We see plenty of Second Generation Pontiac Trans Ams at Barn Finds, and their condition varies widely. Some special edition variants are less common, like this 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit Skybird. It is the second example we’ve seen in a week, and this car shows far more promise than the first. It appears to be a solid and virtually complete survivor that has sat for a while. It could be ideal for an enthusiast seeking an affordable, solid hands-on build. The seller has listed the Skybird here on Craigslist in Peoria, Arizona. They set their price at $4,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project.

The history of this Skybird is unclear, but its Lombard Blue paint carries the slightly baked appearance we typically expect from any classic that has spent time exposed to the Arizona sun. A cosmetic refresh would seem the obvious path, and it may be more straightforward than some would think. Although the paint is baked, the panels are straight, and the dry climate seems to have done an admirable job protecting the steel. There appears to be one corrosion spot on the filler between the back window and trunk lid, but the rest of the panels look clean. There are no underside shots, meaning an in-person inspection is advisable. If the floors, trunk pan, and rear valance are clean, the buyer could have themselves a winner. One thing missing is the unique Skybird graphics set. It may peeled away over the years, but I don’t think that’s the case. I’m sure I can see evidence of repainting, suggesting this car may have already undergone at least one prior partial restoration. Performing that in-person inspection should expose the truth. The plastic looks surprisingly good, the glass is excellent, and the original color-coded wheels should respond positively to some TLC and enthusiastic polishing.

The seller’s photos are pretty poor, making it virtually impossible to make a definitive call on some aspects of this car. That is the case with the interior, although it is missing a few items, like the radio, glove compartment door, and the center from the Formula wheel. The dash pad is cracked, and while there are a column-mounted aftermarket tachometer and an additional gauge under the dash, there are no other visible changes. New carpet will be on the shopping list, but the state of the upholstered surfaces and headliner is a lucky dip. I believe the Skybird may have featured air conditioning, but there are no engine bay components. The original owner selected power windows and a factory 8-track player that remains in situ.

This Pontiac’s original owner picked the most potent and desirable mechanical combination offered in the ’77 Esprit. Its engine bay houses a 350ci V8 with a three-speed TH-350 automatic transmission bolted to its back. The 350 would have delivered 170hp, and although that figure sounds modest, it was considered respectable in an era of dwindling horsepower figures. The seller states this Firebird ran when parked (there’s that dreaded expression!), but the transmission requires a rebuild or replacement. The engine bay is missing items like the plug wires, but I wouldn’t be surprised if cleaning the plugs and fuel system and adding new wires didn’t see that V8 roar into life. It would be worth a shot because it will cost nothing to try.

This 1977 Firebird Esprit Skybird shows promise for the right person, although some will question whether the price means it qualifies as affordable. Before you write it off as a bad thing, it is worth reflecting on a similar car I covered in this article. It was well beyond help, allowing us to graphically see the difference between the terms “flawless” and “floorless.” That may have been true, but it didn’t stop the bidding from racing to $3,500 before the hammer fell. This car may not feature a few desirable options like the T-Top in the other vehicle, but its most significant advantage is that it appears rock-solid. That factor alone has to make it worth at least $1,000 more than the other Skybird. Do you agree?