- Seller: Kevin S (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.
I always thought that particular font for the “Trans Am” decals went on 1977 and older models, with a new font taking over for 1978. Maybe this one is a mid year anomaly. Looks like it might be worthwhile to look closely at the right front brake hose, too- looks like something is leaking and slinging some sort of fluid. Easy fix, but at this price point…
Pontiac ran this front end during the 77 and 78 years. The redesigned front didn’t come out until 79 and ran through 81. I had a silver 77 with the 400 Pontiac engine, which was more powerful.
If that’s the Olds engine then the script on the shaker is incorrect.
I’ll call myself out for picking nits but the shifter bezel looks off with the chrome screws. I had a 78 Firebird in high school (mid-80s) and if I recall correctly the screws were black and recessed. Unless the chrome screws are correct, should be addressed for what otherwise is near to the exact car mullet me dreamed for back then (4 speed and hurst hatch would have been perfect).
You are correct. Too many nits here to list, but many items are nearly unobtanium (at a reasonable price). Nice driver quality car. Marty blues are attractive.
Has a ’79 interior and a ’77 honeycomb grill on a 35,000 mile car? Mileage needs to be verified. Decals are wrong and misplaced which makes me think it’s repainted. No cowl tags or PHS document provided. Like JWH said interior has some wrong parts. 403 gets a bad rap but really is a solid engine for cruising, although does detract from value. All fixable but not for that price…$25K tops.
T/a 6.6 on scoop is only for Pontiac 400, 6.6,litre was the 403 olds.
Just another Trans Am, at least it’s not black with gold trim.
A ’78 Marti with a ’77 honeycomb front grill and a ’79 interior with only 35,000 original miles?
Decals are wrong year with funky placement on the rear spoiler..tells me it at least some of it was was repainted. Some other things wrong…. all fixable but for this price it better be correct.
Research is definitely needed on that mileage.
Buyer beware.
It’s nice. Very nice. Not 35k nice, because, well, it is what it is. But nice. Mid to high 20’s maybe.
My best friend at the time had a TA just like that about 1980 or 81. He was in the Marine Corps stationed at MCAS El Toro in California. He was coming back to Texas for 10 days, and his dad bought the car to surprise him with it when he got home. He found it in Auto Trader and I went with him to look at it, as it was about 30 or 40 miles away from where we lived. The car was cherry, owned by an airline pilot who had bought it new. My buddy’s dad paid $5000 cash to the guy and I got to drive it back. Sweet. On the day my friend flew in from California, I took the car home and after my friend’s family picked him up at DFW airport and brought him home, I drove it to their house and pretended it was mine. My buddy was amazed I hadn’t written him about my new car, as we kept in close contact. I said I didn’t tell him because it wasn’t mine. It was his. I handed the keys to a stunned and confused US Marine Corps corporal who broke down in tears when it sank in a few seconds later. I will never forget that.
Awesome story!!
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
Very cool!
Great color, nice T/A. It is my thought that ALL T/A’s with the “T/A 6.6” callout on the shaker were reserved ONLY for Pontiac 400’s?
Good eye Kenneth as that is absolutely correct. Looks like someone switched hood decals somewhere along the past 48 years. You can also distinguish the 400 engine if equipped with chrome valve covers as all had them during these years. Unless of course someone added a set to make the clone look more genuine.
Wayne D,
In ’78 only the optional W72 performance engine(220 hp)had the chrome valve covers. Most had the base 400 L78
(180 hp) with corporate blue painted valve covers. This engine is a Van Nuys factory Oldsmobile 403(185 hp), the oil filler in front gives it away. You are correct in that the shaker call out is wrong and should read “6.6 Litre”. In reality none of the original Marti blue T/A’s came with a shaker call out but most added them over time.
I think that there are more 403 T/As with the T/A 6.6 decal than with the 6.6 Litre decal. I guess that owners like to try and fool others when they are just fooling themselves.
Speaking of the hood decal, my brother in law looked at a T/A that had the T/A 6.6 decal and told the seller that the engine was actually a 301 and that he should change his ad. The seller did not believe him, saying that he bought the car this way for his daughter, and when she didn’t like the car, he turned around and was selling it. The seller had no clue about cars.
sure, looks like a craigslist rebuild going on there under the hood and a/c components missing as well. there are better examples for the same money out there. nice color on a 25k car even that is a lot considering its not 100%.
This is a nice looking driver TA . The breaks need some attention along with other parts of the engine compartment . About $20000 to $25000 for this one .