The Pontiac Trans Am was a survivor of the performance car world, defying the odds to sell in significant numbers as the 1970s closed. This 1979 model is a solid classic that the seller has listed with additional parts. It would make an excellent restoration project, with the optional extras promising a comfortable ownership experience. The Trans Am is listed here on eBay in Sacramento, California. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $7,600.

Pontiac chose the evolution path with the 1979 Trans Am because the company’s new Third Generation model was only a couple of years away. It received a new nose and other minor changes, although it is worth noting that even such insignificant updates represent a significant investment. This Trans Am wears its original but tired Atlantis Blue paint, with the first owner splashing the extra cash for a Fisher T-Top. Beyond the faded exterior, the news is mainly positive. The panels have accumulated a few repairable bruises, but the Californian climate has done its best to preserve the steel. An in-person inspection would still be wise, but the indications are that this beauty is rust-free. The tinted glass is in good order, and the rear louver is a typical 1970s addition. The snowflake wheels should respond positively to some work with the polishing cloth. However, this car’s overall condition suggests the winning bidder could take their time to accumulate a budget and cement their plans for its restoration.

This Trans Am’s interior is a mixed bag, featuring later front bucket seats. The seller’s listing is confusing because there might be a relatively new carpet set and another set of seats among the included additional parts. The upholstered surfaces have suffered at the hands of the local sun, the dash pad and console lid are warped, and the headliner looks tired. A retrim would seem the obvious solution, but the newer seats might confuse things if the buyer seeks a consistent appearance. Other issues require attention, meaning the new owner will need to clean and inspect everything to confirm what is fit for reuse. Surprisingly, this classic doesn’t feature air conditioning, although popping the T-Top would supply plenty of fresh air. However, there are power windows and a tilt wheel to make life more pleasant inside this Pontiac.

Buyers ordering a 1979 Trans Am received the 403ci Oldsmobile V8 under the hood by default. The company offered alternatives, but this classic’s original owner didn’t splash their cash in that area. Including the three-speed TH-350 automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes suggest they focused primarily on comfort over performance. The 403 produced 185hp, propelling the vehicle through the ¼-mile in 16.6 seconds. The days of the fire-breathing Trans Am seemed over, although the situation would improve in the future. The seller says this classic runs and drives but hasn’t seen active service in over a year. It should undergo a thorough mechanical service before hitting the road in earnest.

While sales of performance models dwindled in 1979, the Pontiac Trans Am bucked the trend in style. It proved a record year, with 117,108 buyers parking one in their garage. Unrestored rust-free project cars are becoming difficult to find, but that is what this car offers. It needs work, but it could be a perfect candidate for someone considering the hands-on approach. If you fit that mold, it might be worth bidding on this beauty.