In the collector car market, geographical provenance can be just as critical as mechanical history. While road-salt regions frequently subject classic second-generation GM F-bodies to severe frame and panel oxidation, vehicles preserved in milder environments remain highly coveted. A compelling example of regional preservation has recently surfaced here on Craigslist in the West Palm Beach, Florida market. Offered at a price of $27,900, this 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am claims just 59,898 original miles. Originally sold brand new in Hollywood, Florida, and now residing in Royal Palm Beach, this numbers-matching survivor represents a slice of late-1970s performance history. This car has been repainted once the owner chose the Tenth Anniversary paint scheme. We appreciate Tony Primo for sending us this listing.
Under the hood, the Pontiac offered several distinct powertrain configurations in 1979. Given the above picture, this 1979 Trans Am is equipped with the Oldsmobile-sourced 403 cubic-inch (6.6L) L80 V8 engine. This smooth, high-torque powerplant produced 185 horsepower and a robust 320 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,200 RPM, paired exclusively with the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. For buyers seeking alternative performance profiles in 1979, Pontiac also offered an underpowered, fuel-conscious 301 cubic-inch (4.9L) L37 V8, producing 150 horsepower. The highly coveted, performance-tuned Pontiac W72 400 cubic-inch (6.6L) V8 was the other optional engine. Because Pontiac had officially ceased production of the 400 block in 1978, engineers stockpiled roughly 10,000 units for a final high-performance send-off in 1979. Pumping out 220 horsepower and paired strictly with a Borg-Warner Super T-10 four-speed manual transmission, only 8,326 Trans Ams received this legendary engine.
Pontiac also expanded its aesthetic customization options to their absolute limits for 1979. The exterior paint catalog featured a rich array of choices, including Starlight Black, Cameo White, Platinum Poly, Solar Gold, Nocturne Blue, Atlantis Blue, Mayan Red, Heritage Brown, and Sierra Copper. Inside, buyers could select from standard or deluxe upholstery packages in vinyl, custom velour cloth, or even genuine leather (offered in the luxury-oriented 10th Anniversary edition). Interior color schemes were highly representative of the era, spanning Camel Tan, Carmine Red, Oyster, Black, and Blue. This car has the deluxe red hobnail cloth interior.
For collectors, the primary appeal of this South Florida survivor lies in its highly documented, unmolested state. Boasting an original interior, factory T-tops, and fully functional air conditioning—an absolute necessity for a Florida cruiser—the car serves as a robust benchmark of factory originality. Though the seller notes that the paint is an older repaint of “driver quality,” the presence of the original build sheet and factory paperwork significantly bolsters its long-term value. Fitted with fresh BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, this low-mileage classic is positioned as an exceptionally honest, highly drivable investment asset.
Another pretty sweet ride, but it’s a shadow in the shine of the pace car one and probably about 7k too high.