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1979 Pontiac Trans Am With 41 Genuine Miles!

Although I don’t often do it, I’m willing to stick out my neck and state that this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am could be one of the best original and unrestored examples in the world. That is hardly surprising, considering it has a claimed genuine 41 miles on its odometer. It may have competition for the “ultimate” crown, but it makes this an extraordinary survivor. It needs a new home and is listed here at Gooding and Company in Amelia Island, Florida. It is set to go under the hammer on March 3rd with a guide price of $75,000 – $125,000 in a No Reserve auction.

It is rare for me to have the opportunity to feature two Trans Ams from the same year in quick succession, but that has been my good fortune today. I featured the other Pontiac in this article, and it is fascinating to compare the pair. The first car is a tidy survivor that a new owner could drive with pride. However, this Trans Am is on another level. It looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor, and considering the odometer reading, that is unsurprising. Its Nocturne Blue paint shines richly, with no evidence of damage or deterioration. I can’t spot any rust problems, and the seller mentions none in their listing. It makes me believe that this classic has spent its time in climate-controlled storage or has served as a museum piece. The panels are laser straight, the graphics look crisp, and the glass and wheels are perfect. There’s no doubt it would turn heads on the street, but that begs the question of whether that is likely to happen.

Delving inside this Trans Am reveals one of the few flaws worth noting. It looks like the Tan finish is peeling away from part of the steering column shroud near the turning signal switch, but the supplied photos don’t provide a close look. That will impact buyer perception, but it is hard to say whether it affects the value. Otherwise, there is little to criticize inside this classic. The Custom Camel Tan vinyl upholstery is in as-new condition, with the same true of the carpet, dash, and plastic. Considering its history, there haven’t been many opportunities for the interior to become neglected or worn. The lack of UV damage suggests it has spent its life away from direct sunlight, and there are no aftermarket additions. The original owner ordered this Pontiac with air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM radio.

The original owner ticked the right boxes when ordering this Trans Am because it features the most potent and desirable mechanical combination offered in 1979. It was the last year buyers could order a 400ci V8 under the hood of the Trans Am, with the W72 version sending 220hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed Super T-10 manual transmission. With power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes, it should effortlessly storm the ¼ mile in 15.9 seconds before winding its way to 124mph. Although the ’79 Trans Am wasn’t the firebreathing monster it had been at the start of the decade, this configuration was the best available in 1979 by a wide margin. The engine bay presentation is as nice as you might expect in a car of this caliber, but there are unanswered questions. The service history is unclear, and there is no mention of whether this Pontiac is roadworthy. However, it comes with all of its original paperwork and manuals. Basically, if it was in the glove compartment when the original owner drove it off the lot, it remains there today.

I want to think this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will go to a new home when the hammer falls and that it will find a new owner willing to drive and enjoy it as its creators intended. However, I am a realist and recognize that part of this classic’s inherent value rests in the odometer reading. Therefore, I suspect this beauty will find its way back into a garage or a museum. That begs the question of what the figure could be when the dust settles. I believe the auction estimate could be extremely conservative because it is mere days since another ’79 Trans Am went under the hammer in Scottsdale, Arizona. That car had 37 miles on the clock and set a new record at $220,000. This car could threaten that figure, but even if it doesn’t, I won’t be surprised if the bidding hits $200,000. Will you?

Comments

  1. Avatar Craig Baloga Member

    Seems anything with less than 100 miles is commanding big money these days……I could probably auction my first banana seat bike that had 0.867 miles on it for The Big Money.

    Great looking Firebird, this will command strong money, but I’m not personally ready to part with all that cash.

    Best wishes to the new owner, but I will spend my dollars on an underdog that needs to be rescued……and saved.

    👍🤓

    Like 11
    • Avatar JustPassinThru

      There is no pleasure in such ownership. As pointed out, its selling value will be in its As-New status. Use, even if only parade and show use, will subtract the value, in hundreds-of-dollars-per-mile.

