We’ve seen plenty of Second Generation Pontiac Trans Ams over the past decade at Barn Finds, but this Firebird appears like a breath of fresh air. It offered its original owner a satisfying driving experience without the “in your face” graphics usually associated with its more potent brethren. What it represents is a low-mileage survivor that shows no evidence of neglect or abuse. Barn Finder T.J spotted the Firebird, so a big thank you goes out for that. Located in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, the owner has listed this classic for sale here on Craigslist. They have set their price at $18,500, although they may entertain offers or a trade for the right vehicle.
The original owner ordered this Firebird in Camel Metallic with a subtle contrasting gold pinstripe. It continues to present well, and if the seller’s claim that most of the paint is original proves correct, it shows no evidence of abuse or neglect. The paint has an excellent depth of color and shine, with only a few minor blemishes. The panels are straight, while the exterior plastic has survived for more than four decades with no evidence of deterioration. Rust can be the mortal enemy of these classics, but this car shows promise. There is nothing visible in the supplied photos, with the seller emphasizing that the car has been cherished since Day One. The Rally wheels are clean and free from damage, and the glass is flawless. First impressions suggest that the buyer won’t be reaching into their wallet for anything beyond the purchase price of this Pontiac.
While it may not possess the performance credential of a genuine Trans Am, this Firebird should still hold its head high in a “traffic light Grand Prix.” The engine bay houses a 301ci V8 that produced 150hp in its prime. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, a Posi rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. A ¼-mile ET of 18.2 seconds may not sound that staggering by today’s standards, but it was about what owners came to expect during the late 1970s. This Pontiac is a numbers-matching classic in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives well, and with a genuine 78,000 miles on the clock, it should provide many years of enjoyable motoring. The supplied documentation includes the Owner’s Manual, PHS paperwork, and original Window Sticker. These items add to the Firebird’s appeal.
This Firebird’s interior may not be dripping with optional extras or feature the machine-turned gauge fascia of the Trans Am, but its condition is astounding for its age. There are no glaring flaws or faults, with the saddle upholstery and trim looking excellent. There’s no evidence of wear or physical damage and no signs of aftermarket additions. The dash, pad, and console are impossible to fault, with the same true of the faux woodgrain. The Formula wheel has avoided the wear that is common, and the carpet continues the spotless theme. It may not be fully loaded, but factory air conditioning, a tilt wheel, and a factory radio should help make any journey an enjoyable experience.
It is true that by 1979, buyers focused on the more extrovert offerings within the Firebird range, with 117,108 people handing over their cash to park a Trans Am in their driveway. Cars like this Firebird represented a far smaller proportion of sales, with a total of 38,642 cars. This Firebird is far rarer than a Trans Am, although rarity does not always translate into a high potential value. The seller rightly points out that it doesn’t come with the cachet of a Trans Am, but it also doesn’t come with the matching price tag. A Trans Am as original and tidy as our feature car would easily command a value of $40,000, but this car will cost its new owner less than half that figure. It has only been on the market for a matter of hours, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home pretty quickly.
Well it’s a bit after 12:30pm EDT and the ad is still up but I agree with you that it won’t be for long.
Very clean and while I still haven’t fully adjusted to the prices such cars bring nowadays, a good price.
Nice ride, cool example of a basic trim level you seldom see in this condition. I could e even live with the color, but for me the NA 301 is a deal breaker. But a nice find for someone, GLWTS
I’ll admit that I have been a naysayer to the 301, compared to the 350 and 400 engines. However, this looks like a very nice survivor and with today’s gas prices, very inviting. Thumbs up in my book.
I had an ‘80 T/A with a base 301 and I loved every mile. It wasn’t fast but it handled extremely well, looked fantastic and easily got 20 mpg. Nothing wrong with the 301 at all unless you’re planning on racing with it
It’s actually the Esprit luxury version. Mighty nice Bird. Not all of them have to be hot rods. The 301 is more then adequate.
*than
Pontiac reverted back to the smaller thicker ’70-76 formula steering wheel in ’79?
Rockford wouldn’t drive no FB 301!
301s were junk from the start ; without a doubt it had to be the worst engine Pontiac ever came out with . I’m usually a purist when it comes to makers and their engines , but I’d rather have a Olds 307 or even a Chevy 305 over a 301
I agree. In 1986 I had a beautiful 1980 Buick Electra with a 301. I bought it used through a small town family dealer I had connections with. He stated it had been owned by one of his regular customers, a real “little old lady”. It had only about 50,000 miles on it when I got it. I treated it like gold, but it blew a head gasket about 18months after I got it. I had a Buick dealer fix it but it never ran as well. NOT a fan. It replaced my 1976 Olds Cutlass with a 350. THAT was/is an engine. IMHO, one of GM’s best.
Absolutely not true. I’d like to know what makes you say that. Did you know that Pontiac built an even smaller V-8 in the early ‘80s that was also extremely reliable?
…and they were junk too, Tom.
The 301 is the down side here, I remember being in the Pontiac dealer in May 1979, 18 years old, decisions decisions, there was a Black n Gold Trans Am there, 301 motor, they had another one in the warehouse,403 Oldsmobile motor, cause no 400 with automatic, and then there was a 2 tone blue Grand Prix, with every conceivable option, with a 301, I figured I’d rather go slow in a Grand Prix with a real, though underpowered Pontiac engine in it, I bought the Grand Prix
With the benefit of hindsight, I can see how GM managed our reduced expectations during the Malaise. I had a four speed T/A in black with the graphics pkg. for a demo in early 1979. It felt fast, but study would show that most four cylinder cars of today are faster. I think the combo of outrageous looks and V8 sound made us think it was faster than it really was. Rockford made the cars without flash popular and GM came out with the blue, yellow and red packages. Hard to believe now that Pontiac was the fourth largest seller for years.
I liked John’s story about deciding on a Grand Prix over a Firebird. Made me feel like I was back in time agonizing over the decision when GM and Uncle Sam and OPEC killed performance. Not thrilled by the color of the bronze Firebird but the condition sure looks great in the photos. The 301 4bbl was better than the 2 bbl version.
I wouldn’t pay anywhere NEAR 18k for a anemic 301.
You’re going to want to change the engine and that’s thousands more.
It’s about power to weight ratio and 150 hp is NOT enough hp for a close to 4,000 LB car!!
My 2007 Accord work car’s 2.4 4 banger makes about 168 hp or so and that’s not always enough and it ways less than that Firebird!
10 to 12K is a fair price.
ways?
I spelled it correctly, spellcheck strikes again!
No chance!
A family member had a 77 Firebird with the 231 Buick V6. I don’t remember how many horses it had but it was decent enough to get around.
Maybe for your great-grandmother’s trip to the beauty shop.
This would make a great cruise night car! Nice looking, and while not a burner, will still cruise along nicely. Always loved Firebirds!
I wonder how slow 1 of these would be fully loaded with heavy options & with the base 115 hp 231 v6. & a total of 4 people in the car & a full trunk & the a/c on. Uphill. lol