Some enthusiasts can be intimidated by the prospect of tackling a first restoration project. Selecting the ideal candidate is critical to ensuring the experience is enjoyable. Few things will sour the venture faster than the new owner discovering that they have bitten off more than they can chew. That could make this 1977 Pontiac Trans Am a strong contender. It is as solid as the day it was born, is largely unmolested, and the seller includes a few parts to get the ball rolling. The Trans Am has generated considerable interest since they listed it here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The price has climbed to $7,100 due to solid bidding but remains below the reserve.

Pontiac’s Second Generation Firebird range received a facelift in 1977, with a more aggressive frontal treatment that significantly changed the car’s overall appearance. The first owner ordered this Trans Am in Cameo White, with the seller believing the paint is original. It hasn’t aged gracefully, wearing a wide selection of scratches and chips confirming its owners have used it as its creators intended. It is a prime candidate for restoration, although stripping the panels to bare metal might be wise to achieve a high-end result. However, the news becomes better the further we delve into its history. It has split its life between its current location and California. The dry climate in both areas has done a remarkable job of preserving the steel, with the underside shots confirming the Trans Am is as solid as the day it left the factory. There is dry surface corrosion that would be easy to address, but the lack of penetrating rust renders the grinder and welder redundant. The panels have accumulated minor imperfections, but nothing justifying replacement. The glass looks good, the Rally II wheels are restorable, and the seller includes a sparkling new front spoiler and a set of fender flares as a starting point for this cosmetic refresh.

Buyers could select from three engines to power their 1977 Trans Am. It is unsurprising that given this car’s early life in California, its engine bay houses the “Olds” 403ci V8. It sends 185hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes standard features in 1977. The power and torque figures for the Old engine are lower than those produced by the Pontiac 400, and the car’s outright performance reflects this. The ¼-mile ET of 16.6 seconds and a top speed of 110mph look lackluster by modern standards but were what buyers expected during The Malaise Era. However, it isn’t all bad news because ongoing developments mean it is possible to squeeze additional power from these motors without compromising the vehicle’s overall originality. The seller recently replaced the fuel pump, confirming the Trans Am runs and drives quite well. They aren’t particularly enthusiastic on the subject, but allowances must be made for an unrestored classic with forty-seven years behind it. Those unconcerned about originality could throw caution to the wind because there are many modern V8s that would bolt in with little effort. These would unlock what many might consider the performance a vehicle of this caliber deserves.

This Trans Am’s interior is a sea of Red, with the original owner selecting cloth covers for the seats. It looks care-worn, and a total restoration would seem the obvious choice. Kits to regain its former glory are readily available, but as with the exterior, the seller provides the winning bidder with a starting point. They include a new carpet set and a headliner, both still in their boxes. It would be worth making an effort with this aspect of the build because the original owner equipped the interior with a selection of desirable options. The factory radio has made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but this Pontiac retains its air conditioning, power windows, rear defogger, tilt wheel, and 8-track player.

Undeniably, many cars from the late 1970s were a triumph of style over substance. Manufacturers struggled to get a handle on emission laws, and performance suffered as a result. However, classics like this 1977 Pontiac Trans Am retain a sense of presence, and this helps explain why it has attracted twenty-one bids. Pursuing the restomod path would unlock significant performance improvements for those unconcerned about originality, although others will view preservation as preferable. Whatever path you might select, you would commence that journey with a rock-solid foundation. That makes this Trans Am worth a close look.