      Whoever does wind up owning it, better have a business plan to make money off the purchase – because personal satisfaction in such a buy, just isn’t there.

      Museums. I wonder if there’s a trend here…people who were target-buyer age, when this was new, are now between age 65 and RIP. Could it be that these just aren’t interesting to most of today’s auto enthusiasts? I don’t know; but it seems a fair amount of beautiful 1970s iron is being disgorged by curators…some of it noted here.

      Like 10
      • Avatar Rick R

        I’m not to sure that would be a baby boomers idea of a muscle car. We were teenagers in the sixties when the real muscle cars were built, I have a buddy that bought a new 70 chevelle ss with the Ls6 and he still has it to this day. That 79 is past the muscle cars of that area. It will be bought as an investment for the condition and low mileage.

        Like 6
  2. Avatar George Mattar

    These were as common as Hondas in the early 80s with stupid kids smoking in them destroying the interior. Crashed, rolled and beat to death. Too nice to drive this one with today’s terrible tailgating drivers.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar fred

    it’s nice, but it’s a display piece unless you’re loaded and don’t have to care about the investment loss. Call the Smithsonian and donate it. This car should never feel the rev, the thrill, of 80 mph on an open highway. Though, it deserves to.

    Like 6
  4. Avatar BellaJabroni

    I had a 79 TA, L78/WS6 4-speed, fully loaded with T-tops. 255/60 Goodyear Wingfoors, Recurve the distributor, some jetting work to the carb and short shift it at 4500 rpm. I could get 15.1s out if it and regularly dusted L-82 Corvettes. Car & Driver just republished their test of a ‘79 400/4speed car with no A/C and no t-roof and got a 15.3. Today you’d get beat by a V6 Camry but in ‘79 it was as good as it got.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Bob

      L82 Corvettes could be modified as well. Stock for stock, the ’79 L82 Corvettes were quicker and faster cars than the best Trans Ams and Formulas from the same model year. Period. The CAR AND DRIVER test car you mentioned was a preproduction prototype that kicked some 60 HP stronger than actual production cars. MOTOR TREND tested a 1979 Formula that was mechanically identical to the ’79 Trans Am T/A 6.6 4 speed manual. Axle ratio was also identical. The car ran a 16.1 second @ 83.1 MPH quarter, which is right in line with my own experience. Stock for stock, those cars were no match for my ’88 5.0 LX Mustang notch. Different league, really.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Bob

      Given that you brought it up, go to the CAR AND DRIVER reprint article on their website and then check out the comments section. I’m “Iwantmy1le” on there. I’ve provided an abundance of proof that their 1979 test car was a specially prepared prototype, which was actually relatively common practice with that magazine and Pontiac. Indeed, I also provided evidence for that claim with three documented examples.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Bob

        Given that you brought it up, go to the CAR AND DRIVER reprint article on their website and then check out the comments section. I’m “Iwantmy1le” on there. I’ve provided an abundance of proof that their 1979 test car was a specially prepared prototype, which was actually relatively common practice with that magazine and Pontiac. Indeed, I also provided evidence for that claim with three documented examples.

        Like 0
  5. Avatar BA

    The Pontiac 400 , they still sing the praises about that T/A 6.6 in automotive heaven!

    Like 5
  6. Avatar Robert Levins

    What a pity. Too good to buy, by anybody but a museum. I wish I could remain ageless and look as good as I did in 1979. I’m 58 now. I was only 15yrs old when this car was built. I remember them well, especially the “Bandit “ black ones. But even Burt Reynolds is gone now. I think the best Trans Am’s are the ones as projects, or at least mint condition. I kind of feel sorry for the seller and the new buyer. What are you going to do with it? You could open your own museum, add a few more cars, have a constant running movie of Smokey and the Bandit and give out free popcorn. Wait- nobody gives out free anything anymore, that’s a gesture of goodwill. After all, it’s 2023 not 1979.

    Like 8
  7. Avatar Joe S.

