Choosing between preservation and restoration can prove challenging when an enthusiast comes face-to-face with a classic that is a genuine survivor. That is the decision facing the new owner of this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. It has avoided the modifications and upgrades typically found on many cars from this era, and although it isn’t perfect, its condition could potentially justify leaving it largely untouched. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing it here on Facebook in Westfield, Iowa. They have set their price at $18,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rumpledoorskin for spotting this unmolested classic.
The original owner ordered this Trans Am in Solar Gold. It features the correct graphics package, including the iconic “Screaming Chicken” on the hood. Potential buyers seeking perfection will probably be disappointed by the presentation because the paint sports a selection of minor marks and imperfections. It is presentable as a survivor-grade car, but I would wager the new owner will probably treat the vehicle to a cosmetic refresh. However, the lack of apparent rust means the work could happen at a point that best suits the Pontiac’s next custodian. I noticed a small area of typical developing corrosion near the back window, but it hasn’t progressed to steel penetration. Therefore, catching it early would be wise. The remaining exterior surfaces seem solid, and the seller doesn’t mention any issues lurking below the surface. The front spoiler appears to have some slight repairable damage, and the trunk lid fit is slightly off on the passenger side. Ensuring this fits correctly is imperative to minimize the chances of moisture finding its way into the trunk and wreaking havoc on the pan. The trim is in good order, as are the Snowflake wheels. I see no significant issues with the glass, including the panels for the Fisher T-Top.
Buyers could choose from three engines to power their 1979 Trans Am, with this car featuring the 403ci Oldsmobile V8. This engine was only offered with a three-speed automatic transmission, although this car scores a Posi rear end and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Performance models were feeling the pinch by the time this car rolled off the line, with this reflected in the power and torque outputs of 185hp and 315 ft/lbs. It appears this classic is in excellent mechanical health, retaining its numbers-matching drivetrain. The seller includes an embedded video clip in the advertisement that lets us hear the engine running. It sounds as sweet as a nut, with no smoke or odd noises. They indicate an odometer reading of 33,500 miles, but not whether they hold evidence confirming the reading is genuine. They have retained the original Build Sheet, including that in the sale. It seems this Trans Am could be a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Frustratingly, the seller provides no images that give us an overview of the interior condition. The front seats wear slipcovers, camouflaging the Camel cloth trim. The dash and console appear to be okay, but there’s little else we can determine from the supplied photos. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although the buyer will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning, cruise control, tilt wheel, rear defogger, and AM/FM stereo radio with optional rear speakers.
Okay, it’s decision time. What would be your plans if you found this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am parked in your workshop? Would you address the developing corrosion before it advances too far and opt to preserve this classic? Or would returning this unmolested beauty to its former glory prove irresistible? Either approach is valid, and the apparent solid nature of this car means making a final decision on its fate doesn’t need to happen immediately. Sometimes, time is of the essence, but it isn’t in this case. That stress-free opportunity could make this Trans Am worth a closer look.
Decent torque and std 3.23 gear make these feel quicker on their feet than only 185hp. Far from fast, but still effortless motoring.
I believe the deck lid is ok, looks like someone shut the trunk on an object that didn’t quite fit at some point, relatively easy fix either way. New paint & graphics will be at least 10 grand depending on the quality you’re looking for. I suggest several quotes and err on the side of the better quality job, you’ll be glad if you plan on keeping it. New interior 3 grand and add another 5 for unknowns that will need to be addressed around the vehicle. So at the end of the day you’re pushing $40K if it sells for asking price and doesn’t get bid to the stratosphere. That mileage accuracy and underside condition will play a huge part in the decision. Always loved this color combination, best of luck to the new owner!
I had an almost identical 1979 Trans AM. Mine had Rallye wheels. I don’t remember mine having gold interior, but it’s possible? But, everything else seems the same, including color and engine.
As for the milage, absolutely not. I don’t even want to hear about documentation, which is usually a notarized letter from a previous owner?
I do like the car, regardless of it’s previous history. It brings back memories from the past.
Just my oponion!
You are right on about the restoration costs . I believe the miss alignment on the rear deck is from the urethane rear spoiler.
I had a ‘79 just like this in solar gold. I had to take the rear spoiler off and elongate the holes so I could get some adjustment . It fit a lot better, but was never perfect. GM unfortunately did a terrible job on fit and finish. Nice car , sure brings back memories, I sure loved mine … Good luck to the bidders
I too had a 79 and the rear spoiler was misaligned on the right side just like this one(not as bad though). If you look at some pictures of unrestored 79’s you’ll see most of them don’t line up perfectly and always on the right side.
A pic of my 77 that I bought after graduation in 1980. yes, had to get a set of Western Turbines!
My 77 was identical!
Not to correct Stan but i thought they came with 2.41 as base gears which would make quiet highway cruises. 3.23’s if you popped for ws6, then again correct me if i’m in left field. Deck lid has to be adressed cause it looks goofy and if the structural is sound this could make a nice week-ender with not to much money spent if the future owner is willing to work on it himself instead of farming out to someone.
They lost me at “403 Oldsmobile”…these cars sucked. If a T/A doesn’t have a 400 Pontiac engine in it, it’s worthless, in my opinion. Oh, and ALL Trans Ams came with a Posi…it was part of the standard features included with the T/A option.
403 olds Sucked?Worthless?? I had a one owner 79 with a 403 ,back in the early 90s. And it ran High 13s(respectable back then)once you cleaned all the smog crap off it and put true duals on it and bump the gears to a 3:55. I won a fair amount of races with that old T/A. They far from sucked when you’re in you’re early 20s
The Formula steering wheel looks best in black.
I thought my interior color was black? I just cannot remember? I have had too many cars to remember all of them in detail?
I just don’t remember it being gold?
Just my opinion!
Finally a 403 Olds T/A with the correct 6.6 Litre decal.