When I recently compiled a list of cars from each decade of the 20th Century that I would gladly park in my garage, the 1970s contribution was a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am in Martinique Blue. I have always liked the styling of the Trans Am, and the color emphasizes its good looks. This Trans Am ticks those boxes, and while I cannot pursue it further, perhaps you would like to live my dream. It has spent most of its life in a dry climate, leaving it as solid as the day it was born. That should make restoration straightforward, a prospect that some might find irresistible. The Pontiac is listed here on Craigslist in Saranac Lake, New York. The seller set their price at $15,000, and with no rust repairs to push the budget through the roof, that figure could be pretty competitive.

This Trans Am’s current location is not what many would consider one of the drier regions of the United States, but it has spent the past twenty years sitting in this barn after finding its way from Texas. The seller states it is rust-free, and nothing visible in the supplied photos contradicts that claim. In such cases, I would always encourage an in-person inspection, but the prone lower body extremities look clean and sound. The state of the paint is unknown, and step one will be to wash this classic to ascertain whether buffing and polishing will leave it presenting acceptably as a survivor-grade vehicle. I would brace for a repaint, but sometimes dust has a knack for preserving the paint it cloaks. The plastic and trim look good for their age, and the original owner’s decision to order this Trans Am with a T-Top adds to its appeal. The Snowflake wheels look like they would respond to careful polishing, and the seller includes a set of Honeycombs for those who prefer that look.

The biggest mystery with this Trans Am revolves around what might or might not hide under its hood. My instinct tells me that there is a lot of fresh air. The lack of visible components through the hole where the scoop should be, and the car’s “nose-up” stance suggest there is nothing but empty space. It is unclear what V8 originally called the engine bay home, but buyers had a few options at their disposal. The 403ci “Olds” V8 delivered 185hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque. However, those opting for the company’s 400ci powerplant received 180hp and 325 ft/lbs for the L78 version and 220hp and 320 ft/lbs for the W72. Locating a date-correct engine shouldn’t pose a challenge if the original has gone, although pursuing the restomod path with something newer and more potent might prove irresistible. It will depend on how important originality is to the new owner.

The seller supplies a single interior shot that tells us little about its condition. However, the dash and pad look good, and other items might present acceptably following cleaning and detailing. The factory radio has made way for a CD player with USB and auxiliary inputs, but I’m unsure what the device mounted above it is. The wheel appears free from wear, and the machine-turned dash fascia is spotless. The new owner won’t receive features like power windows or cruise control, but I believe they will score air conditioning and a tilt wheel.

I will rarely look at a classic with no rust and reasonable presentation and describe it as a blank canvas, but that term is appropriate with this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. It might not be complicated or expensive to whip its panels, paint, and interior into an acceptable shape. However, the major cost involved in this build could be sourcing something appropriate to slide into the engine bay. The possibilities are endless, from a correct V8 to something more modern and powerful. What would be your choice if you gave this Pontiac a new home?