This 1977 Pontiac Trans Am proves that a classic car needn’t be 100% original to generate interest when it hits the market. It is unmolested below the skin, but examining the Trim Tag reveals it looked considerably different when it rolled off the line. Its only immediate need is a new home, with the seller listing the Trans Am here on eBay in Lee Center, New York. Bidding has raced to $20,099, although that figure is below the reserve.
If first impressions count, this Trans Am is off on the right foot. Its presentation is difficult to fault, with the paint shining beautifully and nary a sign of a significant flaw or defect. That brings us to the first change that purists will probably consider before deciding whether to submit a bid. The Trim Tag confirms the original owner ordered the car in Buccaneer Red, but a repaint many years ago means the shade is slightly different. Observant readers will notice the iconic Screaming Chicken is missing from the hood, but the seller includes a new one in the correct Gold shade for the winning bidder to apply. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the best news is that this Trans Am isn’t succumbing to the rust that can plague these classics. The exterior is extremely clean, while the single underside shot reveals nothing that could cause heartburn. The seller recently installed a new windshield with the in-glass radio antenna, with a shaker seal, pillar emblems, and sill plates added to that list. That isn’t the end of the story because the car comes with approximately $1,000 worth of additional items that the winning bidder could retain or sell to recoup part of the purchase price. There is a shiny set of NOS correct Trans Am trim rings, a splitter, chrome tips, fender braces, and washer and overflow bottles with the correct braces.
The exterior isn’t the only aspect of this Trans Am to receive changes because the interior was originally trimmed in Firethorn vinyl. It is unclear when it was changed to Black, but it would be fair to guess that it was when the car received its repaint. Finding anything to criticize is almost impossible because it appears to have been treated respectfully. There are no signs of wear, abuse, or damaged plastic. If we ignore the color change, the only visible non-original item is the wheel wrap. The seller states the Trans Am originally featured air conditioning, but the compressor and some other components are long gone. Reinstating the system would be wise if the winning bidder lives in a warm climate, but it isn’t an urgent need if the new owner wants to slip behind the wheel for some immediate classic motoring fun. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although the buyer receives power windows, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio.
While the interior and exterior of this Trans Am have undergone significant changes, it retains its numbers-matching 400ci V8 under the hood. The remaining mechanical components include a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That V8 delivered 200hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque when the best the opposition could hope for in 1977 was 170hp and 270 ft/lbs available in the Camaro Z28. It should be unsurprising that the Z28 was left to eat the Trans Am’s dust if the pair were placed head-to-head. The seller indicates this Pontiac is in excellent mechanical health and that they would drive it anywhere. The only fault they note is a slight transmission leak if the car sits for a while, but tracing that shouldn’t be challenging. Otherwise, it seems to need nothing.
Sometimes a classic car doesn’t need to be 100% original to tick the boxes for potential buyers, which is the case with this 1977 Pontiac Trans Am. Reversing the changes to return it to its original form is feasible, but the fact that it has received thirty-seven bids suggests people are willing to preserve the status quo. Do you feel the same?
A dime a dozen non muscle car for 20 HhhhaaAa’s. Missing the most important thing. This thing is choking the chicken. At least invest in the sticker and try to fool someone
The bird is lame. You’re not very bright.
Plus the bird was an option. I had one of these without the bird.
Nice T/A – W72 400’s were underated – NHRA Rates them at 285 hp just need to be uncorked and your flying – done it myself . NUNZI Pontiac Performance Expert Got a 13.8 in the 1/4 mile out of a New 78 W72 400 4 spd T/A Stock with just open headers :)
Nice Poncho. Cheerful Cruiser 😎
John, show me the lot where I can get these for a dime a dozen?? I will get there in lightning speed. Also it does have the bird included with the sale if you’ll read the article. I had the same year, silver with red trim and interior, same wheels too. I prefer the non t-top cars, they just look cleaner and your
interior won’t get wet if you happen to leave it out in the rain!
Anybody notice that this car has the wrong front wheel spats? Those are from a79 or later T A.
Even when i had mine i couldn’t settle for stock performance.was the first thing i took care of was power…how to make more of it.when you get these making over 300hp you get that bigger torque curve as well,making closer to 400ftlbs instead,has a big impact on 0-60 times and 1/4 mile e.t.
Disappointing to us to hear about the color change, we love the Firethorn Met.
Why spend all that money and not fix the air? That’s a deal breaker for me. I had vintage air installed in my 69 Camaro for $1700 a few years ago and I don’t dread driving it on those hot summer days ( or nights) anymore. When I was in my 20s I didn’t care so much. In my 50s yes it matters. A big block one inch off of that firewall makes the interior a sweat box. Women hate riding in the heat too.
Living here in the South, for 20g that AC better be working and ice cold!
The 77 and 78 were the best looking of this body style, love them in almost any color. Had a 77 Formula, black and gold edition , had everything the TA had except the shaker hood and wheel well flares. Wife lost her job, I was working construction at the time and was between jobs, so we had to let it go. One I really wish I could have kept. Have looked for another one or a similar TA for a few years, just can’t justify the prices anymore.
No factory twin tip exhaust
Larry, Pontiac never produced a big block engine. Do the research.
I’ve noticed the prices are dipping a little bit on pretty much everything right now. I’m hoping that anyway AKA anything Dodge or Plymouth. I would like to be able to afford a 70 Roadrunner again but this is a really nice looking car. I like the color. I like the style. I like the fact that he’s giving you the option of putting the bird on the hood or not. Would be a great driver. Only problem with all of this is the car is sold and no way to get a hold of it now so I’ll just have to look for another one. Hopefully with t-tops like the one I had when I was young and stupid and Let It Go. Black Beauty, gold prism Dash, gold accents everywhere, T-tops, Pontiac 400 engine. That was a nice car. Pretty stupid to let that one go.
Auction ended because the “item is no longer available”.