Cars that emerged during The Malaise Era once enjoyed a limited following, but they have now “grown legs” in the classic market. A new generation of enthusiasts has warmly embraced them, and values have climbed accordingly. This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am is a perfect example of the breed. The seller’s price isn’t chicken feed, but its condition and originality make it worth a close look. It is a two-owner survivor with plenty of original documentation, and the solitary modification is easily reversible. The Trans Am is listed here on Craigslist in Tilton, Illinois. It could be yours for $46,500, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this motoring gem.
It was no secret that by 1978, Pontiac’s Second Generation Firebird range was becoming pretty long in the tooth. The company performed a facelift in 1977 that changed the front appearance markedly, but the upgrades for 1978 were very minor. Buyers could choose from fourteen paint shades, and this classic’s original owner selected subtle Cameo White. The seller emphasizes the car’s originality, and its condition is impressive if, as the seller claims, it has never received work. The paint retains a pleasant shine, and even the prone front bumper is free from significant chips or marks. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but its lack of rust is the best news. It could be an issue with these classics, but this garage-kept Pontiac has never seen inclement weather. The decals look remarkably crisp, and the glass is crystal clear. The exterior reveals what I believe may be the only modification. When the first owner took delivery, this survivor wore Rally II wheels, but they swapped these for iconic Snowflakes. Reversing this change would be straightforward, but I would probably leave it untouched if I were the new owner.
The originality of this classic extends to its interior, which is as it left the factory. The original floor mats are intact, while nobody has swapped the factory AM/FM stereo radio for an aftermarket unit. The Carmine Red trim is in exceptional condition, supporting the claim the Trans Am has always been treated respectfully. There is no significant wear, signs of abuse, or UV damage. The plastic is in good order, and the machine-turned dash fascia is perfect. The first owner didn’t opt for power windows or locks, but the buyer will score air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt wheel.
Pontiac continued to strive to provide performance alternatives during The Malaise Era, and this Trans Am proves that. Its W72 version of the 400ci V8 sends 220hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque to the Safe-T-Track rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. Admittedly, the Trans Am was no longer a fire-breathing beast, but its ¼-mile ET of 16 seconds showed an auto-equipped Camaro Z28 a clean set of heels by almost a second. The gap grew if the drivers kept the pedal to the metal and wound both cars to their claimed top speed. The Trans Am’s 400 will run out of breath with the needle nudging 130mph, but the Z28 “hits the wall” at 103mph. This Pontiac is a numbers-matching classic, with its originality extending to the spare in the trunk. The buyer receives some welcome documentation, including the original Owner’s Manual, Warranty Schedule, Service Records, and a partial Window Sticker. It has a genuine 38,000 miles on the clock and has always been meticulously maintained. The car runs and drives perfectly, ready for some summer fun.
If someone is willing to accept compromise, they will undoubtedly find cheaper rust-free examples of the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am in the current classic market. The key word in that sentence is “compromise” because those cars are unlikely to be as beautifully preserved and original as this two-owner classic. The seller’s price is nudging the top end of the market, but I believe the figure is justified. The new owner will drive away in a pretty special car, but will you be that person?
If power windows and automatic prevent you from appreciating this car it may be just as well. Nice looking T/A.
On the other hand, $46,500 is a lot of money to spend on a car that doesn’t check all the right boxes. Personally, I wouldn’t pass on a car without power windows, but I would definitely pass on a slushbox. W72 Trans Ams aren’t so rare that you need to pounce on the first nice one you find.