Some classics look somehow “right” if ordered in an appropriate paint and trim combination. A late-1970s Pontiac Trans Am finished in Starlight Black with Gold graphics has an iconic look, and good examples often command impressive prices. This 1979 Trans Am Special Edition looks tired, but the foundations are there to recreate the look made famous in Smokey and the Bandit. A previous owner addressed some rust issues, but more rust requires attention before the new owner can consider its cosmetic needs. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on eBay in Everest, Kansas. Bidding is below the reserve at $500, but there is a BIN option of $6,800 for those who want to bypass the auction process.
Pontiac gave its Second Generation Firebird range another facelift in 1979, adding a new nose with aggressive grilles that made a bold statement. Our featured Pontiac is a Trans Am Special Edition, finished in Starlight Back with Gold decals and graphics. Life hasn’t treated it kindly, with tired paint and panels sporting small bumps and bruises. The seller also identifies rust in some of the lower extremities, which is unsurprising. They indicate existing repairs to the floors, trunk pan, and one rear rail. This is what concerns me about this classic, because certain terms are open to interpretation. They use the term “maybe average” to describe these repairs, and in this image, the quality leaves a bit to be desired. If the floors and rails are to a similar standard, addressing the shortcomings will add to the cutting-and-welding load. The Gold “Turbo” wheels aren’t original and likely came from a 1980 or 1981 Turbo Trans Am Special Edition.
The Trans Am’s interior, trimmed in Black cloth and vinyl, is largely complete. The original AM/FM radio/8-track player is missing, but crucial items like the distinctive Gold Formula wheel are intact. It looks extremely tired, and the dashpad is baked. Therefore, it requires a complete retrim to recapture its youthful good looks. Trim kits are available, offering a chance to return the interior to a factory-fresh state. The first owner ticked some great boxes on their Order Form, adding air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel.
This Trans Am is a zero-emission vehicle because the original V8 is gone. The car retains its three-speed TH350 automatic transmission, and most of the power steering and power brake components. The self-shifter confirms this engine bay originally housed the 403ci “Olds” powerplant, producing 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque. If the new owner follows the faithful path, they should have no trouble locating another Olds V8. I did a brief online search and found a good one, prime for a rebuild, for $1,000. If originality isn’t a consideration, they could bolt something more modern and potent beneath the hood, giving the Trans Am the performance credentials the badge deserves.
Some classics have enough positive attributes, and the listing images are so crisp that it is worth rolling the dice by purchasing the vehicle sight unseen. Others warrant an in-person inspection, and I believe that this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am falls into that category. I am disturbed by the quality of the trunk pan repair, which makes me wonder about the floor pans and the repaired rail. The reality is that any such work must be done well to prevent further problems and maximize potential future investment returns. The seller quotes a potential value of $75,000 once restored, but this car would have to be perfect to command that price. It certainly couldn’t achieve that goal with the trunk pan as-is, suggesting the build may involve major rework. Would you consider taking on those tasks, or will you sit this dance out?
That poor thing was beaten and abused pretty badly. Also, I’m guessing it was in a flood of some sort at least once. Can it maybe be saved, sure, but hard pass for me if above 2500.