I normally wouldn’t cover a second-gen Pontiac Trans Am. The reason is simple, there are just so many of them and we have covered them extensively. And once you get beyond the Super-Duty era (’73-’74), the go just isn’t there – absent modifications, of course. So, why this one? It just comes off in an unpretentious and subdued way. And, it’s not a Smokey and the Bandit version which are seemingly everywhere and well overplayed. Even the hood chicken looks like it’s hiding! A silly reason? You bet but that’s how it rolls today. Beyond that, it’s just a nice, subtle black T/A so it caught my attention and consideration. This ‘Bird is located in Shrub Oak, New York and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $8,200 with the reserve not yet met. Thanks to Larry D for this tip!
The seller tells us that he’s the second owner of this Poncho and it has been in his possession since this past summer. He elaborates, “It did have a repaint in the 80’s I’m guessing. There are flaws in the paint chips and scratches plus some rust bubbles on the bottom edges of the fenders and door edges…Both bumpers have paint cracking and the front bumper has some cracks but it is repairable“. He suggests that it’s very presentable and I would have to agree with that assessment. This TransAm does have one of those infinitely popular ’80s flip-up, non-OEM sunroofs but we’re told that it doesn’t leak, a common foible with this addition. We’re going GTO-Judge style with this Trans Am on account of its missing trim rings – and it looks fine this way.
Power is provided by a 185 net HP, 400 CI V8 engine, channeling its thrust through a Turbo-Hydramatic, three-speed automatic transmission. Research tells us that this is the first year that the lighter-weight Turbo 350 transmission was used in place of the heavy-duty 400 which had been a Firebird/Trans Am mainstay since the beginning. It was a sign of the time, with power slowly going away, the 400’s strength, and extra cost, were no longer needed with this engine selection. The seller adds, “This car runs great“.
Inside, the new owner will be treated to reupholstered seats along with new carpet and door panels. It does present nicely and I have always found these Trans Am interiors to be a marked improvement over a corresponding Camaro’s interior digs – and why not, it’s a Pontiac right, and not a Chevy. The back seat area is a bit of a tiger-pit if you’re long-limbed, I know from experience, but they’re usually not used extensively and this car’s rear passenger compartment shows like new.
The mileage is listed at 102K miles and assuming that it’s authentic, and this Trans Am has not been abused, there should still be a lot of life left here – Pontiac V8s were tough, durable engines. And while the straight-line performance will be middling, assuming no engine mods, the new owner can expect excellent road manners, as in handling, maneuvering, and braking – and all wrapped in an unassuming package. If one were in the market for a second-gen Trans Am, I think this would be one to consider, how about you?
it’s not a bandit edition because itks too early…the original bandit car was 77/78.
Yes, I know that. I am referencing the amount of coverage that the Bandit versions get vs. non-Bandit editions.
JO
The Bandit cars were, in fact, unsold ‘76 models with updated clips. Part of the deal Needam brokered with GM for the use (i.e. destruction) of cars for his film
The only difference between the Camaro and Trans Am interior are the steering wheel and the Pontiac aluminum dash bezel. Much preferred the Camaro.
I had a ’77 Z28 and the seats were junk compared to what went into the Trans Am. They weren’t remotely the same in terms of upholstery and padding quality.
JO
You are 100% right !
NY uncle had the Z28 camaro and my cousin had the Trans am, o rode in both and I was like 7 years old and can remember them both and the T/A seats were definitely much much better!!!
I guess that’s what makes them different 😉!
The t/a u refer to may have had the thicker bulbous optional lower back delux seats which were more comfortable than the std higher backed seats – the latter, i believe, were the same basic ones as in the camaro & even later vegas & monzas! & if you have a ’70 1/2 f body, they use the very thin ’69 seats which are the least comfortable.
Not sure if the firebird’s thicker delux seat was even available in ’71-81 camaros.
What?? I think you need to take a closer look🙄
This is fair priceed when we take in mind it runned 170’000 KM
Weld the sunroof – im shure it has a/C – clean the engine
and bay and fix the warping seat covers. Nice driver for 8500
And off the antennas a Rolls Royce sourced Hirschmann is
your friend.
Great attitude. Unless it has 400hp it doesn’t matter. Because speed is of course the only important attribute in a classic vehicle.
All the t/a’s(there were many) used in “Smokey & the Bandit” actually WERE ’76s!!! because the movie came out before the ’77 models were released. The ’76 movie cars were fitted with preproduction ’77 noses & flatter hoods & aluminum wheels.
https://www.hotcars.com/15-little-known-facts-about-the-smokey-and-the-bandit-trans-am/
On this t/a for sale, the rally II’s w/o the trim rings look good.
The turbo 400 trans was not used in ’75 & later f-bodies because the new flat cat converter would be in the way! Not because the motor was weaker. The 400 trans was still used on larger wider pontiacs after ’74, however.
The 350 trans was never used behind a 455(or chevy 454), which is why after ’74, the 455 was only available with a manual trans – in a bird.
At $9,200 with 4 hours left is a “screaming” bargain for a T/A nowadays. Of course, reserve is not met.
Made it to $10,100. Reserve Not Met.