The 1979 Daytona 500 had almost everything. Broadcast on television from flag-to-flag, it featured a nail-biting battle for the lead between two drivers during the final laps. It ended with both wrecked on the infield within sight of the chequered flag, allowing Richard Petty through to what seemed an unlikely victory. Pontiac supplied its Trans Am as the Pace Car for that year’s 500, with our feature carry carrying the autograph of that year’s race winner. It presents extremely well, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting it listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Plymouth, Michigan. It could be yours once you’ve handed the seller $56,000.
Pontiac was marking time with its Firebird range in 1979, with a new model waiting in the wings. Therefore, any changes or upgrades were incremental, with some destined to find their way onto the upcoming Third Generation cars. Our feature car is a 1979 Trans Am that presents extremely well. Its Platinum paint is free from major imperfections, coating steel that is equally impressive and rust-free. The “Turbo” wheels are spotless, and there is no sign of shrinkage or deterioration on the numerous vinyl graphics. The lack of interior water damage suggests the seals for the glass T-top are in good order, while the remaining glass is crystal clear.
Oyster leather interior trim was a popular choice across GM marques during the late 1970s and is what we find inside this Trans Am. As with the exterior, the condition is almost perfect. There are no signs of abuse or neglect, with the leather looking soft and inviting. The plastic and carpet are exceptional, and there is no broken or crumbling plastic. It is also refreshing to find that this classic is free from aftermarket additions. That isn’t necessarily accurate, because the interior carries the autograph of one Richard Petty. “The King” was that year’s Daytona 500 victor, and finding his signature inside this car seems appropriate. The new owner receives factory features like air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player.
American performance cars were hurting by 1979 under the heavy hand of tightening emission regulations. The Trans Am was no exception, with this car’s “Olds” 403ci V8 generating a mere 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque. There was no manual option with this engine, with buyers restricted to a three-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is all that you might expect, with the ¼-mile journey taking 16.6 seconds. Keeping the pedal to the metal yielded a top speed of 111mph, making it easy to understand why this period in motoring history earned the label, The Malaise Era. The news isn’t all bad, with this Trans Am in excellent mechanical health. It has no identified mechanical needs or shortcomings and can be considered a turnkey proposition.
This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is a stunning vehicle that appears to need nothing. Finding any classic of this vintage that is unmolested is becoming more challenging, but they are still out there is potential buyers are willing to be patient. The Richard Petty signature is an interesting point, but I doubt that it will add significantly to the car’s potential value. Do you agree, or do you believe that the autograph of that year’s Daytona 500 winner adds to this classic’s appeal?
Having his autograph on the glove box door would certainly be cool and get the attention of many NASCAR fans from days of old, but in a car that has just 27 horsepower more than a 1979 Ford F250 with the 400ci it’s more about sentimental than fiscal.
That doesn’t take away that it’s a good looking car of its era and fantastically well taken care of, but for what the seller is asking i think it’ll be a limited market that really wants to pay anywhere near the price.
Completely agree.
I don’t care who signed it, I’d rather have one with the Pontiac 400 and 4 speed.
The bean counters at Pontiac knew this would sell more than the hot 400 setup, w mandatory 4sp. 🏁 💰
Had a pal with a 403 TA, it sounded great, and I always thought it had plenty of pep. I recall it shifting pretty low in the RPM range, I assumed it was designed to use the engine’s torque, rather than the HP. I couldn’t care less about anyone’s autograph on the car, so long as it’s out of my FOV while I’m driving.
I’m a Pontiac man, and there’s no Pontiac pride here powered by that dog 403, I actually was looking to buy a new 79 Bandit Trans Am in Prime Pontiac Bronx New York, but given the engine choices between the 403 or the 301 Turbo, and considering a VW Schiaraco could blow my doors off at a red light, I chose the fully loaded 2 Tone Blue Grand Prix rite next to it with its 301 Pontiac motor in it, looked great going slow
Seller is lying as he writes
Featuring a roaring v8 !
No, its not , had one and it was a boat anchor at best
YOLO