In 1979, Pontiac celebrated the Trans Am’s 10th anniversary by offering a special Tenth Anniversary Edition. As Pontiac normally does, they built an incredible edition of the Trans Am that still turns heads. The company built 7,500 of these cars, often called “TATA” models by enthusiasts. Each came fully optioned and featured silver-and-charcoal paint with a silver leather interior. This example is far from what it looked like when it left the factory. It is being sold by a dealer and is located in Snellville, Georgia. It is listed here on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $14,500. The listing has 24days remaining, but the seller is open to Best Offers.
The original seats are long gone on this car. But that can be fixed. Pontiac offered two engine combinations for the Tenth Anniversary Trans Am. Most (5,683 cars) received the L80 Oldsmobile 403 cubic inch V8 that only came with an automatic transmission. Identified by a “6.6 Litre” hood scoop callout, this 185-horsepower engine was a smooth cruiser with respectable torque. The remaining 1,817 cars, including this one, came with the W72 Pontiac 400 cubic inch V8 and only came with a 4-speed manual transmission. Rated at 220 horsepower, the W72 featured chrome valve covers and a “T/A 6.6” hood scoop designation.
This Tenth Anniversary Edition Trans Am is rusty, and its passenger-side fender has been replaced with a used red one. As noted, these cars were fully loaded, with silver leather upholstery similar to the interior used in the 1978 Corvette Pace Car. Standard features included WS6 performance suspension, tilt steering, T-tops, an ETR radio, a power antenna, power windows, power locks, and rear defrost. One of the most distinctive touches is the red backlit dash lighting. Unfortunately, this car barely survived the last 47 years.
All Tenth Anniversary Trans Ams came with the WS6 performance handling package, which included 15×8 Turbo wheels, larger sway bars, tuned shocks, and a quicker steering gearbox. In 1979, their MSRP topped $10,000, a substantial sum at the time. This car has aftermarket tires that barely hold air, needs a full restoration, and is sold on a bill of sale only, without a title. Who has the wallet and patience for this one?
Seems like seller doesn’t want to say TA TA to their car, at least at this asking price for this condition. Buyer will need to spend a lot more for this ‘special’ edition.
Insane asking price.
Serious potential buyers are going to look at in person. It’s a desirable 10th anniversary with a Pontiac engine and 4spd. The bad, it’s a mess, the seller comes across as hedging every time he mentions rust. It’s not cheap, but the 10th anniversary package is expensive when in good condition. It will eventually find a buyer if the seller is willing to negotiate.
Steve R