Original W72: 1978 Pontiac Trans Am

By 1978, buyers seeking a new car with respectable performance credentials faced slim pickings. In keeping with its well-earned reputation, Pontiac remained the torchbearer within the General Motors world. If a buyer ordered a new Trans Am with the W72 engine option, they found themselves behind the wheel of one of the fastest four-seaters available in that model year. That’s what the original owner of this classic did, although it has since fallen upon hard times. It requires a total restoration, but it is complete and original. If a Trans Am is the classic of your dreams, this one is listed here on eBay in Ogden, Utah. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $5,200, although that figure is short of the reserve.

This poor old Trans Am has seen better days, needing a new owner willing to lavish care and attention on its tired Cameo White paint and panels. We know it rolled off the line in the first half of 1978 because the T-Top is the Hurst version. The company swapped to a Fisher version around the middle of the model year, and the two are easy to distinguish due to differing glass panel dimensions. Exterior rust is limited and is chiefly confined to the driver’s side lower rear quarter panel, and the hood. The seller says the trunk is good, but the floor pans require attention. Most of the tinted glass is okay, although the buyer must invest in a new windshield. The original snowflake wheels are oxidized but should respond positively to some old-fashioned polishing. Returning this classic to its former glory will take some time and effort, but if the floors aren’t too bad, it should be worth it.

When the original owner ordered this Trans Am, they didn’t skimp on the creature comforts. As well as a T-Top, they selected air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power trunk release, cruise control, and a tilt wheel. Most of the interior components are intact, but the buyer faces some work if it is to present well. The seller includes a good Formula wheel, but a trim kit will be on the buyer’s shopping list. That purchase will leave no change from $2,200, but if this project stacks up financially, the potential value could justify the expense.

When it came to performance offerings in 1978, the Trans Am presented a solid case to potential buyers. This car features the W72 version of the 400ci V8. In its prime, it produced 220hp. The original owner added a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. If they pointed it at a ¼ mile, it could cover the distance in a flat 16 seconds. If we wish to gain some perspective, it is worth considering what other auto-equipped models offered. The Camaro Z28 took 16.8 seconds to complete the journey, while Ford’s Mustang II Cobra II pushed the time to 17.4 seconds. Even the iconic Corvette Pace Car could only summon a 16.1-second pass. However, it wasn’t the Trans Am’s natural competitor. This Pontiac is original, but it has been sitting for years. Its drivetrain is complete, although there may be an engine issue for the buyer to tackle. The seller indicates that the V8 turns freely for about half a turn before it jams. It could be minor, but it could also be a symptom of deeper trouble. Only a closer investigation will reveal the truth.

When we assess performance models offered during the last half of the 1970s, the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am stands out from the crowd. You could buy more potent vehicles, but it was among the best that could seat more than two people. The Trans Am struck the right chord with buyers because 93,341 willingly handed over their cash for one in that year. They remain popular today, with values climbing steadily. The bidding history on this one demonstrates that with fifty already submitted. With time left on the listing, the opportunity remains for you to stake your claim. Whether or not one of our readers is successful, I hope the new owner returns it to its former glory. No classic deserves to end its days like this.