It is no secret that by the end of the 1970s, high-performance models lacked that one attribute required to wear that tag…power. Vehicles that had been able to transform tires into smoke at the decade’s start struggled to produce a squeak when the driver dropped the clutch in anger. The 1979 Pontiac Firebird was no exception, although the seller has spent the time and money to give this beauty the performance credentials it deserves. The upgraded V8 would allow the buyer to relive the glory days in a car that presents well as a driver-grade classic. A new home is beckoning, with the seller listing the Firebird here on Craigslist in Billings, Montana. They set their price at $14,990, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this potent Pontiac.

Assessing the overall condition of this Firebird is challenging due to the low-quality images provided in the listing. However, the seller admits the Code 50 Gold paint has seen better days and that a cosmetic refresh will probably be on the buyer’s agenda. They will be commencing that project from a sound base because the panels are free from significant defects, and the car is claimed to be rust-free. An in-person inspection is always advisable to confirm that prone areas like the rear valance and trunk pan are solid, but first impressions are positive. The hood features the iconic Screaming Chicken that is a hallmark of a Trans Am, and whether this is replaced following the repaint will be at the buyer’s discretion. Some may opt to transform the Firebird into a Trans Am tribute, while others might prefer the sleeper look. The plastic and glass are in good order, with the Pontiac rolling on a tidy set of Rally II wheels with color-matched inserts.

This classic’s exterior might be subtle, restrained, and needing love, but it is a different story below the surface. Buyers could order a ’79 Firebird with a 400ci V8 under the hood that delivered 220hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque. This was only available matched to a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the car to cover the ¼-mile in 16 seconds. That figure was considered respectable during that era, especially when a Mustang Cobra took 16.5 seconds to complete the same journey, and the Camaro Z28 brought up the tail in 16.7 seconds. However, the seller has spent the cash to render those figures irrelevant. This car rolled off the line with the asthmatic 301ci powerplant under the hood, but it appears it has been consigned to boat anchor duties. Its spot now houses a 400ci engine of 1970 vintage. The cylinder heads are dated 1969, while the engine block received a 0.030″ overbore and an Isky camshaft during a rebuild. It inhales deeply through an Edelbrock carburetor, and the seller says it now sends 400hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Forget a 16-second ET because a sub-14-second pass should be comfortably within this Firebird’s reach. The buyer won’t need to spend a dime on this car’s drivetrain because it is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives well and is a turnkey proposition.

While the Firebird’s drivetrain won’t need a penny spent on it, the news could be less favorable with its interior. The vinyl upholstered surfaces look good, with no wear or physical damage. The console and most plastic components haven’t succumbed to age or UV damage, but the carpet is quite stained. A replacement carpet set retails for around $220, and fitting this would make a significant difference. However, the dashpad is cracked, and it may be beyond repair. A simple $50 cover would hide the issue, which could be the approach adopted by a new owner on a tight budget. The next step up the ladder would be a molded topper for $150. The quality of these has improved enormously over the last few years, and it can be challenging to recognize one after installation. The top rung would be to replace the pad, but this will lighten the buyer’s wallet by around $1,100. A perfectionist might choose that option, and while it isn’t cheap, it should represent a one-off expense. The Firebird features a sports gauge cluster and air conditioning, with a modern CD player occupying the spot formerly reserved for the factory radio.

Slipping behind the wheel of this 1979 Firebird would provide a driving experience that buyers could only imagine that year. It has power to burn, and addressing most of the remaining shortcomings would be straightforward and pretty affordable. Placing a value on a vehicle of this type is difficult because a modified car is only worth what someone is willing to pay. However, its rust-free state and engine upgrade could make it irresistible to some. That is why I believe finding a new home won’t take long. Do you agree?