This Trans Am has been parked in a warehouse since 1993. That means it probably needs a lot to be a safe driver, but the work would most definitely be worthwhile. The seller claims that the car has only covered 48k miles and is still wearing its original paint and interior. If that’s not good enough, it left the factory with the most important option boxes checked – W72, 4-speed, and WS6. It’s located in Clearwater, Florida and is listed here on craigslist for $18k. Thanks goes to Patrick S for the tip!
The 400 was the most powerful engine you could in ’79. GM actually discontinued the engine in ’78, so Pontiac stockpiled a bunch for the Trans Am. You could get an Olds 403 too, but it wasn’t as potent. This was the last year for the big block Trans Am and the W72 400 was the one to get. Too bad the seller didn’t think to snap a photo of the engine. I guess we’ll just have to imagine what it looks like under that screaming chicken.
Two hundred horses may not sound like a lot of power, but you have to put thing in context. Every car was down in the power department when this one was built. Still, run around 300 foot pounds of torque to the back wheels through a manual 4-speed and you can have a lot fun! The grey interior looks nice with the machine turned dash and is a nice change from the black interiors we typically see in these.
So, it has the better engine and the better transmission, but what about the suspension? Don’t worry, that’s what the WS6 package was for! It included stiffer springs, tighter shocks, thicker rear sway bar, quicker ratio steering, and wider wheels. That all made the already good handling Trans Am even better! I’d want to make sure this car actually has all these options before committing, but if everything checks out this could be a great find!
That 400 has a lot of potential, built one for my 77, dyno at 425 @ the rear wheels. A completely different car. Price on this one might be on the high side, unless it’s rust free.
And if the t-tops don’t leak! Good luck with that.
WS6 also included 4 wheel disc brakes – made a huge difference.
That beautiful car with an ugly interior choice……
Weird to see the flares on the trailing edges of the fenders.
It was real popular back then
Many dealers did that and on the Z28’s as well
I.e.Had a 77 and a 79. Big problem was stone chips on the trailing portion of the ft and rear fenders from the tires for those who drove in areas with crummy roads . So, the dealer customization of installing flares behinds the tires wasn’t ordered by all customers back then completely for show, but most probably were. Made the cars look clunky, though.
Those rear flares were called “Foilers” and were an aftermarket part. They looked a little heavy handed to me. Not sure if they required drilling into the bodywork to install.
I’m more interested in the Cameo in next to it!
As popular as these W72 T/As have become, this will probably sell pretty quickly. If anything slows the sale, it will probably be the contrast between the all “muscle” appearing exterior and the meek looking interior.
I would rather have the pickup sitting beside It. Wonder if it’s for sale.
I do not think that’s grey interior. I think it’s light blue. Seems very weird now but it was very popular interior color in the late 1970s.
Interesting color combo in any event. I think this is the first one I’ve ever seen with gold decals and the light blue interior. Typically, if it had gold decals it had a tan interior. And if it had light blue interior it would have light blue decals. I’m not saying it was impossible to equip it this way but I would want to confirm the originality.
It’s been 40 years since “that” movie came out. ( if you have to ask what movie, I have nothing more to say to you) “That” movie did more for selling Firebird’s ( and maybe Rockford Files) than any other advertising gimmick. EVERYBODY wanted to bee the Bandit!!! Me? I thought the graphics were silly, and give me a “plain” Trans Am anyday.
Has old Pa Inspection Stickers. So up to 93 must have been a Pa. Car. Ck carefully for rust.
no such thing as a big block Pontiac…
In 79, 200 horsepower was still big stuff.
Yip George it’s a medium block same ci’s but lighter
Looks like a clean car, too bad they hacked holes on the door panels..
My “middle” brother had a white 76 TA with a black interior, 400 and a 4 speed. He rebuilt the engine with more sopmpression, aftermarket cam, headers, and IIRC, heads from a late 60’s 389. I think he swapped the trans for an M21. It had a hurst competition plus shifter that my mom could never get into reverse. A couple of times she had to drive it and my brother wasnt home, so she would get me to back it out of the garage for her. I was all of 13. Cooler than the back side of the pillow…
As the 30 year owner of a 55 Chevy 3100 big window pickup, I too am interested in the Cameo.
My 1980 T/A was the coveted Bandit Edition. It left the factory with a “T/A 4.9” on the shaker. It was a Pontiac 301 with a whopping 143 HP. Talk about all show and NO go…
The Oldsmobile was the better motor.