There is often debate amongst enthusiasts regarding what constitutes a genuine survivor. Many will argue that the vehicle in question should be unmolested and unrestored, with no aftermarket modifications. If you subscribe to that school of thought, this 1977 Pontiac Trans Am goes mighty close to ticking those boxes. It features only one visible upgrade, which can be easily reversed. It has an original 31,000 miles on the clock and is ready to head to a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Trans Am listed here on eBay in Mount Clemens, Michigan. The seller set their BIN at $29,995 with the option to make an offer.

Pontiac treated its entire Second Generation Firebird range to a facelift for the 1977 model year, adding a new nose and dual rectangular headlamps for a more aggressive appearance. The updates struck a chord with buyers, resulting in the Trans Am setting a new sales record of 68,744 vehicles. The first owner ordered this 1977 model in Brentwood Brown, with the car featuring the typical contrasting Gold decals and the iconic Screaming Chicken. The seller emphasizes this classic’s originality, with no mention of repairs or restoration. The paint shines nicely, there are no obvious panel defects, the decals are free from checking, and the seller assures us that this beauty is rust-free. The tinted glass is crystal clear, and the Trans Am rolls on a spotless set of Snowflake wheels.

I was disappointed to discover that while the seller takes great pains to describe the state of this car’s engine bay, they fail to supply any supporting images. Decoding the VIN confirms that lifting the hood should reveal a 403ci Olds V8, backed by the obligatory three-speed Hydramatic transmission. The 403 generates 185hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance by the standards of the day. The seller confirms that the Trans Am has been appropriately maintained and that it has a genuine 31,700 miles showing on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but there may be Service Records that would eliminate any doubts. This Pontiac is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving extremely well. That makes it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

The first owner’s decision to trim this Trans Am’s interior in Buckskin vinyl complements the exterior paint shade perfectly. Examining the interior features seems to suggest that they may have been working to a budget, because it doesn’t score air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, or a tilt wheel. Someone has swapped in a modern stereo, which is the only modification that I have been able to identify. However, reversing that change would be relatively easy if the buyer prefers a “factory” look. The interior condition suggests that this Pontiac has always been treated respectfully, and the lack of wear also supports the mileage claim. It is almost assured that it would receive compliments at any Cars & Coffee, courtesy of its spotless presentation.

This 1977 Pontiac Trans Am isn’t loaded with factory options, although it is an exceptionally tidy vehicle that has generated interest since hitting the market. It has attracted over 430 Listing Views in the past day alone, with 28 people adding it to their Watch List. That raises the question of whether the buyer’s BIN is justified, particularly in an environment where values have dropped over the past year. If the odometer reading can be verified with documentation, it probably is. That is almost always the key in situations like this. Do you agree?