So what defines a bargain basement price? This 1978 Pontiac is located in Enid Oklahoma and has been stored since 1997. It is in rough shape but the seller is only asking $4,800. The paint is faded, it has rust and the front spoiler is missing along with rolling on aftermarket wheels. It is said to be a nonrunning project but the car was running when it was parked. The Trans Am is listed here on Craigslist and we appreciate Rocco finding this project car and sending it to us. This Trans Am has been listed for 2 days.
The ad states that the car is equipped with a W720 400 cubic inch Pontiac V8 engine. In 1978, Pontiac offered three engines in the Trans Am: the L78 400 cubic inch V8 (180 hp, 310 lb ft torque, automatic only), the L80 403 cubic inch V8 (185 hp, automatic only for California), and the W72 400 cubic inch V8 (220 hp with new dual exhausts, automatic or 4-speed). This was the top performing engine option for the Trans Am in 1978. It is obvious that this car is going to need some mechanical work.
The interior is rough. The seats are torn and appear to be the upgraded custom deluxe seats that was available in the Trans Am. The car sports an aftermarket Hurst Dual gate shifter, power windows and an automatic transmission. The door panels of this car also indicate that the car came with the deluxe interior. The carpet is toast and the seller states that the floors are good except for a soft spot behind the passenger seat where rust has almost perforated the floor. The trunk pan also has a hole in it but the rear frame rails are said to be solid.
The Code 75 red paint is faded and the front passenger fender and front end are a dark shade of red. The car rides on aftermarket turbine wheels and old tires. The seller states that he or she has the keys and clear title to the car. So for $4,800, is this a good start to a project car?
The bottom of the quarter looks rusted out in the last photo.
Lovely old Bird, but that body rot and auto hurt the cause. Deluxe interior is moot when it’s shredded, and who knows what may be wrong with the engine. I won’t pretend to have surety that better examples could be had for $5k, but I’d be hard-pressed to offer more than $2500
Relisting from a couple of weeks ago?
Not original shifter. They built thousands of these. Automatic. Boring. Keep looking. But Mayan Red with white buckets. Imagine this cat when it was new.
My HS buddy Jamie had this same T/A with the 4 speed. Red over white, Rally IIs, non T-top. A fun, pretty fast car for its day, certainly Jamie found plenty of trouble with it. Great memories of Sunday cruises up to Ft Lauderdale beach, cold Heineken’s in tow and some Led Zepp on the 8-track. A fantastic era to grow up.