This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am SE doesn’t merely present well, because it features the most desirable mechanical combination available in that model year. It has no apparent needs and would suit someone seeking a stunning survivor that can be enjoyed immediately. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on eBay in Glendale, Arizona. The price of admission isn’t cheap, with the new owner faced with parting with $85,000 to take this baby home.
We see our share of Second Generation Firebirds at Barn Finds, and the majority of Trans Ams from this period seem to wear the same Starlight Black paint selected by this car’s first owner. The Gold graphics and Screaming Chicken add to its iconic appearance, and it is hard to fault the presentation. There is no patchiness, the paint shines deeply, and the stickers are crisp and clean. Further boxes are ticked by the straight panels and lack of rust. The seller believes that many of the seals and gaskets were replaced, ensuring that dust and moisture won’t find their way into areas where they aren’t welcome. The T-top will win many friends, as will the immaculate Snowflake wheels. There is no plastic deterioration and no evidence of leaks around the T-top.
The first owner ticked many of the more desirable boxes when ordering this classic. They selected the 400ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a Posi rear end, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. The seller discusses the rarity of this classic, and it seems valid. Pontiac produced 117,108 Trans Ams in 1979, but only 1,107 buyers selected the SE version with the 400/4-speed combination. The seller holds PHS documentation supporting this, along with the original Window Sticker. Pontiac continued to strive to produce cars with performance credentials at the height of The Malaise Era. This Trans Am used its 220hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque to cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds. That number doesn’t look particularly impressive by modern standards, but when compared to those produced by the opposition, it was class-leading. Our feature Trans Am is a numbers-matching vehicle that is in excellent mechanical health. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition, although I would expect nothing less from a classic within this price bracket.
This Trans Am’s interior carries the features expected in the SE version, including Gold on the wheel spokes and the machine-turned dash fascia. What I find fascinating is the original owner’s choice of options. They equipped the car with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and a tilt wheel. However, they passed on items like a radio and rear defogger. The overall presentation is very clean, especially considering that the only non-original trim item is the carpet. The Black cloth shows typical slight wear, the dash and pad are excellent, and there is no evidence of UV damage. The A/C blows ice-cold, and the seller doesn’t identify any functional issues.
This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am SE is a stunning car, and its relative rarity helps it to stand out from the crowd. However, the price is a hurdle that the seller may struggle to overcome. It is a long way above the market average, especially at a time when values have dropped by around 10% in the past year. I will be surprised if they find a buyer at that figure, but the unpredictable nature of the classic market means that we can never rule out anything. Do you think this Trans Am will find a new home, or will the seller need to compromise?
Eye watering price Clarkey.
What was faster in 79′ than this Bird 🏁
Hey there, Stan. The price is pretty crazy, and about the only American production vehicles that could show it a clean set of heels in 1979 were an L82-equipped Corvette and a Dodge Li’l Red Express. Still, if someone offered to buy this Trans Am and park it in my garage, I wouldn’t object! Cheers from Clarkey.
Every time I see one of those shifter handles I think, “what else did they d**k with?”.
That shifter handle is a new addition, the vintage version uses different typeface.
Steve R
The STUPIDITY continues with regard to pricing!
yea good luck with that $
Could be the only SE or even t/a with p/w & no radio! – tho the antenna is in the windshield & a connecting wire with plug hangs down behind the dash.
Always thought the gold clashed with silver & chrome inside these. Prefer the original ’73-’77 style hood bird. & ’77 exterior gothic lettering. Only a handful of ’77 SEs were built with std gold rally II wheels! Not sure if any ’78-’79s were.
$85,000?????? This guys higher than 10 hippies!!
At 85 k thats a new base vette territory.
Absolutely nice car but out of ballpark on price. As always its what the buyer and seller agrees to for the value good luck on both sides.
Testing the market. The Lil Red Dodge was faster than this car new. It’s the last true Pontiac 400, but with my $85,000 I will buy stock in AI and make money.
The 1978 Lil Red Express Dodge truck did not have a catalytic converter.
The very restrictive pancake GM pellet cat on the t/a probably sapped 40 hp.
Myself and 2 other friends ordered the same set up and was told that they ran out of 400s and the cars would have the 403 with automatics. Of course we all canceled the orders and later found out that not 1 car was shipped to Alaska with the 400/4speed….
Myself and 2 other friends ordered the same set up and was told that they ran out of 400s and the cars would have the 403 with automatics. Of course we all canceled the orders and later found out that not 1 car was shipped to Alaska with the 400/4speed….good luck on that price
Even worse for some who tried to order an sd-455 bird, waited almost a year & was then told they were not building anymore/the order could not be fullfilled.
This would also have the WS6 suspension with that package, that came with the wider wheels on this car. Other than the T tops (they leak and the chassis isn’t as stiff with them) it’s about as perfect as a 79 Firebird can get. That said it’s priced crazy for this market, but if you don’t ask you won’t get it and somebody can always make a lower offer.