It is fair to say that by the late 1970s, many vehicles that were once considered high-performance models had become toothless tigers. Power outputs had decreased markedly, and curb weights climbed. However, it is now possible to pursue the restomod path with cars from this era to recapture their former glory. That has been the approach with this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Tribute. Its presentation is excellent, but its mechanical specifications are the star of the show. The seller has listed the Pontiac here at Hemmings in Largo, Florida. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting a classic that could be yours for $32,900.

Before we delve too deeply into this Pontiac’s condition and specifications, it is worth providing clarity on what it actually is. The seller lists it as a Trans Am, which isn’t supported by the VIN. It decodes that this is a Firebird Esprit, which helps to explain the absence of such iconic features as the hood scoop. With that out of the way, we can now appreciate how nice its Silver paint looks. It features a deep shine and no evidence of patchiness or matte areas. The panels are straight, and this beauty appears to be rust-free. The builder elected to not apply most of the traditional Trans Am graphics, although the hood sports a Screaming Chicken. The tinted glass and trim are in good order, and the Pontiac rolls on 17″ Snowflake wheels.

Not only does the VIN confirm that this Pontiac is an Esprit, but the first owner ordered it equipped with the 350ci V8. The car still retains a 350, which is teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. It is unclear whether this engine is numbers-matching, but what is seemingly guaranteed is that this motor will produce significantly more than the 170hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque it delivered from the factory. It was built using a range of performance parts, including an aluminum intake, Holley Sniper fuel injection, an MSD ignition system, headers, and a dual exhaust. It is unclear what internal upgrades were performed, but that isn’t a bad starting point for those seeking better acceleration. The builder tackled this as a “total” package, adding an aluminum radiator, a serpentine belt conversion, and a Wilwood braking upgrade that includes four-wheel discs. The seller supplies no specific information regarding the Pontiac’s mechanical health, but I see nothing suggesting the news should be anything but positive.

The first thing that I noticed about this Pontiac’s interior was how shiny the Black vinyl on the seats is. That suggests that someone has “gone to town” with detailing spray to achieve that look. If that is the case, it will make the seats exceptionally slippery and uncomfortable during cornering. The second thing that I detected was that there are contradictions between the supplied photos and the listing text. The seller mentions the presence of power windows, but these look pretty manual from where I’m sitting. That raises the question of whether it also features the power locks as claimed, although I can confirm the presence of an upgraded stereo and air conditioning. The dash doesn’t feature the machine-turned gauge fascia that is a signature Trans Am item, although the faux timber looks to be in good condition. This item nicely frames the Dakota Digital gauge update that should provide the driver with reliable information. Overall, if we ignore the glossy seats, this interior needs very little.

This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Tribute has struck a chord with potential buyers. The seller’s listing has attracted over 2,200 views, although this attention hasn’t resulted in a sale. The fact that it isn’t a Trans Am may be enough to discourage some potential buyers, and the price isn’t genuinely within what many would consider the affordable range. However, it should offer the level of performance that harks back to the Trans Am’s glory days of the late 1960s, but in a more user-friendly package. Do you think it will find a home at the asking price, or will the seller need to compromise?