The Malaise Era brought its fair share of motoring misery as engine power figures dropped mercilessly. However, some enterprising individuals sought to inject excitement into the motoring experience, and the result of such creative thinking was cars like this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Macho T/A. Engine and mechanical upgrades improved performance, recapturing the glory days of the early 1970s. This car presents well and is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver. You will find the T/A listed here on eBay in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. Bidding sits below the reserve at $9,065, although there is a BIN option of $53,901.

By 1979, Pontiac had locked in the release date for its Third Generation Firebird range. Therefore, upgrades to the existing model were largely evolutionary. This Trans Am is finished in Cameo White which shines exceptionally well. There are no major flaws or imperfections, and the comprehensive image gallery supplied by the seller confirms that the Pontiac has avoided the rust issues that sometimes plague these classics. There is no plastic deterioration, the glass is clear, and the Snowflake wheels appear flawless. One notable cosmetic enhancement is the decals and stripes that formed part of the Macho T/A package. These are crisp and clean, with no checking or lifting. The seller includes a wide selection of paperwork tracing the car’s history. The original Build Sheet and a large binder of documentation will appeal to many enthusiasts and is probably justified for a classic within this price range.

The most potent engine offered by Pontiac in 1979 was the W72 version of its 400ci V8. Its 220hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque offered respectable performance for the period, but it is fair to say that the Trans Am had become a triumph of style over substance by the time this car rolled off the line. Circumventing the tight emission regulations wasn’t within the scope of dealer preparation for any new car, but a couple of enterprising brothers devised a creative solution. The Mecham family owned a Pontiac dealership in Glendale, Arizona. Brothers Dennis and Kyle Mecham formed a company called DKM Performance and Design. They purchased new Trans Ams from the family firm and performed mechanical upgrades to unlock performance and handling improvements to recapture the badge’s glory days. The engine received plenty of TLC, while a 1½” suspension drop and Koni shocks helped the Trans Am to point and steer better. With the work completed and each Macho T/A adorned with a DKM build number, cars returned to the family dealership and were sold as used vehicles. Was the effort worthwhile? A standard Trans Am could cover the ¼-mile in 16 seconds, while a Macho T/A slashed that figure to 14.3 seconds. Sadly, while this “Macho” retains its numbers-matching four-speed manual transmission and other mechanical components, the DKM motor is now a distant memory. The engine bay houses a 400ci powerplant from earlier in the decade, and although its specifications are unclear, it should sound pretty tough exhaling through headers and a dual exhaust. The seller indicates that this classic runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition.

Examining the interior shots suggests that this Trans Am has either received a retrim or that it has been treated respectfully since Day One. Its Camel houndstooth cloth is free from wear and marks, while the vinyl is in good order. The carpet, headliner, and dash are spotless, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. It isn’t badly equipped by the standards of the day, featuring air conditioning, power windows, a rear defogger, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio.

This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Macho T/A presents well, but it needs to if the seller is to achieve a successful sale at their BIN figure. It is at the top end of the market, and I question whether it is overly optimistic when we factor the loss of the car’s original V8 into the equation. It has attracted three bids, and the low listing view and Watch List totals don’t bode well. What would you be prepared to pay to park this Macho T/A in your garage?