Some people are born car crazy and some people grow into it. For a gentleman by the name of Zeb Morris, his enthusiasm surfaced late in life but that didn’t keep it from burning like a road flare. At the age of 67, he began collecting tri-power and Ram Air Pontiacs and before his passing five years later, the group of thirty cars he assembled was acknowledged as one of the best collections in the world.

Here, we take a look at the Ram Air cars that Zeb treasured. All will cross the auction block with no reserve bid during the Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction, in May.

When GM management cut off Pontiac’s Tri Power carburetion setup, the engineers replied with the first of the Ram Air series of engines that were the most advanced of the new 400cui lineup. Fitted with the 301/313 cam, cast iron headers and special ‘997’ heads, the Ram Air I made an impressive 366 horsepower.

Morris’ 1967 GTO convertible, documented by the Pontiac Historical Society (PHS) as the rarest built, is finished in Regimental Red on a Black interior and is equipped with power steering and brakes, 4-speed, Rally instruments and Rally I wheels with Redline tires.

Just fifty-five 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Ams were built with the hot 400/370 HP Ram Air IV engine. This example is documented by the PHS as one of fewer than 10 factory-equipped with an automatic transmission. Wearing the famous white and blue Trans Am livery, it was built with power steering and disc brakes, a Blue Deluxe interior with Sport steering wheel and Rally gauges and Rally II wheels wrapped in correct Goodyear Polyglas rubber. This was the ultimate weapon in the 1969 Trans Am lineup.

Pontiac enthusiasts will rejoice that Morris loved the Ram Air GTO in all its configurations, including the Ram Air III engine, which was rated at 366 horsepower and a healthy 445 lb-ft of torque.

His black-on-black Ram Air III 4-speed coupe is a PHS documented Judge version sporting its trademark graphics, Judge badging, spoilers and untrimmed Rally II wheels. Optional equipment includes a hood tach, power steering, Rally gauges and an AM radio.

As one of only fifty examples built with factory air conditioning in the first year of Judge production, this Carousel Red 1969 GTO Judge is a rarity.

Powered by Pontiac’s 400/366 HP Ram Air III engine bolted to a 4-speed manual, the Rally II wheels and Firestone Wide Oval tires were standard equipment. Factory options include power steering and disc brakes, AM radio and floor mats. The car is fully documented by the Pontiac Historical Society.

One of the most coveted machines of the muscle car era, the ’70 Pontiac GTO is no more rare than as in this automatic transmission-equipped Ram Air IV Judge – one of only 12 built with this drivetrain. Front and rear spoilers, Firestone-shod Rally II wheels and multi-hued Judge graphics accent the car’s Black finish, which is repeated in the bucket seat interior that features woodgrain trim, Rally instruments and console-mounted shifter. A very high quality, PHS documented rarity.

Morris’ impressive ’70 GTO is one of an exceedingly rare 1,517 Ram Air IV A-bodies built by Pontiac, made even more exclusive by its full-black color scheme. Documented by the Pontiac Historical Society, it is well equipped with power steering and brakes, Rally instruments, hood tach, bucket seats and console and Firestone Wide Ovals on Rally II wheels. Mind you, the real news is under the hood, where you’ll find the legendary 400/370 HP Ram Air IV engine. Equipped with a high-lift camshaft and improved breathing, it has plenty more than the official factory rating.

This Black Ram Air IV, 4-speed 1970 GTO Judge was raced by Rod Kister as the ‘Big Iron II.’ Together, they earned a place in the NHRA record books as Division 5 class champion, as well as the first car in its class to break the 12-second mark in the quarter mile. These facts also support the car’s odometer reading, which is believed to be 44 actual, original miles. Sensibly equipped with standard steering and brakes, this significant example of a Ram Air IV Judge is fully registered with the Pontiac Historical Society.

Aside from its inherent nature as one of the most desired muscle cars ever, this black-on-black 1970 GTO Judge has another very special distinction. It was part of the collection of Pontiac drag racing legend Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick from 1969 to 2009.

Powered by a 400/366 HP Ram Air III engine and equipped with a hood tach, rear spoiler, standard steering and brakes, the Starlight Black Judge also boasts a Red interior with bucket seats and console, factory Hurst shifter and Rally gauges. A hand-lettered acknowledgement of Beswick’s ownership on the rear spoiler is an endearing touch for any Goat collector.

This significant collection is coming to auction in just a few weeks, at Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction, on May 17 through 22. The 24th consecutive version of the event will be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, in Indianapolis, IN. For more information, stop by the event web site.