Two years after the last 455 Trans Am in 1976, Pontiac offered a stout W72 400, and this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am in Enid, Oklahoma packs a claimed W72 and more. The faded red classic was stored since 1997, longer than its tenure as a conveyance. Hopefully someone will rectify that sad story now that it’s listed here on eBay. At least six bidders have the long-parked Poncho’s market value above $1500 with about two days left. The motor is non-operable now and may or may not be stuck, according to the seller’s description. Thanks to Mitchell G. for spotting this ran-when-parked Pontiac.
An owner fitted this aftermarket unit after thieves stole the original shaker. Enthusiasts view the mid ’70s to mid ’80s as dark days for performance cars, but Pontiac’s W72 400 cid (6.6L) mill shone rays of light with its hardened earlier-style blocks, hot camshaft, carburetion and timing tweaks. Higher compression demanded premium fuel. While the resulting 220 HP and 320 lb-ft of torque doesn’t sound like much, it was lively for its time, and a ride-along would hardly leave you thinking “slow.” Thanks to TransAMFlorida for some details.
This well-equipped Trans Am features power brakes and steering, air conditioning, power windows, and cruise control. A three-speed automatic transmission handles the gear changes. What looks like a Hurst T-handle tops the dual-gate shifter. Red and white upholstery sports up the interior, a classy deviation from all-black.
A trailer hitch may seem comical on Pontiac’s top thrill machine of the day, but it was not uncommon to pull a boat or trailer with a big-cube pony or muscle car back in the day. Check out the story of a Ferrari with a trailer hitch for evidence. Even today’s autocross fans may trailer their sticky tires to the course on a tiny trailer, and at least one C8 Corvette wears a hitch. Will you put this W72 Trans Am back on the road?
Wow this is a very sad TA! It’s going to take lots of cash and time to bring it back to life. Somewhere out in car land somebody might see hope in this project. But what about it’s a chassis? How rusty it could be. No pictures on this issues. Only if the 400 can turn over freely with mileage over 100,000… good luck to the person to take this job. 🐻🇺🇸
Seems worth the gamble if it stays under 3000. Body looks tight, not rusted out at rear window like many of them do. Seen a lot of high asking prices on roached TAs. I like the fact that it doesn’t have T tops…
Correct me if I am wrong I was under the impression that the W72 package was reserved for the Trans-Am’s with the four speed transmission. I had one in 1978 and it didn’t require premium fuel.
I could be wrong, but from what I’ve read, you could get the automatic for about half the year of ’78. Then the 4 speed only. I believe the Warner Super T10 4 speed was only offered with that engine, you couldn’t get the 4 speed with the Olds 403. The THM 350 only. I’m no expert here, and someone may be able to get better info.
1979 was 4 speed only for W72 Trans Am Formula
At least it isn’t $100,000 like the ones being sold on BAT that you can’t get a bug splatter on without crying. It’s cheap, is one of the best colors. Drive it. Life too short to worry about matching number nonsense.
It’s definitely a project. New upholstery, some body work, repaint, who knows what to the drivetrain, etc. But…it could end up being a nice, stock, valuable and fun car. I’m wondering what the reserve is.
I can smell those carpets from here. What pond was this floating in?
I agree Fahrv, this has soak job written all over it. You can just tell the thing has been submerged. With the recent hurricanes, beware of any vehicle coming out of the sunshine state!