Vehicle Description
Pontiac seemed to be the last automaker to get the news that the
horsepower wars were over. This real Y48 code 1979 Trans Am SE WS6
is proof enough. Still packing the numbers matching Pontiac 400
cubic inch V8 that made early Trans Ams so special, it's wrapped in
the all-black package made famous on the big screen by Burt
Reynolds. Today, these cars are seeing a strong surge in values, no
doubt driven by nostalgia as buyers finally find the disposable
income to buy the cars of their childhood dreams.
This particular Poncho is a very nice, code 19 Starlight Black
example that combines strong originality with some restored
components to deliver an awful lot of car for the money. Bodywork
is straight, which is critical in a black car, and gaps are good
all around. Even the deck lid spoiler fits well, something that was
hard to get right, even when the cars were new. Other than a couple
restored components (such as the light housings), the paint is
presumed original, and after a full buff and polish has cleaned up
really well especially for black and considering its age. And love
it or hate it, the gold firebird decal on the hood was the car's
defining styling element, and the impact of that 'Screaming Fire
Chicken' is certainly still felt when this black beauty is cruising
down the boulevard. If you've been waiting your whole life to own
one, this is a great choice.
Code 62 Camel was the interior of choice with your all-black Trans
Am (just like the Smokey and the Bandit car), and it looks simply
amazing in this car. The seats are supple and comfortable, and
there are no splits or tears anywhere in the interior, which is
truly remarkable in an original car of this age. Door panels are
also great, and the carpets are undamaged by the sun or major wear.
The original gauges are all fully functional (even the clock
works!) and live inside a dashboard dressed up by Pontiac's
traditional engine-turned panel which is gold-toned to complement
the striping on the exterior. An AM/FM stereo radio, ice cold
factory A/C upgraded with R134a refrigerant, power windows and
locks, a tilt steering column, and a center console that houses the
4-speed manual shifter round out the impressive list of equipment
in this Trans Am, and sans the power locks, it's all in excellent
operating condition. And despite being a T-top car, the interior is
largely free of the squeaks and rattles that often plague the open
cars and the roof panels fit quite well. The carpeted trunk is
outfitted as the factory did it, including a space-saver spare with
jack assembly.
In 1979, Pontiac's 400 cubic inch V8 was making a more-than-decent
220 horsepower (especially for the end of the era, as this motor
was truly the last of the American muscle-car Big V8s) and this
desirable motor (the 400 was the one you wanted, not the
Olds-borrowed 403) is paired with a Muncie M21 4-speed manual
transmission. The numbers-matching engine was coated in Pontiac
Turquoise paint at the factory and still carries its original valve
covers and shaker-style hood scoop. The rest of the engine bay is
exceptionally original, and a recent service in 2018/2019 (with
multiple receipts) means that it's running like it should. And
although it's very difficult to 100% authenticate, the mileage is
believed to be original, and judging by the preponderance of
evidence related to it's original condition, and the fact that it
fires right up and runs superbly, we can certainly see the
argument. The 4-speed shifts cleanly, and the WS6 option Trans Am
was proof that Americans were starting to discover handling in
addition to simple brute horsepower, with big sway bars at both
ends, a tighter steering box gear ratio, and 4-wheel power disc
brakes that were new for the 1979 WS6 model. With an H-pipe dual
exhaust and Xlerator mufflers, nicely detailed suspension and brake
components, and those gorgeous Year One gold snowflake wheels
wrapped in white-letter BFGoodrich T/A radials, this is still a car
that gets respect on the streets, even 40 years later. Legends tend
to be like that.
Documented with maintenance records, PHS docs, owner's manuals, an
original warranty card, and a factory buildsheet, this is an
incredible find. Check your price books and you'll find that this
car is priced right and is a smart investment for the future. Give
us a call today and we'll be happy to tell you all about it!
