The iconic “Screaming Chicken” on the hood can only mean one thing: Our feature car is a Pontiac Trans Am. A 1979 model, this Trans Am has undergone a thorough professional restoration, leaving it presenting beautifully. Add to the equation the first owner’s decision to order the car with the desirable 400ci V8 and four-speed combination, and this classic should provide a rewarding driving experience. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting a classic that needs nothing but a new home. You will find the Trans Am listed here on Craigslist in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, with an asking price of $44,000.
As often happens with Hollywood celebrities, Pontiac treated the Trans Am to a nose job in 1979. It provided a more aggressive appearance, but otherwise, it was business as usual with the rest of the exterior. The first owner ordered this gem in Starlight Black with a T-Top. The seller indicates that it recently emerged from a restoration, and that helps to explain the lack of panel and paint imperfections. The exterior looks deep enough to walk into, the gaps are tight and consistent, and there are no rust issues. One striking feature of this classic is its graphics. Many Trans Ams from this era finished in Black feature Gold decals, but this car wears tri-tone Red and Orange. It is a striking choice that helps the car to stand out. The T-Top and remaining glass are in good condition, and the restoration included treating the Snowflake wheels to a refresh.
Trans Am buyers in 1979 could choose from three engines to power their new purchase, and the pick of the bunch was undoubtedly Pontiac’s 400ci V8. That was the powerplant selected by this car’s first owner, teamed with the mandatory four-speed manual transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. This was the last hurrah for the 400, an engine that had formed the backbone of the Firebird range since 1967. It produces 220hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque, with both figures considered impressive in an era of dwindling power outputs. The seller doesn’t specifically state that this Pontiac is numbers-matching, but that is the impression conveyed in the listing. They pulled the engine and transmission during the restoration, resealing both and performing a cosmetic refresh. The list of parts replaced during the build is extensive, with almost every brake component new, while the same is true for the exhaust, fuel tank, and tires. The Trans Am runs and drives well, ready to provide the buyer with immediate classic motoring pleasure.
The Trans Am’s interior didn’t escape attention during the restoration, receiving a retrim in striking Red cloth and vinyl. As you might expect, there is nothing inside this classic deserving criticism. It looks almost factory fresh and is guaranteed to draw praise at a show or a Cars & Coffee. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, a rear defogger, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, which purists will welcome.
Although they are close cousins, I have always felt that the Second Generation Firebird range has a styling advantage over the equivalent Chevrolet Camaro. Of course, that is a personal opinion, and your view may differ from mine. Even if that is the case, it is hard to argue against the positive impression this 1979 Trans Am makes. The restoration appears to have been faithful, and the new owner will need to do nothing but slip behind the wheel and head into the sunset. Recent successful sales results suggest that while it isn’t cheap, the seller’s price appears competitive. Would you consider pursuing this classic further?
Not one picture of the front of the vehicle.
It’s okay, that nose was horrible anyway… 77/78 was the nose to have.
Beautiful car, looks to be a well done restoration. No mention of mileage? Cars like this should be listed on BaT, eBay or some other car enthusiast site for more serious buyers. Craigslist is the Dollar General of car selling.
Funny… .my comments disappear…
They didn’t disappear. They just went to moderation until a human could take a look.
That’s a lot of coin for a disco era Trans Am.
I dunno. W-72 T/As are considered quite desirable. 1979s with that engine are actually quite rare. I think the ask is reasonable for this car.
Last true hot rod T/A until many yrs later.
Aftermarket AC compressor.
Red interior and decals kill this otherwise beautiful Trans Am. Interior should be black and decals gold. Just my opinion.
John
To each his own, John. Not everyone wants their car to look just like every other one you see. Personally, I like the different look, not just another “Bandit” twin. My cousin had a 79 or 80 T/A back in the day. His was dark blue with the camel interior and gold bird, but not the SE gold stripes. It was a very classy looking T/A. There was a metallic brown unit in our town that was also very nice. Probably my all time favorite I saw in person was white with the red interior and black and red bird.
The red interior looks a bit loud in the pics, but as an owner of a 79 Cutlass with similar “Carmine Red” interior, I can attest that the actual color in person is a darker red and not a glaring as it looks in photos
No one cares what you think. These are known as Redbirds and are very rare
Maybe no one cares what you think either. Just because it’s rare doesn’t mean everyone has to like it. I still don’t like it.
Trunk lid seems a bit off. Maybe they hadn’t shut it all the way
I could be mistaken, but I think all of the ‘79 400 4 speed T/A’s also had the WS6 handling package that included 4 wheel disc brakes, and 8” snowflake wheels. The wheels on this car are the 7” versions. Hmmm…
If numbers match, this could be one of just over 1800 1979 TA’s that left the factory with the “leftover” real Pontiac 400 cu. in. v8. which required the 4speed standard shift. A close examination would be advised to determine its true value.
You guys are all wrong including the author. This was my cousins car which he bought from the original owner who has since passed and ITS ALL STOCK NO RESTORATION. The owners son bought but back from my cousin a few yrs ago. Everything is original and the radio also sports a CB. It has every available option . I can’t wait to tell my cousin. If this was posted a month ago he might have bought it back but he just bought a 67 Mustang
The Craig’s list advertisement claims it is a fresh restoration, new paint and decals and interior. That’s what the person advertising it is saying.
I would say ‘buyer beware’