Solid body? Check. American icon? Check. Potent V8 under the hood? Check. This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am seems to tick many of the boxes enthusiasts prefer when searching for a classic to park in their garage. The engine upgrade performed by the seller will have unlocked the type of power that the Trans Am deserves, while most of its rust issues have been addressed. Scope remains for the winning bidder to add the final touches to areas like the interior, but this is a turnkey proposition that can be enjoyed immediately. The seller has listed the Pontiac here on eBay in Cranston, Rhode Island. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve, sitting at $6,200 at the time of writing.

Pontiac’s updates to the Firebird range were evolutionary for the 1979 model year, as it was close to finalizing its replacement. The Trans Am variant was no exception, with the nose featuring the most significant changes that separated the new offering from its predecessor. The first owner ordered this Trans Am in Starlight Black, one of the most iconic shades to grace Firebirds from this era. The fact that this car is wet in the supplied photos makes it hard to assess the paint condition, although I can’t see any glaring imperfections. The Gold graphics and the Screaming Chicken look decent, and there is plenty of positive news that isn’t immediately apparent. This Trans Am had rust issues when the seller became its custodian, and it has now received new floors, a trunk pan, rear quarter panels, and new body mounts. The seller admits that the lower front fenders and the doors require attention, but it appears that they have “broken the back” of the rust problems. The tinted glass looks clean and clear, and the Pontiac sits on Snowflake wheels that are wrapped in new tires.

This Trans Am would have represented a triumph of style over substance in its original form, powered by a 301ci V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. The 301 was a typically asthmatic V8 from this era, delivering 150hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque. Compared to Trans Ams from the start of the decade, you almost required a calendar to measure this Pontiac’s ¼-mile ET. However, much has changed with this classic, with the 301 consigned to history, and its place now occupied by an early-1970s 400ci that features a range of unspecified upgrades. The car retains a self-shifter, with power-assisted steering and brakes virtually guaranteeing an effortless driving experience. The motor wears a new Edelbrock carburetor, while the fuel tank, brakes, and the battery have been recently replaced. The seller states that the vehicle runs and drives, and is mainly used for weekend shows and outings.

The interior will provide this Trans Am’s new owner with a chance to place their mark on this classic. It is serviceable in its current form, trimmed in Camel cloth and matching vinyl. There are some missing items like armrests, handles, the console lid, and the radio. The seatcovers look tired, and the dashpad has waved the white flag due to age and UV exposure. However, there are no urgent issues, allowing the winning bidder to enjoy the car in its current form immediately, tackling the interior restoration as a rewarding winter project. A kit to address most of the woes will lighten the buyer’s wallet by around $2,100, but this doesn’t include a pad or a radio.

This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am won’t appeal to purists who demand that their classics remain unmolested, but it has struck a chord since hitting the market. This is demonstrated by the listing statistics, with View, Watch List, and bid tallies of 460, 44, and 24, respectively. With the reserve now passed, the Pontiac is days away from finding a new home with someone willing and able to complete what the seller has started. I hope that one of our readers becomes its custodian, because I am sure that I’m not alone in wanting to see the finished product.