I always twitch slightly when an owner makes a rarity claim for their classic car. While some are valid, others are less relevant and more obscure. That brings us to this 1977 Pontiac Trans Am. While I’ve had no luck pinning down exact figures, there is a chance that the owner’s claim that this car features a rare paint and trim combination may be accurate. It is purely subjective, but of all of the Trans Ams I’ve seen over the decades, I struggle to remember one the same as this. Interested parties will undoubtedly investigate this further, but at first glance, this could be an automotive unicorn. If you wish to pursue it further, you will find the Pontiac located in Denver, Colorado, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $39,900, but he may consider offers.
The owner refers to this Trans Am as being very original, suggesting that the Sterling Silver paint that graces its panels may be the factory finish. If that is the case, its condition is pretty impressive. There is no evidence of fading or the patchiness that can plague silver paint over time, and no signs of blemishes or other defects. My instinct tells me that someone may have treated the car to a light cosmetic refresh, but it would take better photos to confirm this. The panels are straight, the gaps are consistent, and there’s no visible rust. We don’t receive any shots of the prone underside regions like the rear valance, but the owner’s insistence that potential buyers come and inspect the car suggests he has nothing to hide. Rounding out the exterior are flawless tinted glass, shining alloy wheels, and a T-Top with no evidence of leaks or other problems.
You have to give Pontiac their due. This Trans Am rolled off the production line during the depths of The Malaise Era, but the company still tried to provide some motoring excitement. The 400ci V8 under the hood of this classic should be producing 200hp, and with the four-speed manual transmission bolted on behind, it should romp through the ¼ mile in a neat 16 seconds. To place that into perspective, the best that a buyer could expect from a ’77 Camaro Z28 was 16.7 seconds, while the poor old Mustang II Cobra II brought up the rear with 17.5 seconds. The days of 14-second ETs must have felt lightyears away! Our feature car is a numbers-matching classic that is in sound mechanical health. The owner says that it runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic begging for a new owner.
Okay, we’ve finally reached the point where we need to consider what may constitute rarity with this Trans Am. The Sterling Silver interior isn’t unusual, but this car features Code 11N White Deluxe vinyl upholstery with contrasting Code 19X Black carpet, dash, and console. I’ve seen plenty of Trans Ams wearing Silver, and I’ve seen nearly as many with this interior trim combination. However, I can’t remember seeing one with this overall package. Leaving the rarity question to one side, this interior presents as impressively as the exterior. The White vinyl is free from stains and yellowing, while the remaining upholstered surfaces, dash, pad, and console look spotless. Someone has installed an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but this isn’t the end of the world. The owner has the original AM/FM radio and 8-track player. He sent both items to a specialist for refurbishment, and all the buyer will need to do is slot them into their rightful place. Unusually, this Pontiac doesn’t feature air conditioning. However, the power windows and tilt wheel should contribute to occupant comfort.
The internet is a double-edged sword. While it has allowed me to write for Barn Finds and share my undying passion for classic cars. it also brings its pitfalls. When I started questioning the owner’s claim about the paint and trim combination, I went to good old Mr. Google and typed “1977 Pontiac Trans Am paint and trim combinations” into the search bar. The result? Only around 3,700,000 hits to sort through! Therefore, I am relying on my own memory (which is pretty good), and I can honestly say that I have never seen a ’77 Trans Am quite like this. That statement is hardly conclusive, but it will be interesting to see if our readers can further clarify this one. I’m always happy to learn, so over to you.
At least it has a true Poncho 400 and not the 403 Olds station wagon engine.
I agree with your comment , the station wagon boat anchor was really a put down
American brand T-tops (aftermarket) but looks really nice. I had same ones installed on my 77 back in the day. I was happy with them. Great car.
Can’t you just imagine the excitement of ordering a ’77 Trans Am back in the day with the W72 Poncho 400, four-speed transmission and limited-slip rear axle.
… and no AC to boot. Someone was think Pontiac & Performance!
👍🏁 nice Pontiac for sure. Silver 4spd 400 well ordered.
Silver and Red, good combo.
I had a 14 Silver and Red Challenger Rallye Redline.
I would agree it is a rare combo of silver and white. No color combination statistics are available for later year second generation trans ams to prove how rare.
I’d say this is pretty cool! I like it! I didn’t remember Pontiac offering a black and white interior in 1977. It goes well with the silver.
A white interior surely does not translate into this high of an asking price.
Did anyone notice the extra speakers in the front doors. I don’t believe that is a factory opition
I like the silver anniversary the best 400 220 hp 4 speed, just like the 60s the poncho just looked better than the chevy. Big birds on yhe doors and hood sparkly dash shaker, although i dont like red guts these are to me the best looking cars, i think the golden anniversary was 79, but not sure. Nice but not as nice as the 77. The Olds 403 with 185 hp in 79 was a good motor, as a brand new car with everything working these cars ate the corners . Easy to drive.
Interesting that the “T/A 6.6 liter 4bbl engine” is listed as included “at no extra charge” on the left side of the window sticker and then is listed again as a $50 option on the right side.
For 1977, the standard Trans Am engine was Pontiac’s “regular” L78 400cid 4bbl engine that was rated at 180hp. The $50 option (well worth it) was the W72 400cid 4bbl engine that was rated at 200hp. The difference was some upgraded engine goodies.
Looks nice. Pop the trunk and take the screws off of both hard paper side covers. That cover the space up tp the side quaters. Pontiac left drain plugs in them. They bwill gather up alot of water in them for a good while. Before they start showing rust. I they Pontiac did this. To cause the cars to rust out. Over 74,000 miles–the price seems steep. Looks to good . Needs a true physical inspection and honest answers. Not fooled buy shiney stuff any more. I,d have to have proof before any cash was laid down.
Would still be a fun car with a cam change and holly sniper efi !
For sure
The cam and efi would totally change the car
The sniper sounds like a great unit to upgrade this car with from all the reviews i have read on it
A frind of mine upgraded his 78 vette with one
He had problems but mainly because of language and lack of knowledge but doesn’t regret it at all
I’m looking at the Edelbrock set up for my square body. It includes distributor that is also controlled by the ecu. Seems like a better system to also have timing control.
Very nice unit. Price seems a bit optimistic however in this market I am not surprised. Makes me appreciate my Y88 even more. GLWTS.