Some buyers take a minimalist approach when ordering a new car, feeling that the most basic model will fulfill their needs. This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am sits at the other end of the spectrum. Its original owner virtually wore out a pen on the Order Form, loading it with almost every option available in that model year. This isn’t merely a survivor but is a rock-solid one that has avoided the rust issues that often plague these classics. Its most pressing need is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.

Pontiac played the conservative game with the 1978 Trans Am, with only minor cosmetic changes differentiating it from its predecessor. However, it brought a couple of appearance packages to the table, including the Y88 Gold Special Edition chosen by this car’s first owner. Solar Gold was the paint shade, with the grille receiving Gold highlights and the Fisher T-top featuring Gold glass. One notable change introduced with the Y88 Package was the five-color “Screaming Chicken” hood decal, which became standard on the Trans Am the following year. This Pontiac is an original survivor, and although it isn’t perfect, its rust-free status will appeal to many. The panels are generally straight, with only a ding in the passenger-side rear quarter panel visible in the supplied photos. The graphics look crisp, and the glass is crystal clear. The Trans Am rolls on its iconic Snowflake wheels, which are free from stains and physical damage.

The first owner didn’t limit their penmanship to exterior trim because they filled the interior with desirable features. They selected Camel cloth upholstery instead of vinyl. They added air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a remote trunk release, color-matched seatbelts, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel. It appears someone changed the shifter and slotted in an aftermarket radio/cassette player. Otherwise, the interior is as it left the factory. It is free from significant wear and marks, with the carpet surprisingly clean for its color. The dash and pad are spotless, and there is no cracked or broken plastic. Calling it factory-fresh would stretch credibility, but it would receive few criticisms as a survivor.

It is disappointing when a seller lists a car of this caliber and doesn’t supply engine bay shots. However, the original Window Sticker and Build Sheet yield enough information to assess this numbers-matching classic fairly. The first owner hadn’t stashed their pen when focusing on the drivetrain. They ticked the boxes beside “WS6” and “M21” on the Order Form, making this the most potent version of the Trans Am available that year. The L78 version of the 400ci V8 produced 220hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque. I acknowledge it is possible to buy a modern four-cylinder hot hatch with similar figures. However, this was The Malaise Era, and the Trans Am was the best of the bunch in 1978. By comparison, the best a buyer could hope for from their 1978 Camaro Z28 was 185hp and 280 ft/lbs, while the poor Mustang II Cobra II delivered 139hp and 250 ft/lbs. This Pontiac’s first owner teamed the V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, allowing this car to cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds. As the engine outputs suggest, the Z28 and the Cobra II weren’t in the same league. The Z28 took 16.3 seconds to complete the same journey. The Cobra? How does 17.1 seconds sound? Those who didn’t live through that period probably have a better understanding of the misery experienced by motoring enthusiasts. In this case, the lack of engine shots is only surpassed by the lack of information regarding this car’s health. However, the suggestion is that it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

If you feel the urge to fly to West Palm Beach, Florida, and drive home in this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am, I would understand that feeling. The seller listed it here on Craigslist with a firm price of $39,900, which is competitive in the current market. Values have softened during the last year, but there are signs of the trend reversing. Therefore, now might be the ideal time to pursue a classic of this caliber further. Are you tempted?