The term “time capsule” is one of the most overused in the classic world, but I can think of no better way to describe this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. It has a genuine 10,280 miles on the clock, with its originality extending to the Uniroyal tires wrapping its Rally II wheels. Its presentation is exceptional, and nobody has sullied this classic by adding aftermarket equipment. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this amazing survivor.
Various factors, including industrial action and looming emission regulations, almost resulted in Pontiac dropping the ax on its Second Generation Firebird range in 1972. Sales volumes suffered, but General Motors chose to persevere with its pony car cousins. It proved a wise move, because the Firebird, particularly the Trans Am, continued to set sales records during the decade’s remaining years. This classic rolled off the line in 1979, with its first owner selecting subtle and classy Cameo White to cloak its exterior. The seller describes the paint as 90% original, although they don’t indicate what areas may have received attention. The nose is prone to chips and marks, and this car’s lack of issues in that area may indicate a touch-up that is a contributing factor to that figure. It shines beautifully, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. Some people aren’t attracted to White paint, but it has one advantage for those seeking a classic to park in their garage. It is the least effective at disguising existing or developing rust. It typically reveals itself via brown stains, but there are no such problems visible with this Trans Am. I typically recommend an in-person inspection, but with the seller seemingly approachable, negotiating one should be possible. The tinted glass is crystal clear, and the window louvers are a very “1970s” touch. The Pontiac rolls on spotless Rally II wheels that wear their original tires.
The first owner didn’t splash a lot of cash on luxury equipment when ordering this Trans Am. There is no air conditioning or power windows, with the Lamp Group and factory radio the main creature comforts. They selected Blue vinyl trim, which perfectly complements the exterior graphics and iconic Screaming Chicken. The presentation is all you would rightly expect from a classic of this caliber. The upholstered surfaces and carpet are spotless, and the scratch-prone console is seemingly perfect. There is no visible wear on the machine-turned gauge bezel, while the dash and pad haven’t suffered at the hands of age or UV exposure. This interior features what was considered standard Trans Am fare, including the sports gauge cluster and the Formula wheel.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but this car’s specifications suggest the first owner purchased it with an eye on the sticker price. The engine bay houses the entry-level 301ci V8 that sends 150hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque to a limited-slip rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. This was the least potent combination offered by Pontiac in 1979, with the car’s ¼-mile ET of 17.8 seconds confirming that fact. The seller claims it has a genuine 10,280 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. However, with the sale including the original Window Sticker and Build Sheet, I won’t be surprised if there is documentation confirming the mileage claim. They also don’t indicate how well the car runs or drives, but it is fair to expect a Trans Am in this price range to be in excellent mechanical health.
The seller listed this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am here on Craigslist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their price of $39,000 is at the top end of the market for a car featuring a 301ci V8 and relatively few factory options. However, its originality and odometer reading justify that figure in the current market. That begs the question of what the new owner might do once it is safely tucked away in their garage. Will they continue to preserve this classic, or would enjoying it as its makers intended prove irresistible? It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback because I can’t decide which path I would choose. So, it’s over to you.
I love the look of these cars, but the performance in the original engines is lacking. If I had the dough to splash out on this car that would also mean that I had the money to do an LS swap and give this car the go to match the show.
Low mileage because nobody wanted to drive a weak Trans Am with no A/C and vinyl seats. It’s a car built to look at, not drive.
Weak story.
I agree with CC, a 79′ T/A with a 301. Give me a break, that engine should have been replaced as soon as the original warranty expired.
I had a ’79 with the WS6 package and the Pontiac 400/4 speed. That one is way overpriced.
I worked at a company on the subway line in the early eighties. Most people would commute by subway to avoid Toronto‘s high parking fees. One kid kept bragging how great his car was and that he would drive it to work to show us. It was the exact duplicate of this car. After we all stopped laughing, he never bragged about his car again.
Everybody wants some …The Subway line s verse in one of the great songs by Van Halen ..Only the Roth years.
How sad to stomp on somebody’s dream in that way. Oh well, we’ve all probably done it.
