Although tightening emission regulations were biting deep by 1977, Pontiac tried to inject some excitement into its Trans Am range, releasing the Special Edition Y82. They have become desirable classics, achieving a significant premium over the price commanded by a standard Trans Am. This 1977 model is an unmolested vehicle but requires work to recapture its lost youth. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Mandeville, Louisiana. Bidding has raced to $24,995, which is below the reserve. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Billy D for spotting this beauty.
The Trans Am’s place in folklore was sealed by the car’s appearance in the film Smokey and the Bandit. The Black and Gold car made an immediate impact, and as often happens, the buying public wanted one. Pontiac rode on the shirt-tails of this success by releasing the Special Edition. It came in two versions, with this car featuring the more expensive and desirable Y82 package. As well as Starlight Black paint and Gold graphics, Gold snowflake wheels, and a Hurst T-Top rounded out the package. This Pontiac retains those features, but time hasn’t been kind. The Starlight Black paint is patchy and faded, with the same true of the iconic decals. The panels have a few bumps and bruises, but there is no evidence of significant exterior rust. The seller admits there is some present in the floor pans, although it doesn’t appear severe. The faulty seals for the T-Top may have allowed water to get in and contribute to the problem, and I’d replace them as a priority. There is no word on the state of the trunk pan, but inspecting it and the rear valance would be worth the effort.
If this Trans Am has a highlight, that honor falls to the interior. The Y81 package brought Gold spokes of the Formula wheel and Gold anodizing on the machine-turned gauge facia. These are intact, and the interior’s overall presentation is acceptable for a high-end driver-grade vehicle. There are no signs of abuse or physical damage on any Black vinyl upholstered surfaces, although the carpet might have faded. The dash, pad, and console are excellent, and there is no crumbling plastic. One item possibly requiring replacement is the headliner, which has started sagging. The original Window Sticker and Build Sheet make fascinating reading because they reveal the original owner splashed some cash inside this vehicle. It scored air conditioning, power windows, Soft Ray tinted glass, cruise control, additional sound deadening, and an AM/FM stereo radio and 8-track player. The engine bay components for the A/C are missing, but the other listed options are present.
Powering the Trans Am is the company’s L78 version of the 400ci V8 with the W72 performance pack. This motor pumps out 200hp, with the original owner selecting the three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Buyers were used to “average” performance from cars of this caliber by 1977, and this Trans Am didn’t disappoint. The ¼-mile journey took 16.2 seconds, with the V8 running out of steam at 110mph. This classic’s exterior may need work, and its engine bay would benefit from detailing, but it is in sound mechanical health. It runs and drives, giving the winning bidder the option of instant enjoyment while they plan their restoration strategy.
The Y81 Special Edition package blessed the 1977 Trans Am with little beyond some cosmetic enhancements, although the Y82 added the desirable T-Top. However, that one additional feature came at a price. Buyers expected to pay $556 above the sticker price for the Y81, soaring to $1,141 for the Y82. Current classic market values clarify the situation, with Y82 cars commanding a 9% premium over Y81s and a staggering 41% premium over a regular Trans Am. If the winning bidder commits to a high-end restoration, they could be sitting on an $80,000 appreciating asset. That makes this Pontiac worth a close look.
IMOP too much rust for the price it’s getting into.
I had a 1977 and 78 y82 . I really enjoyed mine. The last one I had I sold to a dealer in San Francisco, they sold it to someone in Norway.
You would be hard pressed to find a t-top that didn’t have some degree of floor rust.they were notorious for leaking.i also see that the motor has 6x cylinder heads.these were the 87cc low compression ratio heads(8:1) with flat tops.must have a bigger cam and other upgrades to get to 300hp.to make good power you need the 72cc heads(10:5:1) .i know from experience doing upgrades in my 76 trans am.i had a bigger cam,headers,roller rockers and a 455 carb and a msd box to fire the ignition,no a/c and alight weight flex fan.
The sd-455 firebird turned 13’s with pts & condenser & a coil dating back to the early 60’s lol
The ’70-76 front bumper & associated hardware are VERY heavy too – free HP there with a replacement fiberglass bumper.
I heard that heads from a 350 cube pontiac V8 put onto a 400 or 455 would raise compression.
The pancake cat converter & single exhaust were not helping matters ’75-’79.
Nor was the heavy sideways muffler – on birds so equipped ’70-‘7?.
On this SE, the gold pinstriping is missing up front on the bumper edge & around the grills. & the dash cover in front of the driver is supposed to be gold too. Some pics show a gold hood bird, others a grey one – maybe the lighting is the reason?
https://www.carscoops.com/2022/07/1977-pontiac-trans-am-se-with-15-miles-is-a-gilt-edged-classic/
There’s just so many of these to claim that anything’s worth that kind of money, low compression 400, and in 78 it was a 7.6 to1 compression ratio, don’t think 77 was much different, only a thm 350? They sold so many of these and the z28s in these years. And tons of them are still around.
I agree, nothing special or rare about this one to command such a price
Agree. Too much money for this one. The rust issue for me is enough to lesson the asking price. But some people got more money then sense. They only see an investment project. However too many siblings in the Z-28, formulas or Camaro variants to choose from in better condition.
The real value in the Y82 TA is the 4 speed version. Super low production numbers, can recall how many but I want to say under 50?
My mistake, that was the ’78 Y84. Only 20 made with the 4 speed.
16.2 to 60? LOL I’d rather keep my 87 C4. It’s 10 seconds faster to 60. Affordable performance.
Overrated cars that rotted due to leaky t tops. I had a 76 Cutlass Salon with rhe Hurst Hatches. Oh my did they leak but soooo much fun on a nice day. Prices of late 70s TAs are insane, yet I never see any on the road.
Ended at $33,100, Reserve Not Met.
Yikes!
I agree with Harry1. It’s a really nice unit to work with but NOT for that price range