While manufacturers typically provide buyers with a wide range of paint shades, some are iconic, and finding a particular classic wearing that color feels “right.” Such is the case with the Second Generation Pontiac Trans Am, with Starlight Black inextricably linked to the badge. This 1977 example perfectly demonstrates that, and although it isn’t a pristine vehicle, it is a rock-solid driver that can be enjoyed immediately. Adding to its appeal is the mechanical configuration, the most desirable offered by Pontiac in that model year. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on eBay in Evans, Georgia. The current high bid of $30,101 is below the reserve but comes as a result of some fairly intense interest.

It is my personal opinion, but I have always felt that the Second Generation Firebird range aged better than its Camaro cousin during its production life. Pontiac developed a solid combination of paint shades and graphics and didn’t mess with these in a way that resulted in its cars looking brash. This Trans Am’s combination of deep Starlight Black paint and gold decals is undeniably classy, although the Screaming Chicken will appeal to those who prefer a touch of flamboyance. The seller describes this gem as a tidy driver, revealing that an in-person inspection will reveal minor cosmetic imperfections. The paint holds an impressive depth of color and shine, and the decals look crisp and clean. However, the ace up its sleeve could be its rust-free status, because this gem has avoided the issues that often plague the rails, rear valance, and trunk pan. Therefore, regardless of what the future holds for this Pontiac, it won’t involve interaction with a grinder or welder. The first owner ordered this Pontiac with an optional T-top, and the lack of interior moisture damage suggests that the seals are sound. The glass and trim are in generally good order, with the seller confirming that there are scratches on the driver’s window. The factory wheels have made way for a set of 17″ Snowflakes that add a sense of purpose to the appearance.

Life for motoring enthusiasts was pretty miserable by 1977, with many formerly potent vehicles capable of doing little more than converting fuel into noise. Pontiac continued to strive to provide decent performance, as demonstrated by this Trans Am. Its mechanical configuration is the most desirable available during that model year. The buyer receives a 400ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The V8 should produce 200hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque, allowing this classic to cover the ¼-mile in 16 seconds. Those figures made the Trans Am a shadow of its former self, but considering the best the Camaro Z28 could muster was a 16.7-second ET and the Ford Mustang II Cobra II took 17.5 seconds to complete the same journey, life looked pretty good behind the wheel of this Trans Am. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. It has no mechanical maladies or shortcomings, completing a recent extended road trip with no problems.

This Trans Am’s interior makes me wonder whether the original owner ordered it with one eye on their budget. It doesn’t score typical luxury touches like air conditioning or power windows, and the seller confirms that the factory radio has made way for a modern CD player that sounds excellent. The interior is tidy, with no rips or tears on any of the Black vinyl surfaces. The driver’s seatcover suffers the typical stretching, and if the winning bidder doesn’t want to splash the cash on replacement trim, a set of high-quality slipcovers would hide that shortcoming. Otherwise, there are no cosmetic needs. Functional issues are confined to an inoperative tach and horn, although tracing the faults shouldn’t be difficult.

The auction action on this 1977 Pontiac Trans Am has been spirited, with twenty-nine bids pushing it to its current level. The healthy tally on the Watch List further demonstrates that this classic has ticked the boxes for many enthusiasts. It isn’t pristine, but arriving at a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this Pontiac would cause its next owner no shame. The lack of rust would make a cosmetic refresh fairly straightforward for anyone considering lifting its presentation to a higher level. The fact it is a turnkey vehicle would allow that person to contemplate their options as they enjoy the car in its current form. Would you treat this Trans Am to a restoration, or would you be happy to enjoy this survivor as-is?