WAAAAAAAY OVERPRICED! Base engine, no a/c, no power windows, no cassette, no tilt, no cruise. I would guess it MIGHT go for 15K.
The blue graphics are striking on the white car. Was it lack of concern for performance or buyers remorse? I believe it was the former. Some people like the idea of a popular car but may not care about speed or don’t want the higher insurance premium.
Just checked the build sheet, this bad boy rolled off the line with an AM radio and monaural speaker (one speaker in the dash) that radio that’s in the dash looks to be an early 70’s GM non stereo unit. STYLIN’ FOR SURE!
Someone’s gonna go $25-30 k regardless, it’s a low milage semi new collectors ride. That’s not a lot these days considering it’s a decent investment that will appreciate.MYOP.
I still have the 79 Trans-Am that I bought new. It has a 301 with the WS6 package. When it was new it was a competitive auto-cross car in the stock class it ran in. The car also spent some time at Watkins Glenn for some open track days. The 301 WS6 Trans-Am was a much better-balanced car than the 400 with the WS6 package and Road & Track said it was the best handling car in America. You do not need a big engine to have fun with a car. So, let’s stop bad mouthing the 301, for some people it performed wonderful.
No, that is a Pontiac stereo from the 73 to 77 model years mainly found in the Grand Prixs and Lemans. I would attach a picture but not a paying member.
Loss-leader intended to lure Trans Am prospects into the dealership, no doubt. The original owner did see the value in the upgraded “Custom Interior Group” with the nicer seats and door cards, I think it was about $160. Otherwise, the only option I see is the hood decal. The bird was optional but almost every T/A got it. Was $68 if my memory serves. The 301 was a real boat anchor, little aftermarket equipment exists and its not a very robust engine. The answer is simple however, a junkyard Pontiac 400 or 455 with a rebuild, add some 6x heads, a cam and decent carb. It’ll drop right in where the 301 lives but that THM 350 will require beefing up before it coughs up some blood. Seems like a nice 23-25k car for that type of an effort.
This will appeal to someone who wants a low mileage survivor and doesn’t care about having a bigger engine and the associated performance, AC, PW, PDL, decent radio, comfortable seats, fancier wheels, etc. But then again, if it’s only going to be driven to car shows or cruises, most of that won’t matter anyways.
I don’t know how realistic the asking price is for a well preserved low option T/A and don’t really care. All I know, if you want a driver with a better array of options, starting with the drivetrain, get a different car with the options that will make you happy, then enjoy driving it every chance you get.
Steve R
As hard as it is to believe Hagerty has this car (with the 301) valued at 40k in #2 condition… #3 is 21k. Based on the lack of options, 30k is probably a fair price… not one I would pay but if you really wanted it thats what I’d be offering.
A 301 equipped Trans Am?Forget about it.Overpriced for what it is.First thing you should do is get some new tires.45 year old tires,wouldn’t drive it around the block…
Mileage is about right with almost 20 sec ET 1/4 mile times, had he only drove it a 1/4 at a time, would take about 45 years to accumulate 10k miles. I’ll pass.
If no T-Tops then its got to have AC, Its’s the summer when you will drive it, It still gets hot here in CT
It’s a pretty car, but that is where the appeal stops. I honestly don’t understand why the Trans Am’s from the seventies show up with these crazy prices attached to them. They’re cute enough, but this thing would be like driving an automatic VW. You can get just about any year of C5 Corvette, (including the Z06) for $39,000 and.have a car that is not only a gas to drive, but exceptionally pretty. I would be a very hard pass on this.
Snores ville with a 301 v8 needs an ls to wake it up,of course the rest of the drivetrain will need improvement too. Good looking ta though.
150 hp ? I never knew Pontiac put such a weak motor in their “High Perf” cars. The 400 or 455 cid would make me smile but a 301 ? My snowmobile has more HP than this car! I always loved the looks and handling of these cars but it may as well have an inline 6 pushing it down the road. I agree that $15K…20K tops.