In my previous blog, I covered the pearl white ‘71 Trans Am that Pontiac built as a factory show car for new-car events that model year. I first learned about customized Firebird more than a decade ago, when amateur photos of it displayed at the 1971 Harrisburg Auto Show surfaced. In addition to its unique exterior and interior colors, it also featured a large Firebird hood applique. Since then, I diligently tried finding any additional information about the pearl white Trans Am to no avail.
This original photograph of the pearl white ’71 Trans Am show car appeared on eBay in 2014. It was the first time I heard of Pontiac customizing a Trans Am for the new car show circuit.
In December 2025, I was contacted by PontiacV8.com reader, Tony Durso who was perplexed by the unusual appearance and documentation of his friend, Rob Stark’s ‘71 Trans Am. Its invoice revealed that the car was originally billed to Pontiac Engineering and its exterior and interior were finished in non-stock colors. After reviewing the images and paperwork that Tony shared with me, I immediately recognized Rob’s Trans Am as the Pontiac show car photographed at the 1971 Harrisburg Auto Show! You can read the full story here.
Hobbyist Parrish Falk purchased the photographs of the pearl white ’71 Trans Am from the eBay auction and shared them with me. This particular photo confirms that the customized Trans Am was the centerpiece of the S&H Pontiac display at the 1971 Harrisburg Auto Show.
Vintage photographs place the pearl white Trans Am in Pontiac’s display at the 1971 Harrisburg Auto Show in January 1971. Because automakers rarely build special show cars for a single new car event, Pontiac likely placed the customized ’71 Trans Am in its displays at other large-scale venues throughout the region that model year. Unfortunately, I searched through every media resource available to me and have yet to find any reference placing the pearl white show car at any other event.
This vintage photograph that current owner, Rob Stark shared with me provides a clear view of the unique Firebird applique on the hood of the pearl white ’71 Trans Am.
Then I uncovered something unexpected. While searching new-car-show event coverage for the 1971 model year in various newspapers throughout the country, I found an article in the November 24, 1970 printing of The Oregonian describing a pearlescent red ‘71 Trans Am that was in Pontiac’s display at the Portland Auto Show that month. Here, was written proof that a second customized show car existed! The hunt for more information ensued.
While searching for information on the pearl white ’71 Trans Am show car, I happen across this report in the November 24, 1970 printing of The Oregonian. Pontiac customized a second Trans Am for the 1971 show circuit—this one in pearl red!
As I scoured through my newspaper references, I uncovered additional references to the pearl red Trans Am. Some noted such features as its 455 H.O. engine, 4-speed transmission, and “large Firebird logo” on the hood. As we can document exactly how the pearl white Trans Am was equipped, the evidence suggests that Pontiac customized two identical ’71 Trans Ams that differed in color only.
According to the January 6, 1971 printing of The Indianapolis News, the pearl red Trans Am was displayed at the Indianapolis Auto Show. Note mention of the Firebird logo on the hood.
In addition to the Portland Auto Show in November 1970, newspaper reports of the day place the pearl red ’71 Trans Am in Pontiac displays at the Indianapolis (Indiana) Auto Show in January 1971, Marian (Ohio) Auto Show in January 1971, and Dayton (Ohio) Auto Show in March 1971. As my hunt for additional information continued, I found something even more compelling! There, in print, were published photographs of the pearl red Trans Am. Here, was visual proof that Pontiac’s second customized Trans Am truly existed!
Based on the brief reference in the January 15, 1971 printing of The Marian Star and geographic timing of the shows, it appears that the pearl red Trans Am was displayed at the new car expo in Marian, Ohio.
Based on the show circuit timelines, I’m certain that both ‘71 Trans Am show cars were assembled at Norwood in late-August or early-September 1970 and shipped to Pontiac Engineering in early September. I am also certain that their original invoices billed them to Pontiac Motor Division. From what I can determine, both cars were identically or nearly-identically equipped. The pearl white Trans Am’s exterior was originally Cameo White. I suspect based on one report that the pearl red Trans Am’s was, too.
The adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” certainly rings true in this instance. How about a photograph of the pearl red Trans Am being readied for the Portland Auto Show in the November 24, 1970 printing of The Oregon Daily Journal!
As we learned in the previous blog, the pearl white ‘71 Trans Am survived and remains in private hands today. Newspaper reports and vintage photographs confirm that Pontiac built and campaigned a second ‘71 Trans Am show car that model year. Like the pearl white Trans Am, it’s possible that the pearl red Trans Am was offered for public sale at end of the 1971 model year. I do not have any indication of that, however. I also have no knowledge of its VIN or present whereabouts.
The March 5, 1971 printing of the Dayton Daily News contained another photograph of the pearl red Trans Am displayed at the local new car expo.
Now with proof that two customized ‘71 Trans Am were produced, could Pontiac have built others that model year? I’ve yet to find any evidence that a third pearlescent-paint Trans Am was produced and campaigned in a different region. Maybe a reader knows otherwise. It took 55 years for the hobby uncover the pearl white Trans Am’s details, and another year to discover its pearl red counterpart. I can’t help but wonder what other unusual Pontiacs are out there waiting to be discovered!
I was able to locate the original photo from the Dayton Daily News which allows us to see the pearl red Trans Am in much greater detail. What an incredible car it must have been! (Courtesy of Wright State University, Dayton Daily News Archive)
Did you attend any new car shows during 1971 model year? Perhaps you recall seeing one of these customized Trans Am in Pontiac’s display. Please share your comments below!