Is this rare Ram Air IV four-speed the finest of first-gen Firebirds?
Pontiac established itself as a performance brand in the early 1960s, kicked off the muscle car era with the 1964 GTO, and fed the pony car frenzy when it offered the Firebird’s “Trans Am performance and appearance package” starting in 1969. Fewer than 700 1969 Trans Ams were built, and this sterling WS4 example, one of just a handful known to exist with its original and desirable drivetrain, is set to cross the stage at Mecum’s Kissimmee sale this month.
The WS4 option code for the Trans Am included unique fender trim that mimicked heat extractors, a decklid wing, a front spoiler, a dual-scoop ram air hood, and Cameo Ivory paint highlighted with Tyrol Blue stripes and tail panel. Those cosmetic and aerodynamic upgrades were met with a limited-slip differential, a heavy-duty suspension with a 1-inch diameter sway bar, and front disc brakes, just to name a few of the standard performance bits.
Pontiac buyers had several performance engine options to choose from in 1969, including several V-8s and a spicy version of the 250 overhead-cam inline-six, the latter good for 230 hp.
The Trans Am, however, brought the heat. It came standard with a 400-cubic-inch Ram Air III V-8 that produced 335 hp. The only engine option was an upgrade to the Ram Air IV V-8, with an identical displacement.
While the Ram Air III V-8 was nothing to sneeze at, the Ram Air IV V-8 took the power to the next level with improved intake ports matched to a four-barrel aluminum intake manifold. It used round exhaust ports like the Ram Air II heads, while the standard 335-hp engine employed the more common D-ports that crowded the exhaust routing a bit. The Ram Air III and IV used the same performance camshaft, but the Ram Air IV took better advantage of it thanks to an increase in rocker arm ratio—1.65:1 compared to 1.5:1—that netted higher valve lift. Pontiac claimed those improvements in airflow were good for 345 hp in the Trans Am and 370 hp in the GTO, but it seems that those numbers were sandbagged a bit.
Just fifty-five Trans Ams were produced with Ram Air IV power in 1969, forty-six of which were equipped with a four-speed manual, as is the case with this recently restored beauty that retains its original interior.
Low production numbers mean that it’s rare to have one come up for sale. Mecum has noted an estimated sale price of $375,000 – $450,000. That closely follows the current #2 (Excellent) to #1 (Concours) value for a Ram Air IV 1969 Trans Am, which saw a big increase in the summer of 2022.
We’ve noted some ho-hum results for muscle cars in the last few months, perhaps this rare and beautiful piece of Poncho power will wake bidders up at what has become one of the top locations for big muscle car sales. We’re not going to place too much import on just one Trans Am transaction, but it could be an interesting barometer for the muscle market going into 2023.
I agree that Bring a Trailer would have been a more interesting venue for this car, however I think that the end result for this particular car will be about the same. We will see how close Mecum’s estimate of $375-450k holds up. I don’t think BaT would allow that high of a reserve, they typically go by previous BaT sales prices, don’t think they have ever sold a 69 TA Ram Air IV car.
Even though the 1969 body style is my favorite, the 1970 Trans AM turns my crank.
I love these cars. This original Trans Am is amazing. My 69 Firebird is a modified 350 car. With a Trans Am spoiler, a 400 hood, 455 built engine, and Muncie M20 4 speed. I know a lot of people on here don’t like anything that isn’t exactly as it rolled off the assembly line, but when you dump the clutch and feel the 455 you’re not going to care:)
Awesome car. Big money though, wow. There were 8 convertible Trans Am’s in 1969. The last one was found and restored, I believe Haggerty did an article on that car. Amazingly the 8th car started life in Edmonton Alberta Canada, where I’m from. To have such a rare machine when it came off the line be shipped to a small city in northwestern Canada boggles my mind. I read about these rare cars and they’re all from New York or Texas or Florida.
Since the GTO and the Firebird shared the same engines I often wondered why the much heavier GTO was quicker from 0 to 60 and the quarter mile. About 10 years ago I finally learned the answer. General Motors/Pontiac did not want the Firebird to outrun the GTO so they adjusted the carburetor in the firebird engine to keep it from opening all the way. ( Or something like that).
That is why the 600 lb heavier GTO would always beat the Firebird!
Did any of those “7” have a big block? 🙂
The 400 was the largest engine available in a 1st gen Firebird. Pontiac engines technically don’t have a big block. As the Pontiac 350 and 455 use many of the same components and look almost identical. And they (Pontiac V8’s) have the same bore center.
LOL! I see where you went there, Mark!
I bought my 69TA RAIV in 1980 found it while I was working offshore constriction in west Africa ,(it was in Virginia) sold it around 1984 .wonder what came of it VIN 22337N109163
The HP on the RA IV is so much more than the very conservative 345 reported by PMD. This is an incredible vehicle and someone with deep pockets will be very happy. I have a ’69 Firebird 400 4 speed convertible and would be very happy to trade! On a side note, though I think the ’67-68 Firebirds are beautiful, the ’69 body style is gorgeous. On Mecum, I choose to watch online so no commercials.
The 400 was the largest engine available in a 1st gen Firebird. Pontiac engines technically don’t have a big block. As the Pontiac 350 and 455 use many of the same components and look almost identical. And they (Pontiac V8’s) have the same bore center.
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I have a 69 400 4-spd convertible. So close to the 1 of 4 TA convertible 4 spds for a fraction of the cost! Sure, it isn’t a Ram Air motor but it’s an awesome original 400 all the same and I never really liked the TA paint scheme. In fact, I painted the front bumper and with the rear spoiler, it gives it a little GTO look. Love it.
I owed one the these. Purchased in 1970 with spun bearings 3000 on the odometer. Rev limiters unknown back then. Spent the winter rebuiding it. If you wish photo proof email me.
I owned one of these, purchased with 3000 miles on it in 1970. Have photos taken back then. Autocrossed and drag raced quite a bit. Bottom end was weak – spun the bearings at least twice, but was my first and favorite muscle/pony car. Yes, a real Ram Air IV just like this one. Wish I knew how rare it was before I sold it. Still go to track days with my C7 Corvette GS at 72 years young. Much more reliable and comfortable.