A genuine Bandit Edition Trans Am is always going to turn heads, even when it needs the kind of attention this 1978 example is asking for. Listed as a full-restoration project, this factory black-and-gold Trans Am comes with its Pontiac 400 cubic-inch V8, an automatic transmission, and the unmistakable presence that made these cars icons in the first place. While the seller keeps the description brief, the essentials are there—this is a true Trans Am with the right engine, the right year, and the right look for someone who has the time and vision to bring it back to life. You can see it listed here on eBay, thanks for the tip Curvette!
The car carries a clean title and is equipped with T-tops, power features, and factory air conditioning. The interior is black, and the car is said to have been previously registered overseas before returning stateside. A real Y82/Y84-style Bandit Trans Am is a desirable find, so even a project example like this one is likely to attract collectors or hobbyists who have been hunting for a worthy candidate. The seller notes that a full restoration will be required, but doesn’t elaborate on mechanical or structural condition beyond confirming that the 400 cubic-inch Pontiac engine is present.
Buyers will also want to note that the listing specifies physical pickup only, meaning transport arrangements are entirely on the next owner. Mileage isn’t provided, and with the car having spent time overseas, it may have an interesting ownership trail that a new caretaker could dig into. Still, the core appeal isn’t about numbers—it’s about the chance to revive one of the most recognizable American performance cars of the 1970s.
With features such as power windows, power locks, a rear spoiler, sunroof-style T-tops, climate control, tilt steering, and an AM/FM stereo, this Trans Am carries the equipment buyers expect from a well-optioned ’78. But all of it will need attention, making this a proper ground-up restoration candidate rather than a weekend refresher.
For someone searching for a Bandit Edition they can build exactly how they want—factory-spec, restomod, or something in between—this project opens the door. A real black 400-powered Trans Am doesn’t come along every day, especially one offered as a blank slate for its next chapter.
Would you restore this Bandit to showroom glory or build it into a personalized tribute?
Is it time for a modern remake of this classic movie ? Be a stern challenge for a producer and director 🎬
Maybe change the car to the hot W72 pkg T/A with a 4sp. 😀👍 😎 🏁
Modern remakes of classic movies don’t typically end well. Better to leave it alone than destroy the legacy of the original. Reference 2025 Snow White remake.
Steve R
Don’t ’78 SE T/As have gothic styled “Trans Am” decals on the back & fenders? All the gold pinstriping is missing too.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought all bandit Trans Am‘s had the engine turn – that was gold color. I had a 77 bandit back in the day and it had the gold dash.
Nice write up Elizabeth, and you are right about having “The time and vision”
but don’t forget the $$$,$$.
With a buy it now price of 10 K, I think this will find a new owner and hopefully restores it back to it’s former glory.
Yeah, I agree. Don’t know if this is really a Bandit car. While there was no official “Bandit” edition car produced by Pontiac I think, I believe the movie cars were all Y81 optioned cars with T-tops, gold bird and associated gold lettering. This car does not seems to have the gold lettering. I wonder if the hood, T-Tops and seats come with the car? The floors are pretty bad and who knows what the rest of the underside looks like. These cars tend to have a lot of rust around the rear bumper support and frame area where the rear leaf spring perches attach to the frame. From 20 feet to looks ok but need a lot more pics.
Right you are, I knew a welder that was kept busy in his off- hours fixing the support and frame area in the rear of these type of cars.
While late 70s TAs bring big money, this one is a mess and an automatic. Boring. Unless it’s a Y82, a strong pass. I want to see build sheet and window sticker.
i see daylight on the r/s floor. 10k i don’t think so old man
Stored in a barn with the T tops off, what could go wrong
Pontiac called this the Blackbird; there was no “Bandit” model. (The car came first, the movie just used it) The trunk and fender lettering had a specific, sort of Old English style unique to these cars, not the stock Trans Am style as this has. It should also have gold pinstriping, and the “engine turned” dash applique should be gold, rather than the regular silver in this car.
The guy is trying to squeeze some extra bucks out of an ordinary T/A beater.
Like GSX’s there have been soooo many of these put back…..
I’m pretty sure Bandits didn’t have air