When you think of late-1970s muscle cars, few images are as instantly recognizable as the black-and-gold Pontiac Trans Am Bandit Special Edition. Thanks to Smokey and the Bandit, this car became a cultural icon, and demand has stayed strong ever since. Now up for grabs here on eBay is a 1979 Special Edition example that has lived its entire life in California, making it an especially solid and desirable find. Thanks for the tip Mitchell G.!
Reported to have just 74,500 miles on the clock and PHS paperwork to back up its factory credentials, this Trans Am checks the right boxes for collectors. The seller notes that much of the paint remains original, with only the decals refreshed in recent years after the factory graphics had faded. The effect preserves that well-kept survivor feel, while still giving the car the visual punch the Bandit package is known for.
Power comes from the original 6.6-liter V8 paired with an automatic transmission. The engine is said to run great, and the transmission shifts as it should. Brand-new tires were recently installed, meaning it’s ready to cruise as soon as the next owner gives it a once-over. Pontiac’s W72 400 and Oldsmobile-sourced 403 were the common engines available in these cars depending on the market, and either way, you’re getting the classic Trans Am driving experience complete with shaker hood, quad headlights, and T-top fun.
Inside, the car remains largely untouched. The tan interior is all original, with the seller pointing out some tears in the front seats but otherwise presenting as an authentic survivor. Original interiors are getting harder to find on these cars, as many have been restored or modified over the years. Even with its age-related flaws, this one offers the chance to preserve its originality or bring it back with some careful upholstery work.
Overall, this ’79 Trans Am Bandit Edition is an unmolested, factory-documented example of one of the most iconic muscle cars of its time. With a clean title, a dry California history, and strong mechanicals, it’s the kind of car that will continue to draw attention wherever it goes.
What do you think, would you keep this Bandit exactly as it sits and enjoy it as a survivor, or would you give it a full cosmetic refresh to bring it back to showroom glory?
This is a worn out Trans Am, but straight and appears to be rust free. I’m not sure why it’s called a survivor, the seller never refers to it as one, maybe that term can be used for any car just because it still exists. This will be a good project, it will likely head back east since the late-70’s, early-80’s F-bodies never developed a particularly strong following in California for various reasons. It will be interesting to see what the closing bid is.
This seller has been featured countless times on this site for years. He’s a value shopper that sells a wide variety of cars that has varied over the years based on what’s available and what the market is interested in .
Steve R
If it is located in Las Vegas I would send it to Count’s Kustoms and let them work their magic. From the pictures it will need to be restored. New paint, interior and I would have the mechanicals checked out. Not sure what the market looks like but you could be underwater pretty quick.
Is it me or is there a gas cap stuffed on the oil fill which would be in the proper location for an oil fill tube on an Olds 403? ;-)
I think the 79-81 Front and rear are not nearly attractive as the 77-78 model years. I like the idea of having count customs re do it. You know it would be done right and give you years of maintenance free motoring.
SOLD for $13,100.
27 Bids.