Some classics land on our desks at Barn Finds, and you instinctively believe they will find a home quickly. That appears to be the case with this 1979 Pontiac Firebird. It isn’t perfect, but it is tidy, rust-free, and the new owner could drive it home. However, its trump cards are its affordability and mechanical specs. It has a V8 and a four-speed, so even though it isn’t a Trans Am, the new owner should still smile when they get behind the wheel. Barn Finder Rocco B. deserves a pat on the back for spotting the Firebird listed here on Craigslist in Lowell, Massachusetts, for $8,500.
The Firebird range received a nose job in 1979 as the company attempted to keep the badge looking fresh during its final production years. The Trans Am remained the best-selling variant, but 38,642 buyers selected the Sport Coupe. This Sport Coupe is a survivor, with the seller describing its Medium Blue Metallic paint as “driver quality.” They admit that close inspection will reveal chips and small flaws, but since this beauty is straight and rock-solid, it doesn’t need a cosmetic restoration. However, if someone is looking for a project, it could be a good one. The seller says that the floor and trunk pan are good, and the car scores extra points for its T-Top. The trim and glass look respectable, and the Firebird retains its original Rally II wheels.
Several listing images reveal this Firebird’s one true weakness. Its Blue and White interior would have looked great in 1979, but time hasn’t treated it kindly. The vinyl on the seats and door trims has waved the white flag, and the pad is cracked. The seller fitted slipcovers to the front seats, and the new owner could purchase a better set for all seats and throw a cover over the pad to hide the problem. Alternatively, they could splash some cash on a trim kit and a replacement pad. That would lighten their wallet by almost $3,000, a major investment some may struggle to justify. However, I take a “long-game” view because the interior would still look great for decades if treated respectfully after a retrim. It depends on a few factors, including whether the new owner has the funds to commit to the process. It is currently serviceable, so the buyer won’t need to rush their decision, and by biding their time, they might find everything they need for less than the figure I’ve quoted.
The seller doesn’t provide any engine bay images, but we know this Firebird features a 301ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. The V8 will only produce 150hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque, delivering relatively modest performance. However, you can squeeze a few more ponies out of the 301 without spending a fortune. There are no images, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of good news. The seller says that the tires are fairly new, and that the car runs and drives perfectly. It has a custom dual exhaust that sounds great, and they emphasize that the buyer could fly in and drive this baby home.
So, what would I do if I found this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am parked in my garage? I would leave the exterior untouched, but would address its interior shortcomings. Its presentation and lack of rust mean that it doesn’t require a full-blown restoration, and while returning its interior to a factory-fresh state wouldn’t be cheap, it would be an excellent long-term investment. Once complete, the entire outlay, including the Firebird’s purchase price, would be under $11,500 if the new owner wants a high-end result. Would you spend the money, or would you hide the interior shortcomings and enjoy this Firebird as-is?
This definitely looked sharp when it was new in ’79. I think I’ll have to agree with Adam. Address the interior, a fresh coat of wax on the paint, take care of any mechanical needs, maybe do a little something to wake up the 301 a bit more and enjoy.
Best way to wake up the 301 is to swap it out for a 400.
A 400cui would be nice, But a 454cui would be better yeah !!
Double check underside rust, but other than that, great price. cheaper than any new car on the market and exponentially better looking
A cam is an easy upgrade, but that’s about it. Intake sucks, you might find headers, and it runs out of revs near 4500 or so RPM’s. I actually broke a 301 crank back in the 80’s!
Easiest thing to do is swap in a Pontiac 350/400/455. All brackets bolt right on, no headaches. Just need a different flywheel.
Sell the 301 flywheel, they are darn near impossible to find
I agree with all of Fred’s comments here. It is a manual which is the best thing about this last of the 1970’s cool Pontiac’s Did not know that about 301 flywheels. Good info here. I have a 1970 Pontiac Le Mans sport with a built 350/350 auto with some gto parts on it and it is a blast to drive. Also have a 1971 Chevelle 350/4-speed which is a blast to drive since 1988 high school.
Very clean and rare rust free Bird, especially for up here in the North East.
You are dead on with your comments of the interior. Looks like my GrandMa did the seat covers.
Overall this seems like a fair deal. The Pontiac always looked better than it’s Chevy cousin.
Seat covers made today are colorless, fit lousy & look like crap – just like most of today’s new “cars”.
Ck out the 1973 Camaro design study with 2 rectangular headlights! in the top/1st pic in …
https://www.motortrend.com/features/1973-four-rotor-corvette-prototype-mid-engine-chevrolet-corvette-history
That should have been the ’78-’81 Camaro.
Thanks for the info.
Remember the Banshe ?
My dad had a 79 t/a 301 4 speed chocolate brown no t tops when I was a senior in high school, he never let me drive it to school, I did drive it but it was his baby so he had to be in the passenger seat if anyone of us boys were driving, I just rode my motorcycle and acted like it didn’t matter lol, it did though I loved that damn CAR! GTF in okc nwc 80′
Well what is sell price today
That’s what I did with a ’79 T/A. Replaced the 301 with a completely rebuilt 400 from an early ’70s GTO. $5000 for the engine build and about $3000 for parts and labor to swap them. One major gotcha is that the Shaker hood scoop is offset a little different than 400 on a 301. Had to use a custom built adapter to get everything to line up. Ran 13.8 quarter mile on street tires and 3.43 rear gearing.
Nice car, nice price, and the manwell makes it an interesting driver. Have never cared much for the 301, but this car is heavy enough that you’re not likely to win many races anyway, against more modern machinery. The transmission will cause the car to make all the right noises, when tooling around town.
I’d always assumed the 301 was created the same way Chev created their 302, but choked with early smog-related hardware. But after consulting Google’s AI, I’m told the 301 was actually a completely purpose-built design, not a frankenegine made from off-the-shelf parts.
Finally a normal price for a solid car.
I agree with the normal price for a solid older car for the average working person!!
I like it, I would just restore the interior and make it a daily driver :)
What is the cable behind the driver’s seat holding down? I have the Trans am version of this car it’s Nocturne blue code29 mine has the 403 original 67,000 miles what set the alarms in my head is the aftermarket hatch roofs factory came with fisher roofs which I got the taillights which light was replaced left or right no under hood photos is the 11,500 negotiable from just the looks I think some other things are going on I’d drop 5,000 that’s my limit due to finding parts does the roof leak any A/C 5,000 as is
If your cheap self ‘Taz’ offered me 5 g for that car I would escort you off my property with a pair of dobermans.The price is 8500. Read the article. I own several Pontiacs and you claim to own one yourself. Get a grip
That’s nice I’m not cheap you posted a car with I’ll only show this and that photos what does the look like under the hood your talking about a 47 year old bird these cars are in demand I should know I have mines since I rolled it out the showroom it’s car covered and garaged this ain’t no put down if your gonna sell it give good photos specially under the hood everything bodywise looks great and the comment with the dogs My grandfather used to breed dobe’s when I grew up I love them but I have 2 140lb Rottweiler’s also I don’t think anybody would try to remove my bird
Oh and one more thing I to come from a all Pontiac family brother-76 Trans am Uncles 66 Bonneville 71 Grand Prix and a Aunt 70 GTO and Grandpa 49 Pontiac
It’s not my car. I don’t even know the seller. For the record.