This week, the muscle car in the spotlight is an extremely rare 1970-1/2 Trans Am with Ram Air IV 400ci engine, and Muncie 4-speed transmission.

The year 1970 marked the second generation for the F-Body platform, and GM made pretty substantial changes to the car from the 1967-1969 variants. 1970-1/2 models were made to be longer and more spacious, and drove better than earlier F-Bodies. The year 1970 also marked the peak of performance muscle cars in America, and this car represents one of the top competitors on the road.

The 1970-1/2 Trans Am came with a load of performance add-ons, like an upgraded suspension, upgraded brakes, exhaust, and a very distinct style. This particular Polar White Trans Am is one of the most sought after Trans Ams as it features the 370 horsepower Ram Air IV V8 engine and Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. The Ram Air IV engine was made with very tight tolerances off the line, making it very close to being an actual hand assembled engine. The engine starts with a 4-bolt main engine block, a forged crank, forged pistons, and high flowing oil pump. Where it really started getting good was at the top end — the Ram Air IV heads has 67cc chambers, 2.11” swirl-polished intake valves, and 1.77” exhaust valves. The .520” lift cam and 308 intake/320 exhaust duration pulled air through an dual plan intake made out of aluminum.

They only made 88 of these Trans Ams, and only 59 were manuals — so this car is one of 59.