There is always something inherently “right” about spotting a late 1970s Pontiac Trans Am finished in Black. This is accentuated when the original owner ordered the car with the optional T-Top. This 1978 Trans Am ticks those boxes, and its presentation is very acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The seller had grand plans, but they have decided to list it at a competitive price so it finds a new home with an enthusiast willing to preserve this classic or lift it to a higher level. You will find the Pontiac here on Craigslist in Boulder, Colorado. It could be yours for $29,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting this beauty.

Narrowing down the build date of some classics can be challenging, but it is possible to confirm that this Trans Am rolled off the line in the second half of 1978. The company introduced the T-Top to the Trans Am range in 1976. Hurst completed the installation off-site, but Pontiac transitioned to Fisher T-Tops in late 1978. Since this car features the latter, that confirms it is a later example. The original owner teamed the T-Top with iconic Starlight Black paint that holds an impressive shine. The seller doesn’t describe it as perfect, although it is very presentable. The Gold decals were replaced in 2022, giving the car a fresh look. The listing becomes confusing when the seller uses the word “nominal” to describe any rust issues. I assume they mean minimal, and the supplied photos support that possibility. The panels are clean, while typically prone areas like the floors, trunk pan, and rear valance look sound. The trim and glass are excellent, and the Snowflake wheels are wrapped in new tires.

Lifting the Trans Am’s hood reveals the 400ci V8 that sends 180hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The new owner benefits from power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The Trans Am suffered like many cars at the hands of tight emission regulations, but this Pontiac’s current owner may have unleashed a few additional ponies. The V8 inhales deeply through a new four-barrel carburetor, an MSD ignition provides the spark, and spent gases exit via headers and a dual exhaust. The improved breathing won’t have hurt and may even have pushed the power towards the 220hp provided by the optional W72 motor. The seller admits the engine has a small oil leak, which they believe is coming from the pan. They also identify a transmission fluid leak, but its origin is unclear. However, they say the car fires into life at the first turn of the key and that it runs and drives extremely well. It appears that addressing those issues is all that stands between the new owner and the goal of slipping behind the wheel of a turnkey classic they can drive anywhere.

The Trans Am’s interior is tidy, and the condition is readily acceptable for a driver-grade classic. It isn’t perfect, with the seller identifying a small hole in the passenger seat and wear on the door trims as aesthetic issues. The original owner ordered the car with air conditioning, which was removed. The parts to reinstate it are available, which will be a matter of personal preference. It is worth noting the factory radio has made way for a modern stereo with speakers cut into the door trims. As with the A/C, reversing the change will be at the buyer’s discretion. However, the dash is in good order. There is no crumbling plastic and no signs of abuse. A complete retrim isn’t justified, but spending money to address the upholstery shortcomings could be worthwhile if the buyer considers the long-term investment potential.

The listing describes this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am as priced to sell, which is probably pretty accurate. You will find cheaper examples in the classic market, but this one appears to be a solid vehicle where the new owner can leave the grinder and welder safely stored away in the cupboard. It isn’t perfect, but the photos suggest its presentation is good enough to turn heads. Its shortcomings are minor and could be addressed when (or if) the buyer feels it is necessary. It has been on the market for under a week, but do you think it will find a new home?