BF Classified: 1978 Pontiac Trans Am

• Seller: Kevin S imone (Contact)
• Location: Pelham, New Hampshire
• Mileage: 35,678 Shown
• Chassis #: 2W87K8L186153
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 400 cui V8
• Transmission: Automatic

The automotive world poses plenty of interesting questions, including the one raised by this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. Martinique Blue is a stunning color, so why did Pontiac only offer it for a single model year? It was a strange decision, but it makes Trans Ams wearing that shade particularly desirable. This beauty presents extremely well, and the photo gallery emphasizes its rust-free status. The buyer could enjoy the car as-is, because it is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. Having had his fun with this Pontiac, the owner has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $34,900.

After performing a fairly significant styling update across the entire Firebird range in 1977, Pontiac only made minor tweaks to the Trans Am in 1978. Changes included a slightly revised grille and refreshed decals. For some buyers, the biggest news was the arrival of Martinique Blue to the color palette. It is a stunning shade that looks good in any light and was chosen by this Trans Am’s first owner. The paint’s depth of shine is extremely impressive, reflecting its surroundings like a mirror. The panels are laser straight, and any cosmetic imperfections are insignificant. Rust isn’t a problem because the floors are amongst the cleanest I have seen on any survivor-grade classic of this vintage. The decals look crisp, and the glass is clear. The Pontiac rolls on a set of iconic 15″ Snowflake wheels, wrapped in Cooper Cobra tires. It is worth scrolling through this listing’s image gallery because you will be impressed by every aspect of this classic.

Pontiac introduced the 403ci “Olds” V8 to the Trans Am range in 1977, and the first owner selected that motor to power this 1978 example. The company teamed the 403 with a three-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment. Pontiac introduced the 403 to comply with emissions regulations in some regions, placing 185hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. Both figures were higher than those received by Camaro Z28 or Mustang II Cobra II buyers in 1978, reinforcing the fact that the Trans Am remained the king of the pony car class. The owner confirms that this survivor is numbers-matching. The engine bay presents extremely well, and doesn’t flatter to deceive. The Pontiac runs and drives as it should, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

This Trans Am has no genuine weaknesses because its interior looks extremely nice. Trimmed in Blue cloth and vinyl, there is no significant upholstery wear. The seats are spotless, and the carpet has only minor visible aging. The dash and pad are excellent, and the iconic machine-turned gauge fascia is in good order. The first owner ordered the Trans Am with air conditioning, although most of the components were removed. However, retrofitting a replacement from a company like Vintage Air would be easy, because they have complete systems “on the shelf.” This Trans Am also features power windows, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio. Potential buyers focused on paperwork will welcome the inclusion of the original Build Sheet.

The demise of Pontiac has made preservation of its iconic models crucial. The 1978 Trans Am falls into that category, and the fact that this car features a one-year-only paint shade adds to both its appeal and its importance. Scrolling through the image gallery reveals only a few minor imperfections that the new owner could easily address, though preserving this rust-free classic in its current form is also a viable option. One thing seems guaranteed: The buyer will slip behind the wheel of a Trans Am that can’t help but draw admiring crowds. That makes it worth a closer look.