Located in the central Texas town of Killeen are two 1979 Pontiac Trans Ams that are being sold as a pair. The cars are both in project or probably “part-out” condition and represent the pinnacle of Trans Am production. Pontiac built just over 117,000 Trans Ams in 1979. The cars are in primer and are listed here on Craigslist for $2,000 total. The seller states that he will not separate the cars or sell parts.
The above Trans Am was probably blue from the factory and has T-Tops. The base engine for the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am was the Oldsmobile 403 cubic inch V8 engine. It was only available with an automatic transmission and was rated from the factory at 185 horsepower. Both these cars appear to have left the factory with the L80 403 cubic inch V8 engine but neither car appears to have a drivetrain. The car above is equipped with Pontiac 15×7 snowflake aluminum wheels which indicates it was not equipped from the factory with the WS6 Performance Handling package which included J65 4 wheel disc brakes, larger sway bars and special shocks.
In 1977-1979, a buyer could order the optional W72 400 cubic inch Pontiac engine which produced 220 horsepower in 1978 and 1979. In 1977, the W72 400 cubic inch V8 engine was rated at 200 horsepower. For 1979, this special engine could only be ordered with a 4 speed manual transmission and the WS6 performance suspension in 1979. If you wanted better gas mileage, you could opt for the economy minded 301 cubic inch V8 Pontiac engine which came with either a 4 speed or automatic transmission. This engine produced 155 horsepower and saved you $150 in 1979.
The car with the red interior had a deluxe interior from the factory but it is obviously destroyed by the elements and there is not much left that would be usable. This car has tilt steering and cruise control. It is somewhat said to see these cars or what is left of them in this condition. For the price, you could probably make money parting them out or use them for yard art.
Worked at a sketchey shop in the late 70’s, they would have run from this.
Had both a CA 403 79 TA and 49 state 400 79 TA. Auto in 403 and 4 sp in 400. Both WS-6. Both fast.
I think these 2 vehicles put the word junk in junkyard, there is nothing special or desirable about either one.Run hard, run fast, run long, and don’t look back. Pretend you are Lot’s wife, and looking back, you will turn into a pile of rust. Everyone will be much happier by not getting involved with these vehicles, just say no.
I agree, a pair of butt ugly late 70’s Detroit iron slugs that need to meet the crusher.
I’m hoping those 403 motors found a more useful life as boat anchors, cause they weren’t much good on the ground, a fast Pontiac was pre 72, anything with 185hp can not be considered fast, unless you got out of a Vega or Pinto, I currently own a 73 Grand Prix w a 455, 275 hp, in no way is it fast, now a 71 w a 455, that’s a fast car, a 69 with a 428, very fast car
$2000 or best offer for the pair its actually not bad but the add says only one has a clear title don’t think it would be worth the cost to take one back to Barret Jackson quality but it would be fun for a going to town rig
70s TAs fetch good money but these are too far gone to restore and for parts cars there’s just not a lot left that can’t be had aftermarket. Shame they weren’t a bit more complete