LeMans and opt for the convertible, yet you could choose a totally uninteresting engine to power it (in this case, a 326 two-barrel) and keep things interesting. How?
The difference with Pontiac (and Olds, come to think of it) is that one could order the standard three-speed manual and opt for it being located on the floor. No, not a performance car, but a stick on the floor is never unattractive.
