We are lucky enough to see some extraordinary classics crossing our desks at Barn Finds, and this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am could be up there with the best of them. It presents superbly and appears to be unmolested. However, it is its odometer reading that sets it apart, with the seller claiming that the 7,400 miles it shows is a genuine reading. There might be Trans Ams of this vintage with lower numbers, but you can be sure there won’t be many. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this amazing survivor.
It is always frustrating when a seller presents a classic the caliber of this 1979 Trans Am but offers no backstory to explain their bold claims. It definitely presents beautifully, with its original Code 75 Red paint shining like a new penny. I can’t spot any marks or imperfections, while the panels are laser-straight. The seller states the Pontiac has been garage-kept its entire life, helping to explain why there is no plastic deterioration and no evidence of checking on the decals. The glass is crystal clear and the Snowflake wheels are flawless. They wear newer BF Goodrich tires, suggesting that even though the car sees little use, its owners strived to retain it in a roadworthy state.
This Trans Am’s interior continues the “wow factor” theme, presenting in almost perfect condition. The seller acknowledges a tear on one window trim but provides no images showing the problem. Otherwise, the Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are spotless, and there is no carpet wear. The dash, pad, and console are in as-new condition, and the beautiful machine-turned gauge fascia is free from deterioration. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and the supplied images make it challenging to make a definite call on a full list of factory options. However, I can identify air conditioning, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player with a power antenna.
The water turns slightly muddy when we focus on this Trans Am’s mechanical specifications, but careful observation leads me to believe that the engine bay houses the 403ci “Olds” V8, which sends 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque to the tarmac via a three-speed automatic transmission. The scoop decals confirm it isn’t the 301ci powerplant, and while I could be wrong, it is my understanding that buyers could not order Pontiac’s 400ci V8 teamed with a self-shifter. What makes this Trans Am intriguing is the claimed odometer reading of 7,400 genuine miles. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence, but since it appears they are approachable, it is a question I would pose before committing my hard-earned cash to this purchase. The Trans Am runs and drives, suggesting it is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
If this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is all the seller claims, it is an extraordinary discovery that might pose a dilemma for its new owner. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Street, Maryland. Their asking price of $50,000 is at the top end of the market, but that figure isn’t unprecedented if its story is verifiable. The decision facing the buyer is what to do once the Trans Am is safely tucked away in their garage. Should it remain there, protected from the elements as an investment? Or should it be driven and enjoyed as its creators intended? There is no denying that part of its value rests in the odometer reading, and every additional mile accumulated may adversely impact its investment potential. I acknowledge that if I bought it, I’d be paying top dollar for a car that common sense says should be preserved. However, I would find the prospect of hitting the road irresistible. Do you feel the same?
$50,000 yet , no engine pictures ? Build sheet ? Options ?
Could be ordered with 4 speed manual too..
This is a 400 cu. in. / 4 speed price. Not the anemic olds mated to a slushbox…sorry seller.
Cooter, I agree completely. I happen to think that these seventies era Trans Am’s are overpriced to start with, but this one for sure is.
Nice car but $50,000 is a bit much, imo, by a lot. If original, the “6.6 Litre” hood scoop decal denotes an Olds 403ci engine which could only be had with an automatic. If the scoop read T/A 6.6 then that would be a Pontiac 400ci engine which could be had with a manual 4 speed for 1979.
I just picked up a 1 owner, 24000 mile 79 TA 403 auto for 17k. 50k kind of high.
When these were new and everywhere you could spot the engine by how high the shaker stood out of the hood. Pontiacs were taller than the Olds. This is a beautiful car in the buccaneer red.
Not with the ’77 – the scoop itself was very/too short – was made taller later.
I still prefer the even taller ’73-76 shaker that was much easier to open up.
I also much prefer the original sinister orange/yellow/black hood bird used on red ’73 T/As – take a look at one. Any ’78 or later red one needing a new hood bird should get 1 of those, IMO. Or none & a white shaker, if you prefer.
Too bad Pontiac changed the hood in ’77 – it would have been a lot easier to put on a ’70-73 nose.
Odd Pontiac would later offer a power antenna like on this one, when there’s already one hidden in the windshield – even if you got no radio at all!
These days tho, IMO, there’s nothing much to listen to on AM or FM in my area, unless you like sports talk radio – or other languages – or a lot of commercials with incredibly annoying speeded up disclosures at the end that you can’t understand! & many stations are a lot WEAKER in signal strength than they used to be.
I am not sure about the weaker radio stations , it looks like its other wireless transmissions that are affecting these , look it up cause we are being lied to on many levels
Whats up with that real spoiler not lining up at the trunk lid to quarter panel gap ? The spoiler line above taillight on passenger side also appears inconsistent. . Seller claims the car has been garaged . Maybe it has been garaged with low miles because the rear quarter got wiped out shortly after purchasing ? Just sayin
Build quality was very poor in the ’70s – these 3 piece rear spoilers were not attached using robots, or carefully by hand. My orig ’74 bird has the same 3 piece rear spoiler not lining up.
Some ’74 z28 optional rear decals were not applied evenly either.
Ck this out!
https://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/camaro-6.jpg
from
https://barnfinds.com/amazing-survivor-1974-chevrolet-camaro-z28/
I owned at least 6 from this era, most of the spoilers were misaligned and all of the body molding had gaps and waves in them. Not being negative just honest .
The car was recently purchased from McGinity Motorworks for $46. Theres many pics on the website . The undercarriage sure is dirty for such low miles
No tilt, no cruise, crank windows and the base level seats. Also, the power antenna is aftermarket, as the factory was on the drivers front fender. 25K at best…
Has to be the 403.
I have never seen a single T/A with the 400 and the “6.6 Litre” scoop sticker. However, almost every 403 has been swapped from the “6;6 Litre” sticker to the “T/A 6.6” sticker.
Maybe they don’t make reprodutions?
At least with the ’76 & older models, everyone built got a Pont motor & big cubes.