With just over 1,100 of these cars built, a true Y84 W72 WS6 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is a rare find. This one is unusual because at some point, someone painted it maroon. It should be painted Code 19 Starlight Black. The car is located in Sutton, Massachusetts and there are two days remaining in the auction. The car is not well kept and the seller didn’t even clean the pine straw off of it before taking pictures which indicates that the car has been sitting outside. The bids for the car have reached $15,100 here on eBay but the reserve has not been met.
The car is well optioned with a black vinyl deluxe interior. The upgraded seats and door panels look good by the carpet indicates that the car has not been kept in the manner it deserves. It appears the car is equipped with tilt steering, power windows, air conditioning (which is not working) and T-Tops. All W72 Trans Ams in 1979 were required to be ordered with the WS6 Special Performance handling package and Borg Warner T-10 4 speed transmission. The seller states that the car is PHS certified but does not include the paperwork in the picture gallery.
The seller states that the engine was rebuilt at some point with new rings, bearings and head work. A hotter cam was also added. The rusty master brake cylinder indicates that the undercarriage may be a little crusty. The blocks for the W72 400 engine were cast in 1977 and stockpiled for use in 1978 and 1979 Trans Ams and Formulas. Out of the 117,000 Trans Ams built in 1979 only about 10,000 Trans Am came with this high performance engine and only 367 Formulas. It was the last dance for Pontiac power before detuned 301 turbo engine were offered in 1980 as the highest performance option.
It is evident that this car will need new paint to bring it back to its original condition. The W72 400 cubic inch V8 engine was rated at 220 horsepower and 320 lb ft of torque in 1979. The NHRA dyno’d these cars and rated them at 260 horsepower. The seller states that the car is not in perfect condition and needs work. However, it is said to run and drive well. If this is a Y84 car, it should be preserved and restored.
I’ve never been a fan of color changes. It’d probably cost 7-8k to get that back right again, on top of everything else needed here. At least we know the part number for the radiator hose, LOL!!
Is he putting on a workshop on how not to get the most money from a car auction? Great potential here, but not vacuuming and clearing the outside of a car and taking pictures in mid-winter with snow all around are big warning signs for potential bidders. With a clean car in a hospitable environment, he would likely see those bids doubling right now. $10-15 k…unless he has more to hide.
Looked at the pictures here
I find it interesting that in the background of one picture there is a Snap On truck. Also, there are numerous cars around the TA. This leads me to believe the seller is either a mechanic or took this car to a mechanic and decided to sell.
This car is probably more of a “ran when parked” sale IMO.
I would like to see under carriage and sub frame
SOLD for $15,600.
The buyer got a nice discount due to the seller’s laziness to clean the darn thing.
Good for both of them.
I have one of these cars sitting in a warehouse in Detroit mines in a lot better shape all original I should sell it