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Golden Bird: 1978 Pontiac Trans Am

At first I thought this Trans Am was originally blue,  but it turns out the “blue” is primer. Also, this car has been off the road for the last 15 years, but it still may be a deal. At least a lot of bidders think so, as it’s received over 30 bids here on eBay, where it hasn’t met the reserve yet with bidding up to $5,000. It’s located in Dewy Rose, Georgia.

There’s a lot of discussion in the auction listing as to exactly what this Trans Am is, and what option packages it came with. As the seller states, “I am going to quit trying to figure it out and let you Pontiac guys sort it out.” It does appear that given the factory paperwork that came with the car, it’s a factory four speed/L78 car. The seller also tells us that the front end parts are only lightly bolted on for transportation, but the floor pans and cowl look good. It does have new lower quarter panels that need a little more work before they are ready to be painted.

Although there’s some surface rust on the underside, it really doesn’t look too bad. There are some nice pictures so there’s no doubt what you are getting into; I’m sure that has helped the bidding.

I can’t help it; having grown up in the 70s and 80s, I’m a sucker for the engine-turned dash and sporty steering wheel on this generation of Trans Am. Although most of the interior is present, you are going to be on the h0ok to replace most of it if you want the car to look nice. So now we’re up to paint, a little bodywork and a complete interior kit. This is starting to get expensive.

The seller tells us that it runs well and sounds great. Is it worth it to take a car like this and fix it up, or do you think it’s better to pass on this find and find another car that has been kept in better shape? Let us know what you think!

Comments

  1. Avatar Johnny

    Nice find ! I wish someone would find my old one somewhere !

    Like 1
  2. Avatar jdjonesdr

    Definitely need a video of it running.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar OhU8one2

    Being a Poncho lover I am a little biased. This car has the right engine and trans. If it has WS6 even better. But,as it is known in the collector car circle,you buy the best car you can. In my opinion,this would need a full blown resto. What I would do is this. Build it to same specs as Macho T/A, paint original color,factory interior. Plan on spending more than the car would be worth. Put it back on road and use it for about 10,000 miles per year. Why? When was the last time you saw a stunning T/A pulling in to a gas station or any parking lot? Exactly……

    Like 0
  4. Avatar DR Member

    It is a WS6 car, and a fairly low option example. A nice grab for somebody.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar DR Member

    By June (06D) when this car was built, any 220 horse W72 400 (see chrome valve covers) car ordered with a 4 speed, automatically got WS6 PERFORMANCE PKG (see buildsheet photo). Taking a second look, it’s a VERY low option example, no hood bird, no T top, AM radio, non-AC, crank windows, non-power locks, base interior. But it strangely has the Y88 gold wheels where the gold bleeds right out to the edge of the rim. Odd car. Wonderful. Think I will bid.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar 68 custom

    If you wanted a Go Fast T/A back in 78 this is the way to have ordered it. low options with a pontiac 400 and Super T-10 four speed. would be sweet restored. good luck to next buyer.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar dirtyharry

    I only see the value of these 4 speed cars, going up, up and up. Certainly worth a full resto and if you are going to do that anyway, this is a good candidate.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar DR Member

    eBay auction write-up by owner says this car is a Y84 which it IS NOT. Y84 cars are black and have T-tops, they are also known as SE …. without exception.

    Like 0

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