Cars that emerged during The Malaise Era spent years in the wilderness as buyers focused on classics offering better performance potential. However, a new generation of enthusiasts has embraced these cars, and the bidding war on this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am proves it. This rock-solid and original survivor requires a total restoration, but that hasn’t deterred eleven people from submitting twenty-seven bids at the time of writing. Its needs are purely cosmetic and could be addressed in a home workshop as a rewarding project. The Pontiac is listed here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The intense action has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $11,500.

It would be easy to dismiss this Trans Am lightly due to its tired paint, but doing so would be a disservice. Its exterior is faded, and the paint has many flaws and defects. However, digging deeper reveals this is a dry-climate survivor, with the underside shots confirming it has nothing but the typical dry surface corrosion expected with cars from this region. That means the new owner doesn’t face hours of cutting and welding to address penetrating rust. The panels sport a few dings and dents, but these aren’t severe enough to justify steel replacement. The spoilers and fender flares are in good order, and there are no apparent glass issues. The Trans Am rolls on iconic Snowflake wheels that should respond positively to a high-quality polish. Overall, a person with decent painting skills should be able to recapture this car’s youthful good looks without breaking the bank.

Buyers faced several engine choices when ordering a 1979 Trans Am, with this car’s original owner selecting the 403ci “Olds” V8. This was only available with a three-speed automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes was standard fare. This powerplant produces 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures fall short of the company’s 400ci V8 but are significantly better than those produced by the 301. Potential buyers will welcome the news that not only is the Trans Am numbers-matching, but that it runs and drives extremely well. The seller states that the engine feels strong, and the transmission shifts smoothly. It appears it is a turnkey proposition the winning bidder could enjoy immediately as they assembled the material required to perform their restoration.

The theme of tired presentation continues inside the Pontiac, with the front seats severely ripped and other upholstered surfaces exhibiting their age. The seller supplies a new set of seatcovers, but the buyer faces an extensive shopping list if they seek perfect presentation. The most expensive task will be replacing the cracked pad because reproductions typically cost over $850. There are high-quality caps that can be glued into place. Some of those look good if installed carefully and cost a fraction of the figure quoted for a pad. The only visible aftermarket addition is a radio/cassette player, and although it isn’t loaded with factory options, this interior features air conditioning.

This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am isn’t perfect and is begging for TLC. However, its needs seem cosmetic, with no rust repairs or mechanical refurbishment required. That helps to explain the intense interest it has attracted. Returning it to its former glory would be rewarding, and with the reserve met, someone is guaranteed to have the opportunity to start that process in a few days. Are you tempted to be that person?