I friend of mine (really :yes:) has the opportunity to buy a 69 Trans Am from the original owner. Here is what he told me and he wants an idea of what it's worth in the present condition. Sorry he don't have pics so I know it's tough. It has been in storage for the last 8 years or so and hasn't ran since. He has all the original docs. It has 54,000 original miles and original paint. The body has some surface rust and a couple small rust spots that are probably minor holes. Overall the body is very good. The white interior is in real clean original condition. It has what he was told is the original Ram Air IV engine, that is missing the original carb and a few other items. It also has a 4 speed. He thinks he can get it for about 20K. He doesn't plan on restoring it, but just might flip it instead. This is all I know. What you guys think?

Mike

That's actually a pretty rare car, I believe less than 50 of the IV's with a 4 speed. Should fetch major $$$$ when completed. It should sell fairly well the way you described it as is. $20K.....pick it up....:)

If PHS agrees that is what the car was born as, then $20K is a real good deal. Data I have seen show 55 69 T/A with RAIV. Heck, with only 689 T/A coupes in 69, it's rare right out of the box.

I saw one parked under a fir tree once. It was white with blue strips. Covered in tree droppings. Sad. That was 1972 in Bremerton Wa, Oyster Bay. Hell it was still under warranty. I almost stopped and knocked on doors to make an offer, but it was clearly abandoned. Besides, it was just a T/A.:clonk:

I would buy it in half a hearbeat @ 20K. If your bud wants to flip it, PM me.

20k a good deal. Are you kidding me?? That a steal..its more than a steal. That car is worth a TON of money. 54k original miles, original owner RAIV 69T/A. That is a 6 figure car...or damn close to it. Rarest of rare! Is the original owner whos selling it really that clueless? Man, i would think youd do a little homework when selling a car like that to see what the market is.

697 produced!

only 55 with the ram air IV option.46 4 spds and 9 auto's.

i would be getting it and not talking about it if i had the chance!!!!!

so with that said.i would expect pics within a few days!!!! lol

most had blue interior.....

if that guys knows that its really worth you won't get it for 20k thats for sure.

they are worth ridiculous amounts of money, ESPECIALLy the 4spds.

Thanks for the info guys. He called me again last night and said he knows the guy pretty well. He might let him take the car to his garage to check it out better. :clonk: If he does, I'll post some pics.

Mike

Thanks for the info guys. He called me again last night and said he knows the guy pretty well. He might let him take the car to his garage to check it out better. :clonk: If he does, I'll post some pics.

Mike

Man, for 20k that car would have been in my garage so fast it would make your head spin. And the biggest smile on my face imaginable.

the last couple have sold for $100K or so at BJ

they were correctly restored

pretty sure neither was a RAIV

20 k is a STEAL, I would not take it ANYWHERE before I clinched the deal

all you need is some yahoo telling the owner it is worth 2 million dollars ... :)

I would agree that 20K is more than a steal from what i have seen these go for...

Back in 1978 or "79, I had a chance to buy one of those cars...very nice condition, not sure what it had for an engine, was from the orig owner too,but at the time, $900 was just out of my price range.

Man, should have picked up a paper route or something....prob would still have that car.

I do not think you should buy it without having me check it out first. Just let me run to the bank and grab $20K in case I see something I like along the way. And I will rush right over and check it out for you. I will not even charge you a inspection fee!

the last couple have sold for $100K or so at BJ

they were correctly restored

pretty sure neither was a RAIV

20 k is a STEAL, I would not take it ANYWHERE before I clinched the deal

all you need is some yahoo telling the owner it is worth 2 million dollars ... :)

Yeah, and RAIV cars are a whole 'nother level. Good lord why couldnt i find somebody who would sell me a car like that for 20k :sad:

I wouldnt be checking it ou anymore lol or haggeling about anything. Your friend should just get it worry about restoring it or not and closser looks later.

Just hope the hood is there. last one I saw went for $7500

I once saw two of them at once at a used muscle car place in Denver called Richards. Was late 70's I think. Knew they were rare even then, but it didn't really matter, I didn't have a pot to p in at the time.

