Potential buyers will often place a great store in the concept of a classic with a long-term ownership history. This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am ticks that box, with its low odometer reading adding to its appeal. It has been a treasured possession of its current owner for thirty-six years, but the time has come for it to find a new home. The Trans Am is listed here on Facebook in Vancouver, Washington. It could be yours by handing the seller $24,000.
The seller has listed this Trans Am on behalf of his father. He purchased the car as a fortieth birthday present to himself and has decided that now he is seventy-six, it needs a new owner. It has been garage-kept throughout those decades and is a tidy and solid classic. Its original Mayan Red paint looks acceptable for its age, with a respectable shine and a collection of minor flaws and defects. The seller acknowledges the shortcomings, leaving the new owner to choose between preservation and cosmetic restoration. The panels are straight, the decals are fairly crisp, and the seller confirms it is rust-free. A nice touch is the window louvers, which are period-appropriate and a feature you rarely see on survivors of this vintage. The trim is spotless, but the windshield is cracked. The car rolls on Rally II wheels that are in good order.
Buyers could choose from three engines to power their 1978 Trans Am. This car’s original owner opted for the 403ci Olds V8, producing 185hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque. The default transmission was a three-speed automatic, with no manual option available with this powerplant. Combine the self-shifter with power assistance for the steering and brakes, and the driving experience should be effortless. It is claimed this classic has a genuine 75,000 miles on the clock, but there is no mention of verifying evidence. However, the long-term ownership history means it may be available via such items as Service History documentation. They indicate the car was last licensed in 2009 and that there is a slight transmission leak. They use the word “overhaul” in this YouTube video, but whether this is transmission-specific or relates to other mechanical components is unclear. The video includes a comprehensive walkaround, letting us hear the V8 start and run. It kicks into life at the first turn of the key and sounds excellent.
Lack of care and a history of abuse or neglect can become apparent when examining the interior of most classics. This Trans Am ticks many of the right boxes, with no significant faults or evidence of aftermarket additions. I have included additional photos showing the seats at the bottom of the article. They are upholstered in White vinyl, and the current owner’s decision to install slipcovers from Day One means they look fantastic. The same is true of the remaining upholstered surfaces, the dash and pad. The only item showing significant deterioration is the console lid. However, with replacements retailing for under $80, addressing that shortcoming is straightforward and affordable. The Pontiac features air conditioning, but the compressor belt is missing. They confirm it is inoperative, leaving the new owner to diagnose and address the problem. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, with the buyer receiving the beautiful machine-turned dash fascia and gauges that are an integral part of the Trans Am package, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player to relieve boredom on long journeys.
This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am isn’t perfect, but it could be ideal for an enthusiast seeking a driver-grade classic that will offer a relaxed ownership experience. Its history makes it attractive, and its overall condition suggests it has led a sheltered life. It has been for sale for nine weeks, and my instincts tell me the price might be slightly optimistic. Trans Am values have suffered recently, and it is a harsh fact that those with the Olds engine are less desirable than examples featuring the company’s own V8. Do you agree? If you do, what do you think the price should be?
It has a Olds 403,very narrow window for any performance upgrades at least without spending a ton of cash versus it’s Pontiac counterpart.How about a Olds 455 swap?my white 78′ came with the Pontiac 400 and TH350 trans,3.23 gears.After re-curving the distributor,headers,flowasters on 2.5in exhaust and MSD ignition system was good for 130+mph on the highway,it even had a/c and cruise control..
Narrow window with 403? My 403 with different heads, a cam, and a set of headers ran mid 12’s in the quarter. 403’s just need to breathe, and their original heads had tiny exhaust passages. On yeah, wasn’t high cost aftermarket heads, just junkyard older olds heads. Sure wasn’t “tons of money” or even tons of work.
Older heads?it was a 2yr production run,one choice of heads unless you buy aftermarket,or the long winded route?using 350 heads and the bottom end is weaker than a Pontiac w/o using the bottom end girdle.Dollar for dollar you can run 12s with a Pontiac for less.
Olds heads from 1968 thru 1972, tons out there. My 403 “weak bottom end” ran to 6000 rpm many times, no issues.
A friend of mine had one like this back one the day; it was a little rough but that’s how you afforded a T/A at that age. He died a while ago from cancer, way too early. Yet every time I see one of these he’s the first thought that pops in my head.
Nice car and thanks for the good memories.
Nice car but i would stick with 75 and down if i wanted one.
I think you mean ’74 & down. The ’75 400 lost 40 hp! & the turbo 400 auto trans was replaced with a T-350 trans.
Odd tho CARB exempts ’75 & older cars from smog ck. Should be ’74 & older.
Could be an oversight on their part.
77-78 were the last good looking Birds from Pontiac, never cared for the 79-81 nose job. Had a 77 Formula back in 79-80, all black with gold stripes and accents, 400 automatic. Loved that car, but wife lost her job and we had to sell it, wanted another one ever since. I think they may be optimistic on their price, I see similar cars that are Pontiac powered not bringing that kind of money unless they are Bandit editions.
I agree, the ’79 nose change does not look as nice. But they sold a ton of then in ’79. But, that was pretty much true across all models. Not sure why.
I know that by ’81, when I bought my first car, things were not as good for car dealerships.
I should say, when I bought my first brand new car.
The Chevy dealership was a ghostyard and the sales manager was willing to make a great deal if I would take any Camaro off the lot. I decided to order one, though.
24 HhhhaaAa thousand HhhhaaAa dollar HhhhaaAa… In a pigs eye. Not even 4000. You’re going to need lots for repairs