This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is a genuine survivor. From its stunning paint to its spotless interior, there is much to like about this classic. However, the odometer reading of 42,000 original miles could be the ace up its sleeve. The seller describes the Trans Am as a time capsule, and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The Pontiac is listed here at Laguna Classic Cars & Automotive Art in Laguna Beach, California. It could be yours for $39,995, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this remarkable survivor.
Pontiac knew a replacement for its aging Second Generation Firebird was waiting in the wings, but it performed a frontal restyle in 1979 to provide a fresher look. This Trans Am rolled off the line that year, with the seller describing its Sundance Yellow paint shade as rare. The company offered a palette with thirteen colors in that model year, and I must admit I haven’t seen many wearing Sundance Yellow. That observation doesn’t represent iron-clad proof, and a deeper investigation may uncover a more definitive answer. Finding anything to fault is virtually impossible. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the graphics look crisp and clean. The Pontiac has spent its life in sunny California. Therefore, the lack of rust is no surprise. The 15″ Snowflake wheels look flawless, as does the glass.
The originality of this Trans Am extends to its interior, with it avoiding the common scourge of aftermarket additions. The presentation is exceptional, with only a couple of spots of wear on the Custom Houndstooth seatcovers. The vinyl is excellent, with the spotless carpet protected by rubber mats. The photo gallery confirms the pad is crack-free under the cover, and the machine-turned gauge fascia is in as-new condition. The original owner obviously craved comfort, equipping the interior with air conditioning, power windows, a rear defogger, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Lifting this Trans Am’s hood reveals the 403ci “Olds” V8, sending 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. There was no manual option with the 403, although power steering was standard. However, the party piece could be the WS6 option pack. It brought welcome suspension upgrades to improve handling, with four-wheel power disc brakes providing excellent stopping power. The seller claims this Pontiac has a genuine 42,000 miles on the clock, and it appears they hold verifying evidence. Those who love paperwork will probably like this car because there is a mountain of it included. The buyer receives the original Owner’s Manual, Dealer documentation, Window Sticker, Build Sheet, and a folder crammed with old registrations and Smog Certificates. The seller includes this YouTube video in their listing. It provides a comprehensive walkaround, allowing us to see and hear the car in action. Everything sounds perfect, with no odd noises or smoke to cause concern. The Trans Am runs and drives well and should be considered a turnkey proposition.
If you have always wanted to own a Second Generation Firebird, and a Trans Am sits atop that list, this 1979 model deserves a close look. The paint shade guarantees it won’t blend into the background like some automotive chameleon. That would be an excellent conversation starter at a Cars & Coffee if definitive figures on the production total can be confirmed. The seller’s price looks competitive in the current market, and I won’t be surprised if it heads to a new home relatively soon. The big question is, will it be yours?
Not the most desirable drive train but a very pretty car. They don’t all have to be black.
You don’t see them very often but I think this one might be the real thing. A lot of cars on here claim original miles. I believe this one is the one. I like it.
No rear defogger on this Trans Am.
No switch on the instrument panel, and no lines in the rear glass.
A buddy of mine worked in the parts dept, of our local Pontiac Buick dealership. He bought a new ’79 Tans Am in this same color, but with a black hood decal instead of red. His had the Olds 403 engine as well. They were torque monsters, and could fly when wound up.
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Hold out for a Pontiac 400 …
Might have a long wait on that.
U all keep saying do the heads & carb replacement headers etc none of that is worth it without the cam up grade portioned to the heads lifters & setup as needed.but really if u spend 40,000 on a 1 once a week ice cream runner who the heck in their rite mind is going to beat on it only a moron so believe me that 403 is just fine as is I shud know I have 1
Hard pass on the 403, horrible Belongs in a Toronado, hold out for a 400 car, and unfollow not happening in a 79 unless 4 speed
Yes Pontiac 400 had one on my 75 formula what a motor, wish I would have pulled it when unibody went bad
In ’77, had the same ’75, yellow, 400, 4sp. Upped the pistons to 10.5:1, head work, 750 dblpmp Holley topped w/ a black functional shaker thru the formula hood, black tail lights & rear spoiler. Headers to true-duals, catless. Traded in ’80 for a ’70 Vette conv marlboro maroon, built LT1 4sp, radio & heater delete, only option was deluxe black leather. Sold in ’99 when left CT for ID. That Formula outhandled the Vette with ease. Both ran GR60 radials all round too.Of the 2, side by side if today, I’d take the Formula.
I also had a black 79 z28 loaded with all the options its the same darn thing as my T/A but I think the air induction hood on the Camaro is much better looking car I am always surprised that the z28 is over looked versus the T/A but the z gets more money & no where near as many
Lynch- I too ended up w/ a ’79 Z28, another yellow one/black int, TTops. Had a built 350 w Borg Warner T10 4sp. Guy that owned it before me added the black louvers for the back window. That was back around 1986. Had the 5 spoke painted yellow mag rims also.Overall, a nice, mint car back then for being about 6 years old w/ only no more than 30k miles. That was the turning point from being the last muscle car over to an ’85 Eldorado Biaritz, then Lincolns, etc lol.
Wow, that is truly ugly. Hard pass.
I’m not sure but thought the Pontiac 400 in 1979 only came with a manual trans, a much better set up to have than the Olds 403.
I had a 79 same color scheme and drive train as this one. Not nearly as nice though.
I also only paid probably 1000.00 if I remember correctly.
Like Ronald McDonald and Crayola crayon color scheme… Ugly on such a beautiful machine
In 1979 that color might’ve been the cat’s meow. I call it a deal-breaker.
I saw one like this on a used car lot in 1981 when I was a broke freshman in college only it had a black bird on the hood which looked 100x’s better than the red with this yellow. Interior was also black. That red bird and lettering just kills it for me.
Would of looked really great with black interior.Having the dreaded 403/auto trans is another minus.I used to own two Trans Ams, both with the Pontiac 400.Doesn’t take too much to get alot of extra hp and torque out of one either.Intake,cam,headers,using a 455 carb,roller tip rockers amongst other upgrades,maybe a MSD box,K&N filter and removing the block off in the shaker scoop if it isn’t already removed.To go even further,use a set of higher compression 72cc heads.When you have a higher cr it allows you to use a bigger selection of cams that are a little more aggressive.
I dont ever remember seeing one with this color combo…..and I must say not a fan in the least and that red chicken on the hood I agree has got go. Low mileage …time capsule. Sorry just sayin…. its still a hard pass thanks !
403/automatic??? Nope.
In 1979 there were only bout 500 400 4barrel T/A produced they weren’t supposed to be used in 79 they were leftovers from 78 so chances r slim to get a 79 with that combo I had a 75 monte carlo with that same factory 400 motor & I don’t really get the hype they really didn’t have much horse power from factory 225 horse verses my 71 monte carlo ss 365 horse was the real deal.thats power back in the day