Just an update. My friend now has it in his possession, although no money or title has changed hands yet. I should be able to get over there soon, possibly Sunday to take a look and hopefully some pics. I'll keep you posted.

Mike

Just an update. My friend now has it in his possession, although no money or title has changed hands yet. I should be able to get over there soon, possibly Sunday to take a look and hopefully some pics. I'll keep you posted.

Mike

Please, Please, PLEASE get some pics. :) Is your friend aware of how lucky he is??

Just an update. My friend now has it in his possession, although no money or title has changed hands yet. I should be able to get over there soon, possibly Sunday to take a look and hopefully some pics. I'll keep you posted.

Mike
Please contact me I am extremely interested . I will pm you with my info. thanks

Hey Mike...is your private message box full yet? :D

l:)l:)l:)

I just back back from seeing the car. The body is much better than I thought it would be, the interior is very nice. Overall, a great survivor!

Here are some pics:

http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm296/mike72ss/

Mike

WOW!!!! I wouldn't touch much on that car, it looks to be in fantastic shape! Just fill in the missing pieces. Does he own the car yet?

Great find by the way!


I just back back from seeing the car. The body is much better than I thought it would be, the interior is very nice. Overall, a great survivor!

Here are some pics:

http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm296/mike72ss/

Mike

Yeah, that just needs a little dusting off and finding a few missing pieces. What's a survivor '69 TransAm worth?

Yeah, that just needs a little dusting off and finding a few missing pieces. What's a survivor '69 TransAm worth?

Only 46 4 speed Ram Air IV's made. I remember seeing a similar car in the $100K mark. Who knows, great find, love the color combo.

So was this car really only $20K?

Can't see in the pics, does it have the stacked gauge cluster?

Sweet find and I agree, I would'nt restore this car. Fill in the gaps, it's a real survivor.

Can't see in the pics, does it have the stacked gauge cluster?

Sweet find and I agree, I would'nt restore this car. Fill in the gaps, it's a real survivor.


I just seen the car a few hours ago but don't think it had gauges. :confused: I'm sure Pontiac stamped the VIN like Chevy on the engine somewhere, but I didn't know where to look. Even though he knows the original owner, I told him he really needs to make sure it's for real before he commits. I suggested he contact the Pontiac Historical Services for help.

We'll see.

Mike

I just seen the car a few hours ago but don't think it had gauges. :confused: I'm sure Pontiac stamped the VIN like Chevy on the engine somewhere, but I didn't know where to look. Even though he knows the original owner, I told him he really needs to make sure it's for real before he commits. I suggested he contact the Pontiac Historical Services for help.

We'll see.

Mike

jeesch, with friends like you .... :)

it is worth that even if it is a clone ...

get the deal done or he is going to lose it

Can't see in the pics, does it have the stacked gauge cluster?

Sweet find and I agree, I would'nt restore this car. Fill in the gaps, it's a real survivor.

no, it does not. That was an OPTION on them, not a standard item.

It does have the optional steering wheel though

nice car, worth EZ $50k, maybe $100 IF it is a real RA IV, can't tell by the pics if it is or not

the engine info is on the area on the pass front of the block, just to the left of the water pump/timing cover

Wow. Thats in much better shape than i had expected. Definitely get in touch with PHS and find out exactly what this car was. Amazing find!
The VIN stamp on the engine is where Jim mentions. Its down low howver, you need to kinda crawl under the front of the car to see it.

I thought trans ams came with blue interieors only????

I thought trans ams came with blue interieors only????

no, not true

that is another urban myth :)

I think the Mythbusters have already done that episode:

that episode included: all Z28's came with cowl hoods (busted), all Z28's had consoles with tach and gauges (partial, after a certain time in the 69 production they all had tachs, but not necessarily gauges), all Z28's had spoilers (busted), all 69 Trans Am's had gauges (busted), all Z10 pace cars were deluxe interiors (busted), etc, etc, etc

That tells you there still is rare finds out there.I enjoyed reading this story.Im looking for a 1967-1969 camaro and i hope i have the same luck.

