American performance cars were shadows of their former selves as the 1970s drew to a close. The ponies they once possessed seemed to have dribbled out the exhaust and most transformed fuel into noise. The 1979 Pontiac Trans Am was no exception, although this car’s seller has performed upgrades that should unlock some welcome additional power. It is a tidy driver, but the new owner might decide to lift it to a higher level in a home workshop. The Trans Am is listed here on Craigslist in Perry, Florida. It could be yours for $12,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder zuko for spotting this promising Pontiac project.
This Trans Am isn’t perfect, but that could be part of its attraction to some enthusiasts. It has received a repaint in what I believe is its original Code 15 Platinum Poly. While it is presentable, the overall appearance suggests it could be the handiwork of an enthusiastic amateur. It doesn’t possess the deep shine you might expect from a professional, but a wet sand and polish might improve the presentation without the new owner reaching for their spray gun. The scoop wears a different shade with a heavy metalflake content that looks pretty cool. Part of me wonders what this car would look like if the new owner achieved arrow-straight panels and applied that shade to the whole exterior. It would be eye-catching, and laying on the correct Trans Am decals and Screaming Chicken would help draw crowds like moths to a flame. The body is rust-free, but the seller supplies photos confirming they have repaired the trunk pan. It is unclear whether further issues exist below the surface, but none are mentioned in the listing. The plastic components and glass are in good order, and the Rally II wheels are wrapped in new tires.
Opening the doors reveals an interior that seems to have more good points than bad. The original owner ordered this classic with air conditioning, but the compressor and a few parts are missing from the engine bay. The console is cracked, and the surrounds for some gauges are missing from the machine-turned fascia. However, it is presentable, with no worn or torn upholstery. That raises a question worth considering. The exterior Silver paint and two-tone interior trim don’t work for me, although that opinion is subjective. Replacing the damaged console might present the ideal opportunity to swap the existing Red seatcovers for Black to match the rest of the interior trim. A full cover set costs around $900, and with a matching console installed, it would provide a more “complete” look. It is worth noting that the existing seatcovers look new, meaning a budget-conscious new owner might choose to live with what they’ve got. This gem isn’t loaded with luxury extras, but the buyer receives a tilt wheel and an aftermarket retro-style stereo.
The need to comply with tight emission regulations during the 1970s saw engine power plummet, and the Trans Am wasn’t immune. Pontiac introduced the 403ci Oldsmobile V8 to the range in 1977, which is what resides under the hood of this classic. It originally produced 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque but was only offered with a three-speed automatic transmission. A performance comparison best demonstrates the impact of the ongoing changes. This car would have taken 16.6 seconds to cover the ¼-mile, but an auto-equipped 1970 Trans Am could dispatch the distance in 14.1 seconds. However, there is some positive news for potential buyers to consider. Peeling away the scoop and air cleaner reveals a shiny new Edelbrock 4-barrel and intake. Allowing the engine to breathe better should unlock extra power, and while it will not threaten the ¼-mile ET posted at the decade’s start, any improvement is welcome. The seller didn’t stop spending money there because this classic features a new timing chain, oil pump, water pump, alternator, and starter. They don’t specify how well the car runs or drives, but the indications are positive.
Values of some classic cars have taken a hit over the past year, and the 1979 Trans Am is no exception. Prices have fallen by around 10% across the board, and it is impossible to tell whether the trend is set to reverse. The situation has stabilized, but you’d need a crystal ball to predict the future. I believe the worm has turned, meaning now might be the ideal moment to park a classic like this in your garage. I initially questioned the seller’s price, but I have decided that, on reflection, it seems fair. Lifting its presentation in a home workshop is viable, and with tidy examples consistently selling for over $20,000, there is also room to move if the buyer feels as I do about the interior. What would be your approach if you became this Pontiac’s new owner?
Oh boy this is 3 parts cars in maybe one that runs. Wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole. The nose doesn’t match the aftermarket fenders that don’t line up with the parts car doors… Aye aye aye…
Again a plastic disposable non muscle car. 3k is overpriced.
But Joe Dirt would be proud. Just missing the deep dish craiger ss wheels and side pipes
That thing got a Hemi? :)
I could be way off base here. But i think its 2 different interiors as well. I dont remember a red console with red buckets but black door cards and a black dash. I always thought they were one color, never saw one like this before.
You are exactly right, I have had 5 trans ams none had mismatch interior.
GM made a ton of these. Got to be a far better one than this out there. Looks like a teenager got this one and sure fixed her up. Why hop up a 403 boat anchor. I had one in my 77 Grand Prix. All it did was eat gas.
Olds 403 boo hiss!
With all the absolutely crazy prices for classic cars these days that’s not a bad price. Shine it up throw on all the Trans Am decals and you have yourself a nice decent driver….
Intake and carb is a start,using a non-egr manifold is key,now it just needs higher comp ratio(mill the heads 0.020″)more cam,roller rockers,headers and a hotter HEI system.Instead of a timing chain,install a pete jackson “noisy” gear drive.Then you’re on the way to sub-14 1/4mile times.
Intake yes but a poor choice for a carb. People flock to the Edelbrock carbs but most usually find out that was a mistake if the vehicle is used regularly. I’ve had 4 vehicles that came with them. All were crap. Not vehicles the carbs. Couple of my friends found out the hard way. Keep the manifold. Put on a good carb. Maybe a cam. Heads too if you’re so inclined. Free up the exhaust some and it will be a very worthy engine.
The ad states it has a clean title, so it’s likely there was a minor accident that affected panel alignment, not a rebuilt from parts cars. The two-tone interior probably has an interesting story: were the black seats too hot for the Florida weather with no A/C so the owner recovered them in red hoping to cool things down? Where did the red seat belts and A pillar covers come from?
I think it’s a good price for someone looking to get into the hobby. If it were mine, I’d probably get some 17″ snowflake wheels, fix the A/C, and drive the wheels off it. Leave the screaming chickens to the mullet guys.
I had a new 1980 Trans Am with red interior and everything was red. The doors and the seats and dash and steering wheel were all red. You see the doors are black I am sure the original when it was brand new was black. Where are all the decals on the car. The bird on the hood is missing. The word trans am is missing from the spoiler on the truck and the word trans am is missing on the front fenders also. I bet this car has been repainted too. The price might be good but between the interior and the paint and no decals you could easy put in another 12,500 to fix it up.
It’s stated in the article that the car received a repaint. That’s where the decals went. Again as stated in the article, seat covers might cost you around $900, or you could have them dyed for a lot less. The A/C repairs might be $2-3k and IMHO the car looks a lot cleaner without all the boy-racer decals.
Someone’s been hitting one Hunter pipe with the looks of that reserve! Crazy!