In 1978, the Trans Am variant dominated Pontiac Firebird sales, outselling the Esprit by more than 2:1. Its starring role in the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit undoubtedly helped the Trans Am’s cause. The seller suggests that with the additional parts they hold, the buyer could easily transform this 1978 Firebird Esprit into a Bandit Tribute. However, some readers will believe that preservation is a better option, considering how nicely it presents. The seller has listed the Esprit here on eBay in Bunker Hill, West Virginia. They’ve set their BIN at $18,500 with the option to make an offer.
After a fairly major restyle in 1977, Pontiac made only minor cosmetic changes to its Firebird range in 1978. The grille was the main beneficiary, receiving a cross-hatch design to replace the previous honeycomb appearance. The Trans Am continued to dominate production numbers, with the company selling 93,341 examples compared to the Esprit’s 36,926. This 1978 Esprit looks stunning in Platinum, with the T-Top and Snowflake wheels accentuating its good looks. The hood features a “screaming chicken” decal that looks crisp and clean. The paint shines impressively, with no evidence of patchiness. The panels are straight, and although the images are quite poor, I see no obvious signs of rust problems. The seller raises an intriguing possibility for potential buyers to consider. They have a selection of parts, including a Trans Am hood scoop and fender spoilers, suggesting the buyer could use these items to build a Bandit Tribute. They aren’t included and would be extra-cost items.
Powering this Firebird is a 350ci V8 producing a factory-claimed 170hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque when the car was new. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting, and the car also has power steering and power front disc brakes. The seller states that this classic is no longer numbers-matching. The 350 is a Crate Motor installed by the previous owner. It is unclear how many miles it has clocked since, but the seller states that the odometer reading of 110,000 miles is accurate. They include significant original paperwork such as the Build Sheet and confirm that this Esprit runs and drives extremely well.
I admire the consistency of this Pontiac, because its interior is as impressive as its exterior. Trimmed in Black vinyl, it is almost beyond criticism. The upholstered surfaces and carpet appear free from wear, and usually prone items like the dash, pad, console, and plastic haven’t succumbed to UV exposure or abuse. The faux woodgrain is excellent, and those seeking a comfortable motoring experience will welcome the air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and AM/FM radio/cassette player.
It will be fascinating to gauge your response, because I know that we have many readers who prize nothing more than a classic’s originality. I want to know how many of you would buy the additional parts the seller offers to transform this 1978 Firebird Esprit into a Bandit Tribute. The process would involve more than simply fitting the parts, because it would also require a color change to Starlight Black. We’re potentially getting into expensive territory if the buyer isn’t into DIY, and once you factor in the seller’s price, you could buy a nice genuine Trans Am for about the same amount. That makes me wonder whether it’s worth it. What do you think?
Good looking firebird, but without that shaker hood scoop that “screaming chicken” barely clucks.
Why do the t tops look a little odd? They seem too small
They appear to be the Hurst Hatches. Those were smaller and didn’t join in the center of the roof.
Tbone I noticed something odd about them when I first looked but I think you hit it on the head definitely not like the factory originals!
Hurst t-tops. Likely an early 78 before GM went with Fisher for all t-tops.
shame it has a sbc in it.
I have a sbc pulling over 400# of torque! Will smoke any TA with a 400, which is also a small block. Pontiac never built a big block!
Even a ’69-’70 Ram Air IV with 4 speed manual?
I drove a ’75 camaro with small block 350 2 bbl. My ’68 with inline 250 cube 6 cyl & glide & 3:07 rear felt faster. lol
A pontiac v8 weighs only about 35 lb less than a big block chevy.
& pity the ’73 454 vette that was a second slower than a same yr sd-455 bird.
The tops are probably the Hurst tops used in the early year models
Perhaps the Pontiac enthusiasts can chime in here, but I don’t recall a screaming chicken decal as an option on these Esprits. Nice condition tho.
Had a pal with a blue Esprit that had the decal. AFAIK, it came from the factory that way.
I’ve never seen an Esprit with the chicken on the hood either. They either specially ordered it or added it themselves. I also remember the Esprit emblem on the B? pillar behind the doors. It looks like they took them off and put the little Firebird emblems. They put them too far back I believe because of the stripe. Nice car, but I wouldn’t pay extra for the Trans-Am parts. I’d leave it as is and enjoy. John
Would that mean they have smaller leaks?
Very confusing car….what? where? why? Don’t know if this insults the Trans Am or the Esprit more!
The hood with decal no scoop,the engine SBC …..geez
It looks like the first owner started to make it a bandit tribute , and changed there mind. Over all it is a good looking TA to start from . It still needs a lot of work to make it good tribute . The seller states there is more parts to help finish the job . The down side is the trany and the rear axel are original. With a 110000 miles on it they will have to be rebuilt or replaced shortly.
I would have fun and drive it untill something breaks . Then fix it right.
Price is a bit high for what it is . $12000 to $15000 is about right .