When does a collection become an obsession? The answer is hard to define, especially when touring a gathering of 50 Pontiac Trans Ams featured in a new YouTube video from Classic Car Rescue.
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Viewers get to see dozens of these muscle cars in various conditions. And a watchful eye will spot a few Chevys and a pair of non-GM beauties. But the Trans Ams are the star of the show.
The presentation lacks any narration or supporting audio. But if you want to create the perfect soundtrack, just play Sammy Hagar’s Trans Am twice while watching the eight-minute episode.
Coincidently, another YouTube video from May covered the same cars. We learned from it that the Iowa-based collection will be heading to auction in August. Given bidding starts on the classics in a few months, we thought including valuations, courtesy of Hagerty, would be helpful. Let’s check out some of the highlights
A Rare Pair Of NASCAR Edition Trans Ams
Sitting in a garage are two 1981 NASCAR Edition Pontiac Turbo Trans Ams. With only 2,000 made, seeing two is twice the treat. It’s hard to judge what shape these cars are in, but protection from the elements means these Trans Ams are not as shabby as the others.
Hagerty does track the NASCAR editions, but a 1981 Trans Am Daytona Pace Car (Pontiac also built 2,000 examples) with the same turbocharged 301 cubic-inch V8 gets valued at $27,400 if in good condition.
A Pontiac Trans Am With Super Duty Credentials
Long before Super Duty became associated with trucks, Pontiac introduced the Trans Am SD 455 for only 1973 and 1974. The SD (Super Duty) edition used clever engineering workarounds to make the potent 455 cu. in. V8 palatable to insurance companies and regulators. One example goes almost unnoticed in the video.
Despite the rarity of these last-gasp muscle cars (only a few hundred got built), Hagerty’s valuation doesn’t appear outrageous. A 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD455, in fair condition, goes for $49,000. This amount increases to $67,700 for one in good shape.
A 1955 Ford Customline Ready For The Road
Not all the vehicles in Bob’s sprawling collection are from General Motors. Tucked away in another builder is a pair of vintage rides from Ford. A striking turquoise 1955 Ford Customline looks ready for the road, in stark contrast to the many sad Trans Ams on the lot. Hagerty says a good-condition example with the 162-horsepower 272 cu. in. V8 is worth $16,300.
V8 Muscle For A Mercury Turnpike Cruiser
Next to the Ford is a Mercury Turnpike Cruiser sedan from 1957 or 1958 in equal condition. Power for the debut year came from a four-barrel 368 cu. in. V8 making 290 hp, but the base engine for the 1958 edition became the 383 cu. in. Marauder V8 producing 330 hp. The 1958 Turnpike Cruiser could also get upgraded to a Super Marauder 430 cu. in. V8 cranking out 400 hp thanks to triple two-barrel Holly carburetors.
According to Hagerty, a good quality example with the Super Marauder engine has a value of $15,800. With so many classic car examples in various conditions in this collection, there may just be a new project car for even the most frugal budget.
