This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am hides its light under a bushel. Once you look past the tired paint, you find a rock-solid restoration candidate with many new mechanical components. It would allow the winning bidder to indulge in immediate classic motoring pleasure while they plan this Trans Am’s future. The seller listed the Pontiac here on eBay in Cranston, Rhode Island. The bidding sits at $6,767, and if you’re already sorely tempted, their decision to offer this promising project with No Reserve might make it irresistible.
As in 1978, Pontiac made only minor cosmetic changes to its Second Generation Firebird range for the 1979 model year. The company focused on the nose, giving vehicles a cleaner, sharper look. This Trans Am rolled off the line in 1979 and would have looked stunning when its Starlight Black paint held a rich shine. However, it now looks very matte, and the distinctive Gold decals are equally tired. The car is begging for a restoration, and that process might not be complicated. The seller assures us the rust is confined to a small, patchable spot in the center of the trunk pan. Otherwise, the floors and rails are solid, and the lower extremities are clean. Therefore, welding a patch into the trunk is all that stands between this Pontiac and a rust-free status. The panels don’t sport any significant dings or dents, and the lack of interior moisture damage confirms that the T-Top seals are in good condition. I believe it will take more time than money to whip the exterior into shape.
The 1979 Trans Am represented one of those relatively rare occasions where the largest motor in the arsenal was also the entry-level powerplant. The V8 in question was the 403ci Olds motor, which was only available teamed with a three-speed TH350 automatic transmission. Buyers could access Pontiac’s 301ci V8 as a credit option, and, as with its 400ci engine, it gave access to a four-speed manual transmission. The Olds wasn’t a bad motor, delivering 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque. That sounds pretty modest by modern standards, but both figures were higher than those produced by a 1979 Camaro Z28. The seller says they recently replaced virtually the entire brake and fuel systems and fitted a new starter and battery. They indicate that the motor has a rough idle, and there is a slight rocker noise. Otherwise, the V8 feels strong, and the Trans Am drives well.
This Trans Am’s interior is a surprise packet, presenting far better than the exterior may indicate. Trimmed in Silver vinyl, there are no rips, tears, or signs of abuse. The driver’s seat base appears slightly discolored in the listing images, but since this trim is notoriously hard to photograph, that could be an illusion. The dash looks excellent, and there is no obvious broken plastic. It isn’t perfect, with the wheel and carpet both exhibiting deterioration. Someone removed the heater and air conditioning components, but the T-Top, power windows, and tilt wheel should make life aboard this classic pretty comfortable.
I acknowledge that there was a time when a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am with an Olds V8 under the hood wouldn’t draw much attention. However, times change, and these cars have found their place in the classic market, with values climbing as a result. Our featured Trans Am is a promising project and could be ideal for someone who wants to get hands-on with a first restoration. Recent sales suggest bidding may not climb far beyond $10,000, and with No Reserve to complicate matters, it is guaranteed to find a new home in a few days. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Odd interior color for a black and gold TA. Usually either camel or black. The engine and transmission need to be pulled and rebuilt. You can squeeze some good power from these 403’s with flat top pistons, aluminum heads or ported small block Olds 350 iron heads to improve airflow and reduce weight, roller cam and aluminum intake. You can get complete top-end kits from Butler performance. I’d go with solid black, emblem delete on a repaint with a set of the reproduction 17X9 polished honeycomb rims. She’d be a stunner and a runner!