Wow, that is a great find. I would keep the car if he's getting it that cheap.

I posted this on the pontiac site as well. Talk over there is that it looks like a RAIII car vs a RAIV. Either way an incredible car and an amazing find.

and a GREAT price ...

Please please please... just tell your friend to take that nice man his 20 large and be done with it !!! That car is sweet !

I love it and keep those "vintage" floor mats in the car.

Is one of the determining factors for a T/A the "D80" on the tag?

That is a super cool find ! I Love all early T/A's .
But , I would make sure its not a clone ! There was a guy here in Orlando with an original 69 T/A who made molds of everything and starting cloning all the 69 Firebirds he could find back around 1980 ?
I know, I bought one. And they looked the part too.
The PHS Docs are EVERYTHING . I would give it the FIND of the Year if its a real car ,
but as a clone - and needs some work, $20k is just market value.

Gotta Love those hidden behind garage door finds still out there in the age of the internet.
Hard to believe someone would not know the value of such a rare car.

************************************************** ******************
1967 Camaro SS-RS Conv 427
1968 Camaro SS-RS Conv 350
1969 Camaro SS-RS Conv 396
1968 Camaro RS Z28 302
1969 Camaro RS Z28 302 JL-8

Mike,
Would you feel comfortable posting the VIN# or PMing it to me?? There is a book that lists all the RAIV VIN#s so we could very quickly determine if it is. If it is a RAIV your friend has certainly hit the motherload.

Thats a steal at 20k, I'm sure the car is a R/A lll by the pictures,it has a cast intake instead of the 2pc aluminum one that R/A iv cars have.It still has the right alternator on it that is very hard to find (makes a 837 look common).The interiors could be had in any color in both standard and deluxe,there is even one documented red interior car and a few with vinyl tops.

Well, my friend contacted PHS yesterday and got back the information packet. Turns out the car is a RA III car. He is a little disappointed, but still happy none the less. The original owner says he thinks he still has the original air cleaner, but no carb.

Now that he really knows what he's got, he'd like some opinions on the original question, what's an original 69 TA, RA III, 4 speed, 54,000 mile survivor car worth these days?

Thanks,
Mike

Tell your friend it's worth $21K, give him the extra, and take the car. It is still a no-brainer as a RA III.

Here is one with auto and A/C (more rare than what's in you buddies garage, but...), which did not sell at a high bid of $95K. http://www.mecumauction.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=SC0508-68266


Here's one at a dealer in AZ, no price listed: http://www.dealsonwheels.com/detail/1969_PONTIAC_TRANS_AM_RAM_AIR_III/00311537E17.aspx

I would assume there are guys watching this thread that would give your friend $30K tomorrow.

I would give him 30k tomorrow!! But to be honest its worth way more than that. Besides the fact that its a super rare car the fact its all original with 54k miles and from the original owner (whoever buys it from your friend being the 2nd registered owner) only adds to the appeal.
I posted your last question on the pontiac site..i will let you know what they say on value if anyone responds.

Sorry to be a thread hog here. A little bit of a concensus on what its worth.

You probably dont want to tell your friend this part..if it had been a RAIV car it would probably have been worth 150k-200k.

The car for what it is...i had a number and some others seem to be posting in the same range. Best guess 50k+ as it sits. Assuming original engine/drivetrain. Has that been verified?

Or you could be a real good guy and tell him 30k and sell it to me. :D

Thread Auction --- I'll go 31:D

Nice Car. Did he buy it already? Get on it!!!!

I'll pay big money for those floormats!

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm296/mike72ss/IMG_0024.jpg

:D

it is time for an update ...

Sorry guys...guess i should have updated you. I did end up buying the car from Mikes buddy. I took it off his hands for 25k.













J/K :D

I got 26......hehe

are you sure its real?

a 69' trans am 4speed clone is about 15-25k depending on condition.

if its real its worth 4 times that

100-150k.

