Claims of low mileage with many classics must be taken with a grain of salt, particularly if the vehicle in question hails from an era when five-digit analog odometers were a common feature. However, this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am SE stands apart from the crowd, because the enormous collection of original paperwork supplied by the seller includes verifying documentation for the reading of 53,860 genuine miles. This classic presents superbly, needing nothing but a new owner. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on Craigslist in Center Moriches, New York. They set their price at $49,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for this fantastic find.

Some cars and paint shades are almost inextricably linked, and such is the case with almost any 1970s Pontiac Trans Am and Starlight Black. The Gold graphics add to the iconic look, and there’s a lot to like about our feature car. The paint shines deeply, with no flaws or issues justifying criticism. The graphics are crisp and free from shrinkage, while the lack of interior water damage confirms that the seals for the T-top are in good order. Trans Ams from this period are prone to rust, but there is more good news on this front for potential buyers. Ziebart waved its magic wand over this classic when it was new, and the buyer will reap the benefits when they take possession of a Trans Am that is rust-free and rock-solid. The beautiful Snowflake wheels are in good order and were recently treated to a new set of Goodyear tires.

Sadly, this image of the Screaming Chicken is as close as we get to seeing what hides under this Pontiac’s hood. However, the seller confirms that this classic is powered by the 403ci Olds V8, delivering 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque. This motor was only offered with a three-speed automatic transmission, while power-assisted steering and brakes were standard fare. With the ability to deliver a 16.6-second ¼-mile ET, the 403 was significantly slower than cars powered by the company’s 400ci V8. However, it could be worse. Pontiac offered a 301ci V8 where you could almost measure the ¼-mile journey with a calendar! The seller states that this beauty has a genuine 53,860 miles on its odometer and that this is documented. They supply an enormous selection of original paperwork, including the Dealer Order, Build Sheet, Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Warranty Book, and the original Title. Potential buyers should consider this Trans Am a turnkey proposition that runs and drives as well as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor.

The first owner teamed this Trans Am’s Starlight Black exterior with Camel Tan interior cloth and vinyl trim. The cloth used during this period developed a reputation for marks and deterioration, but there are no such problems inside this Pontiac. The carpet is clean but slightly faded in a couple of spots, the plastic is in good order, and there is no evidence of abuse or UV damage to the plastic. It appears that an aftermarket radio/cassette player may occupy the spot reserved for the factory unit, but it is the only addition. It features many of the factory options traditionally selected by buyers during this period, including air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel.

This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am SE is a fantastic survivor that would seem ideal for enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver. The odometer reading isn’t the lowest we have seen at Barn Finds, but it is well below average. It appears to need nothing and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. The seller’s price is at the top end of the market, particularly in an environment when values have slumped by around 10% in the past year. History suggests they will probably climb again, but are you willing to roll the dice?