    Imagine a fully loaded ’77 Can am with less than 100 miles coming up for sale?!?! Nice car in the OP.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Stan

    Beauty Poncho. Best performing car of 1979 probably. 4sp & 400 = 👍🏁😎

    Like 7
  9. Avatar John Vizzusi

    I say horse milarchy to the milage. The dealer in the day would put on 50 miles. Those old odometers would roll over or it was pretty easy to roll them over yourself. A car needs to be driven. Ifs its true only a few miles, tge engine lubricants and oil are probably turned to solvents wastelands. Let alone the tranny fluid and rear end grease. All the fluids need to be used or replaced. One thing about a car with regular maintenance in a museum but who knows what this jalopy is really like. Frankly I want my muscle car driven, not abused but a daily driver. CHECK the exhaust manafold and intakes for usage, if its heavy with corrosion and cruddy then?

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Motorcityman

    Beautiful ride although I’d prefer a Black interior with the Blue exterior. (I know black is overdone but I don’t like the saddle with the blue)
    Gonna need valve seals replaced after sitting forever……..

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Motorcityman

    Then again……whoever buys this probably won’t drive it either!

    Like 4
  12. Avatar 455RAIV

    Nice T/A – Hot Rod Magazine Did a test on a New Stock 79 T/A WS6 W72 400 4 spd back in the day and got a 14.6 @ 96 mph out of it – no AC power windows etc. NHRA Actually rates these at 285 bhp – Jay Leno who drove one said it felt close like these #’s :)

    Like 1
    • Avatar Rick R

      I really can’t believe your numbers to be right on the 79 Trans at the track. The judges numbers 14.45 seconds @ 97.8 mph in the quarter mile. The judge had 366hp compared to the 285hp of this 79 (14.6 @ 96mph)

      Like 0
      • Avatar Motorcityman

        Don’t forget it’s about power to weight ratio…….and gearing.

        Like 1
      • Avatar JoeNYWF64

        The 8.4 to 1 compression sd-455 firebird was faster than either of the above, with ’73-74 emissions quadrajet, egr & cast iron intake yet.
        Must have been more than 290 advertised hp.

        Like 0
      • Avatar 455RAIV

        Driver makes a difference mentioned he was Really Quick with a 4 spd – DKM’s 1978 Macho T/A W72 400 4
        spd was also Tested by Hot Rod Magazine got a 14.2 @ 98 mph out of it with only exhaust mods – open scoop and tuning and you got a Warranty :)

        Like 1
    • Avatar Bob

      The CAR AND DRIVER test car was a specially prepared ringer. See CAR AND DRIVER’s related webpost and my replies that prove it. I am “Iwantmy1LE” on there and posted a host of relevant information. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a42390355/1979-pontiac-firebird-trans-am-by-the-numbers/

      Like 0
      • Avatar 455RAIV

        Not a Ringer – at our local track Back in the day a New Stock 1978 W72 400 4 spd T/A low option was running 14.7’s in the 1/4 mile – Saw it in person :)

        Like 1
  13. Avatar Michelle Rand Staff

    I disagree with everyone who says driving this car will devalue it, and its only destiny is a garage or a museum. No one is going to pay much extra for 41 miles versus, say, 2500, or even 4500. I believe the new owner can drive it and enjoy it without seriously devaluing it up to some mileage number under 5k. In 10 years, if you accumulate that kind of mileage, you will have a car that’s 10 years older and STILL has incredibly low mileage. Just keep it pristine is all I ask.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Rick R

    Curb weight of a 69 judge (3080 lbs) 366hp, curb weight of a 79 Trans am (3490 ibs) 285hp there’s your weight to hp racial, still in the judges favor. That’s why I don’t believe the track numbers on here for the 79 heck I finally just looked it up (15.81 seconds @ 86.1mph) now that sounds a lot more realistic to me.

    Like 0
    • Avatar z28th1s

      A ’69 GTO Judge weighed a WHOLE lot more than 3,080 pounds. It was closer to 4,000 pounds.

