Few body styles evoke the visceral response of the second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Almost everyone over 50 has a story about a Trans Am. With its predatory front-end redesign, aggressive shaker scoop, and the bold, iconic “screaming chicken” decal commanding the hood, the 1979 model year marked both the absolute zenith of the Trans Am’s market dominance and the twilight of the classic muscle era. This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is located in the Huntington Station area of New York. Listed here on Craigslist for $25,795, this 51,000-mile “survivor” is not just another classic for sale; it is a remarkably well-preserved time capsule from a legendary chapter in Detroit history. We appreciate Jack M. sending us this listing.
Beneath the shaker hood, the 1979 model year offered three different V8 engines. This Trans Am has Pontiac’s economy-focused L37 301-cubic-inch V8, which pushed out 150 horsepower. However, the most common powerhouse was the Oldsmobile-sourced L80 403-cubic-inch (6.6L) V8. Producing 185 horsepower, this smooth-revving engine was paired exclusively with a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. For performance purists, the holy grail was the W72 Pontiac-built 400-cubic-inch (T/A 6.6) V8. Because Pontiac officially ceased production of the 400 block in 1978, they stashed away roughly 10,000 engines to give the ’79 model a high-performance send-off. Rated at 220 horsepower and mated strictly to a Borg-Warner Super T-10 four-speed manual, only 8,326 Trans Ams were built with this highly coveted powertrain.
Like most Nocturne blue Trans Ams, this car has the light blue interior. Demand for Pontiac’s pony car hit an all-time high. Pontiac produced a staggering 211,453 Firebirds in 1979, and remarkably, the top-tier Trans Am accounted for more than half of those sales, with 117,108 units leaving the factory. The 1979 model year also debuted a dramatic visual facelift, replacing the previous dual split-grille nose with a continuous, aerodynamic front end featuring four distinct rectangular headlights. This car appears to have tilt steering, rear defrost, and air conditioning, but no T-Tops or power windows.
In 1979, Pontiac offered exterior paint codes including Starlight Black, Cameo White, Platinum Poly, Solar Gold, Nocturne Blue, Atlantis Blue, Mayan Red, Heritage Brown, and Sierra Copper. Inside, buyers could choose between standard and deluxe cloth or vinyl packages in colors like Camel Tan, Carmine Red, Oyster, Black, and Blue—or the bespoke silver leather exclusive to the 10th Anniversary Edition. This looks like a clean survivor and is priced reasonably.
A 301 in a Trans Am, what a joke. That engine should have been replaced as soon as the warranty expired. I would think by then the owner would have been tired of being embarrassed at every red light.
I had a 1979 Firebird Formula with the Pontiac 301 v8. It was a dependable iron block & manifold engine.I got a decent 20 miles to the gallon so I was happy with the car and it looked like the black bandit with T-Tops, gold honeycomb rims and had the black aluminum louvered rear window covers.
I was anything but embarrassed driving it. It looked , ran, & sounded cool. You just could not race anyone with it. I got plenty of complements driving it.
I got 219,000 miles out of it and sold it when i blew the rear end completely. The biggest problem was I had to replace the starter 5 times. Also it was front heavy so the rear was slippery and forget driving in snow, The rear end headed for the road shoulder ditch every time.
It was not a tire smoker but on the highway it had no trouble running over 100 miles per hour for hours. I had it up to the “P” in MPH as the speedometer only went up to 90 but the needle kept moving clockwise to straight down.I estimated by the tachometer it could go 130MPH. The car flew straight like a dart and I could steer with my knee while doing other things because the pitman arm power steering was so effortless.
In performance terms the motor was anemic having a 2 barrel Rochester carburetor on a a spacer on an intake manifold with holes for a 4 barrel. I also had a custom legal(ish) true dual exhaust with dual catalytic converters and Porsche mufflers ending in Trans-am double chrome tips.
You know, the article starts and you’re encouraged. But then as you go on, you’re disappointed.
301? Fairly dirty and surface rusty in a good bit of places? Plus Missing a few things like power options, no radio. Makes you wonder what else.
It’s a nice nostalgic 15k car. But that’s about it
I have a 78 TA it’s 400 auto not 4 speed
Too bad, as the 400/4-speed cars had a different engine.
In my opinion the whole reason an f-body car exists is to carry the t-top roof around. A Trans Am without t-tops has no soul. It’s a bit overpriced for a full roof car with a 301. Very nice though.
This one remains today because it wasn’t bought to be thrashed. Somebody wanted a T/A to drive around now and then and that was it. We all had those relatives who owned cars or other things that made you say, huh.
The 301 was okay in a basic family car like a Lemans from that era but not in a Trans Am. In 1980 I was thinking very strongly about getting a new one. The most ‘powerful’ out local dealer had, had a 301 Turbo one. I didn’t buy it. It was a disappointment. I absolutely loved the looks but my 74 C10 with a 454 had sooo much more torque and power so the Trans Am was a big let down. For those that don’t know, a 1974 truck engine 454 wasn’t exactly a screaming demon like a 70 Chevelle SS with a 454 either.
I still have my 1979 Trans-Am. I ordered it to autocross. My home SCCA region had the F-stock national champion, he ran a 1970 Z-28. I ran almost equal times to him and did beat him. I also went to a weekend open track day at Watkins Glen, we had a blast. My car was ordered with WS6 package, no air conditioning and automatic and the 301 V8. Yes, the 301 wasn’t the most powerful engine, but it handled extremely well. I have many twisty roads near me and still like to drive it like I stole it. There is more to life than red lights.
Fair enough.
not my favorite year but it is clean and looks good. at least the seller not asking 50k for it. great buy if it could be had for 20k
Well l had the following 1977 t/a hard top red color with the 400 engine auto & the 1979 ta with the lift off roof blue on blue interior 403 Olds mobile engine. An my wife have a 1999 ram air t/a ws6 LS1 5.7 engine with 320 hp 6 sp manual. with almost 39,000 mi on the Odom garage kept 95% of the time.excepe when being driven.well it’s not for sale at the moment but it can be if the price is right. since they are not product any more Pontiac at the moment.
It’s red with gray interior.
Nice car but 301 kills it, automatic with roll ups no option car way overpriced, have seen it listed everywhere not selling, hard in this market to get 25k for a 15k car
I like it, at my age it’s more show than go lol :)
Just to set the record straight.. I have never owned or driven a Trans Am!
This a good looking TA and in nice condition , It needs a 400 in it . As it sits Its Werth about $12000 to $15000 not $25000. This person has ben trying to see this car for this price for about 2 years. You would think they would get the hint there asking to much and drop the price. Some one said they had 200000 miles on a 301 TA before they sold it , you are the first person that I have heard getting that kind of miles on a 301. Most of them blew apart or just plane wore out before 100000 miles. they had weak crank shafts in them , and would break behind piston number 2 .
This is a very nice looking car and a future collectible but I’m afraid is overpriced for this market. The Pontiacs of this time a very desirable but this car with beautiful color will bring much interest but at half the price would be worthwhile…