The only way to tell for sure it to get the PHS documents.

are you sure its real?

a 69' trans am 4speed clone is about 15-25k depending on condition.

if its real its worth 4 times that

100-150k.

The only way to tell for sure it to get the PHS documents.

See post #44


Nice Find. I hope your friend is a true Pontiac enthusiast and instead of flipping it, enjoys it himself :)

Patiently waiting for update.... http://forums.performanceyears.com/forums/images/smilies/ani/ranger.gif

Well, i guess the ending to this story is gonna play out in front of all of us. Damn, 50k already and the auction has just begun.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1969-Pontiac-Firebird-Trans-Am-GREAT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ330251322506QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20 TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item3302513225 06&_trksid=p3756.m14.l1317

Didn't hit the reserve yet either, so I guess he wasn't thinking of selling it for 20k huh?

so once again we were duped by a "what is it worth?" newbie that wants to use our expertise to enable them to get an appraisal for free ....

the high bidder has a -1 rating, serves the seller right

so once again we were duped by a "what is it worth?" newbie that wants to use our expertise to enable them to get an appraisal for free ....

the high bidder has a -1 rating, serves the seller right

I know a lot of new people come here and do that but Mike..the original poster..isnt really a newb. Been a member since 03. But would have been nice, after all the info provided, to get a recent update. Guess not.

I know a lot of new people come here and do that but Mike..the original poster..isnt really a newb. Been a member since 03. But would have been nice, after all the info provided, to get a recent update. Guess not.


Reserve is 100K

Oops double post

Reserve is 100K

:eek:

Im not so sure the bidding will get that high. I could be wrong...certainly wouldnt be the first time. :)

Wow guys, I haven't talked to the owner since I last posted. I really don't even know how much he ended up paying for the car, but I really don't think it even matters at this point.

A "newbie" I don't think so! :noway:

Mike

Just wasnt sure if your friend did in fact end up buying it..or if he was indeed the one who had it on ebay.

here we go guys

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/joes00/IMG_0207-1.jpg[/IMG]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/joes00/IMG_0209.jpg[/IMG]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/joes00/IMG_0217.jpg[/IMG]]


:D

That ebay ad is not very descriptive for a 100K car.

If your gonnna spend a 100k for an old car your not gonna put much stock in an ebay ad. Your gonna talk to the owner at length, see the car in person and do a bunch of homework.

If you want to generate as much interest as possible in an Ebay ad I think it is wise to have a very complete description. Anything you can do to market the car will draw in more interested parties.

where will it stop?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1969-Pontiac-Firebird-Trans-Am-GREAT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ330251322506QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20 TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item3302513225 06&_trksid=p3756.m14.l1317

Wow its up to 70k now and your right the description sucks! Incredible.

where will it stop?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1969-Pontiac-Firebird-Trans-Am-GREAT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ330251322506QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20 TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item3302513225 06&_trksid=p3756.m14.l1317

I dont know but it sure wont be 100k. I would say its not to far off its actual value right now.

You know the one thing about the reserve getting known it makes you wonder if the bids are even legit. With folks knowing what the reserve is they could be dream bidding :D No I did not bid :D Is the ending bid reasonable? I have no idea as this is beyond my realm of what I can afford in the market, so I usually don't track them.....

bidding ended, a -1 bidder was the top bidder, gotta say that was a fake bid

bidding ended, a -1 bidder was the top bidder, gotta say that was a fake bid

gee, how would you know that??

;-)

geeez , paid 20k and could sell it for 70k easily. I guess 50k profit is not good enough. I know it could possibly be worth more but someone who wants to make a fast buck come on.

I dont think its worth much more..if at all. Should have taken the 70k in my opinion.

Yep, definitely should have taken the 70k the first time around.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fse arch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D 330263766264%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1&item=330263766264

Snooze loose

Thats a nice profit for all the more work involved....I need to check up on a few hidden cars I tried to buy a few years back...

Brentmc. I know it's not the same, but I know of a 69 firebird for sale. Good looking driver. Let me know. Dennis