Dry climates usually mean low to no rush and for this 49 year old car, that is important if you want a solid driver or to restore it. This 1977 Pontiac Trans Am is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s clear the air right now: This is not a “Bandit.” It’s not a Y82 Special Edition, and it’s not pretending to be one. What we have here is a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am project that popped up online, and while it lacks the black-and-gold pedigree of Burt Reynolds’ movie star car, it offers something arguably more accessible: an entry point into the world of second-gen F-bodies without the “Bandit Tax.” It is listed here on eBay and currently bid to $6,400 with 6 days remaining in the auction.
Once critical detail in this listing is the fifth digit of the VIN: K. In 1977, that “K” denotes the Oldsmobile 403 cubic-inch (6.6L) V8. This was the mandatory engine for California-bound cars and high-altitude regions because the Pontiac 400 (Z-code) couldn’t meet the stricter emissions standards in those areas. For years, the Olds 403 was the “villain” of the Trans Am story—a corporate engine in a Pontiac wrapper. But today, the narrative has shifted. The 403 is a torque-heavy cruiser that moves the heavy F-body with authority. It’s not a high-revving race engine, but it’s a survivor of the era that tried to kill muscle cars. It offers a smoother, more relaxed power delivery than the Pontiac 400, making it an excellent choice for a weekend cruiser. Clearly, the engine compartment is dusty but everything looks to be there including a new brake master cylinder.
The listing makes it clear: this is a project. The car has a presentable but well used interior. The black deluxe interior looks solid and the car has power windows and rear defrost. The body is described as “solid,” which is the golden ticket for any 1970s Pontiac. If the rear frame rails and trunk floor are intact, the heavy lifting is already done. The paint is not great and the front spoilers are damaged or missing.
At its current price, this K-code Trans Am is an honest project. The car rides on 15×7 factory aluminum snowflake wheels. It’s not trying to fool you into thinking it’s a six-figure Special Edition. It’s a 403-powered coupe that needs a new owner to drive while they fix it back up. If you want a Trans Am to drive rather than display in a climate-controlled bubble, this Olds-powered survivor might just be the ticket.
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