      Like 3
      • Avatar Rick R

        Google the weight of the two cars, I did, I didn’t guess those weights or pick them out of a hat!

        Like 0
    • Avatar z28th1s

      I did and it weighs 4,000 pounds! If you think a ’68-’72 GM intermediate car weighs 3,080 pounds you are seriously mistaken!

      Like 1
      • Avatar Rick R

        I’m probably wrong about the curb weight (wouldn’t be the first or last time ) I just Googled the curb weight of a 1969 gto judge and it gave me the 3080 lb weight. Maybe it’s true that you can’t believe everything you read!

        Like 1
    • Avatar Bob

      3080 pounds for a ’69 Judge? 3,490 pounds for a ’79 Trans Am? 285 HP for a ’79 Trans Am? Where are you getting this “information?” Here’s a vintage road test of a 1969 Judge. Curb weight was 3,735 pounds; test weight was 4.030 pounds. Those are nearly identical to the ’79 Trans Am.http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/members/AardvarkPublisherAttachments/9990410813712/1969-03_CL_GTO_Judge_Test_1-5.pdf. In terms of HP figures, you need to read this:https://ateupwithmotor.com/terms-technology-definitions/gross-versus-net-horsepower/

      Like 0
    • Avatar V

      maybe the car went on a 1962 pontiac swiss cheese diet…

      Like 0
  15. Avatar V

    W72 4 SPEED GREAT SUSPENSION WHATS not to like. better get a hermetic storage area for preservation…

    Like 1
  16. Avatar Darren Lyons

    If I had that dough to blow I consider it my brand new trans am I’d drive it everyday and take supreme care of it you only live once .

    Like 2
  17. Avatar Craig

    That’s the best color combo, along with 4spd!

    Like 3
  18. Avatar Mitch

    Well according to car and driver magazine they tested the 79 trans am, Corvette Saab turbo and a Porsche 924 against a 79 Dodge little red express truck 0 to 100 the Dodge beat them all just saying!!!!

    Like 1
    • Avatar 455RAIV

      Actually that Lil Red Express Truck Tested was the Prototype with Holley Carb – HP heads etc. The Actual Production Lil Red Express Truck ran a 15.7 @ 88 mph – Google Lil Red Express Truck Dodge Connection Scroll to Bottom of Page for 1/4 Mile Times

      Like 1
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      But that truck had no catalytic converter in ’79 – the GM pancake one put in cars back then was especially restrictive. & most t/a’s in ’79 had a 2.41 or 2.56 rear axle ratio! & were fully loaded with heavy(back then) options.

      Like 0
  19. Avatar Mitch

    Oh yeah and in 79 my brother had a little red express truck and I don’t know if it was faster than a trans am but it sure was a wicked little truck and a whole lot of fun and pretty cool looking!!!

    Like 0
  20. Avatar 455RAIV

    JoeNYWF64 NHRA Rates the SD-455 @ 325 HP Stock and can make 650 HP in Super Stock – The W72 400 with 6X Heads is Rated @ 285 HP and can make 570 HP in Super Stock both great low compression motors and when unleashed can really Haul . Peter Biondo Running the 6X 400 Combo has Won 4 NHRA Super Stock World Championships in 3rd and 4th Gen. Firebirds :)

    Like 3
    • Avatar James Biasella

      I had a 77 that had a 71 400 block with 99 heads and a 2 barrel and headers. Would smoke 89 mustang 5.0’s. I had it in the late 80’s in high school. It had a 2.41 highway gear but it ran great

      Like 1
      • Avatar z28th1s

        I will have to throw the BS flag on a 400, 2 barrel Trans Am with 2.41 gears out running ’89 Mustng 5.0’s!

        Like 1
  21. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    I bet there are no (much better looking up front) ’78 or older ones with such low mileage – who in their right mind back then would buy one & never use it – espec after seeing you know what movie.

    Like 1
    • Avatar V

      someone who lives in a glass house

      Like 0

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