The seller states that this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is a genuine survivor. If true, its presentation is extremely tidy, telling the story of a classic that has led a sheltered life. It has 51,000 miles showing on its odometer and has avoided the aftermarket additions often found on vehicles of this vintage. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Trans Am listed here on Craigslist in Melville, New York. The seller has set their price for this classic at $34,895.
The 1979 model year brought the final major styling revision to Pontiac’s Second Generation Firebird range. A sleeker nose, a restyled rear spoiler, and larger fender flares on the Trans Am helped to differentiate it from the previous model year. This ’79 Trans Am is claimed to be a survivor, ordered by its first owner in Nocturne Blue with contrasting multi-hue Blue graphics and decals. The seller is sparing with their information, meaning we must fly blind about this car’s history. However, its overall condition is impressive if the Trans Am is all they claim it to be. The paint shines nicely, the decals are crisp, and there is no evidence of dings, dents, or rust. The plastic trim hasn’t deteriorated, and the glass is clear. Interestingly, the first owner elected to order the car with Rally II wheels, rather than the ultra-popular alloy Snowflakes.
This Trans Am’s interior continues the overall theme of tidy presentation. Trimmed in Blue vinyl, its condition is consistent with a survivor that hasn’t experienced abuse or long-term UV exposure. Some plastic pieces exhibit slight deterioration on close inspection, but that appears to be as bad as it gets. The vinyl is in excellent condition, and the dash, pad, and console have no major shortcomings. The machine-turned gauge fascia shows slight wear, but this interior should receive many positive comments once people learn that it is unrestored. I have a feeling the first owner may have been working to a tight budget, because apart from ice-cold air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, and a tilt wheel, there are no visible factory options.
There’s no delicate way to put this: The mechanical specifications mean that this Trans Am was the least potent available in 1979. Lifting the hood reveals the L37 version of Pontiac’s 301ci V8, developing 150hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, while power-assisted steering and brakes lighten the driver’s load. As with the rest of this classic, the news is extremely positive when we focus on how this Trans Am performs. The seller states that it runs and drives beautifully, making it a turnkey proposition. There is no mention of evidence verifying the mileage claim, but if this Pontiac is a genuine survivor, the condition makes the figure plausible.
This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am makes a positive first impression. Its exterior presentation is first-rate, and the tidy interior helps its cause. It could be ideal for enthusiasts seeking a classic that will provide immediate motoring pleasure. However, even though it has an extremely low odometer reading, the mechanical specifications and the limited number of factory options make me feel the seller’s price is optimistic. Of course, I could be wrong, and I will be happy to be proven so if someone snaps up this classic. What is your view on the subject?
Nice looking car in a unique color with a poor engine choice. Good luck getting $35k for this one.
I wouldn’t say it was poor. More like unrelatable today. The person who ordered the engine probably wanted a more economical and cheaper daily driver in the context of high car payments (interest rates on new car loans were over 15%), high gas prices (up 30-50% from the prior year) and runaway inflation (11% that year). So it is somewhat understandable that somebody would have ordered the car like this when it was new.
You cannot relate to this because you live in an entirely different world and would use the car for an entirely different purpose. But I do agree with you in that for these reasons, the price is way too high. It is simply not a desirable car now.
I’d bet this was in dealer stock rather than a special order by the customer, a dealer would likely want a stripped down TA for advertisement or to have one on the lot a customer that was on a tight budget. Too bad the seller didn’t have a picture of the window sticker, which you get with the PHS packet, that would have shown who ordered it.
This color blue looks really nice, I have a friend with a 74 TA in the same color. He just picked up a set of Mini Lite style Western wheels, with gold centers, the two colors complement each other.
Steve R
yes, very good-looking color a 301 v8 and 35k. this 1 is not going to sell very fast
Great colors, but as previous comments allude to, going to take the right buyer to overlook the heart of this TA and pony up the asking price.
301 motor and not the 403 motor hurts it value..the 301 motor makes it a late 1979 Trans am or a California made ta…
Pontiac 400 should go in with out any trouble,may have to do some transmission work ,the 350 turbo transmission with the 301 may be weeker than with the 400 in it.
For the price you can buy a 400 t/a and save the trouble.
Exactly, you don’t spend $35k on what would effectively be a roller, if you were planning to then swap out the drivetrain.
Steve R
My thought’s too!!
It looks like the “4.9 Litre” scoop decal has been removed. I’m guessing that was probably a popular thing to do.
This is an idea that made a lot of sense back in 1979, when gas prices, interest rates, and inflation were rising rapidly, and you would buy this and use it as a daily. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to a buyer of a 1979 Trans Am today, who would be a car enthusiast and would only drive it occasionally. So I too do not see this selling very quickly.
My late father had this car with the 403 & cloth interior, new in 79. If this one had the 403, my mother might be a buyer.
Good looking TA but needs a 400. Its werth $15000 to $20000 as is . It will not sell at the price they have.
A hard PASS for me.
My sister had an ‘81 Trans Am with the 301 non turbo in it and if you didn’t race anyone, the 301 was perfectly adequate. Yeah, it didn’t really carry the torch of the Trans Am name very well but it was decent on gas compared to the bigger engines and it still had the V8 rumble.
Now a days it would be hard to race anything anyhows in an older car when some of the Honda Accords are faster than many old muscle cars. One day I launched all 3 of my cars in the driveway. 2003 Accord 4cyl, 5 speed manual, 2000 Honda Odyssey V6 auto and 1972 Challenger 340 auto. Accord was punchy with the 5 speed, Odyssey was smooth and quick but the challenger felt like an animal when I hit the gas. Back end haunches up, lots of sound and tire spin then took off. But in the end, all 3 cars do 0-60mph in about 8 seconds. And that was back in around 2005. Now cars are quicker.