Vehicle Description
1979 Pontiac Trans Am
Although Pontiac designers Bill Porter and Norm Inouye created the
iconic firebird decal in 1970, Pontiac didn't start slapping it on
the hood until 1973 at the urging of designer John Schinella. The
option (code WW7) cost $55 and was quickly nicknamed The Screaming
Chicken. It became the car's signature feature through 1981 before
returning as an option on the third-generation Trans Am from
1985-87.
For consignment as close to an original car example as one can get
with this 79 Firebird. A little history. This car was purchased
from a car museum (Honey Brook Classics) with a mere 2,000 original
miles on it. The headliner was coming loose so the consigner fixed
it, and there was a scratch on the front quarter from transporting
it to shows, so that was repaired as well. Now with a mere
consigner stated 7,300 miles (title reads exempt) it is as close to
a new 1979 model as you could ask for, and it has some screen time
in a movie called "Dust Nuggets". A star is born.
Exterior
Rolling down the red carpet we see laser straight panels of Mayan
Red, which are minding their gaps very nicely. The paint is very
well preserved and mostly original. Body matching integrated
bumpers, wheel well flares and a rear spoiler all present nicely.
The screaming chicken is affixed in black and gray tones and it
surrounds a scooped hood. Black trimmings are surrounding the
windows, and a black crash bumper hides itself nicely within the
front. On the back a long horizontal strip of headlights runs the
gamut from side to side and on all 4 corners are the iconic
snowflake wheels wrapped by new rubber.
Interior
Award winning would best describe this interior all buttoned up
with black vinyl tuck and roll panels, clear chrome trim and no
dirt to be noted for miles. The comfortable buckets are nicely
patinaed, with some creases and signs of wear not unlike a favorite
leather chair. The original machined spun patterned aluminum panel
covers the dash and has all the original fixings embedded within. A
nice rear bench brings up the back and streaking forward is a
center console with a glovebox and gear shift lever housing. The
factory radio hangs below and works, and above we note that
repaired headliner all factory OEM. Black carpet which is clean
covers the floors.
Drivetrain
A numbers matching 403ci Oldsmobile V8 sits within a very nicely
preserved engine bay. A bit of patina is seen, but it adds to the
charm from 1979 keeping it real. A Rochester Quadrajet 4-Barrel
carburetor is atop and topped by the red shaker scoop which
protrudes through the hood. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission
is on back and it throws power rearward to a 10-bolt 2.41 geared
rear axle.
Undercarriage
What to my wandering eyes do I behold but the factory coating of
rustproofing with slight areas of surface rust. All strong steel
frame and floorpans, wheel wells and rockers and just amazing
overall condition. Independent coil spring suspension is aboard on
front, and leaf springs on the back. The rear axle is positraction.
Power disc brakes are on front, and power drums on the back. Turbo
mufflers have now been installed.
Drive-Ability
But of course, it started right up, and I was off to the test track
where it handled its challenges with ease. It was so good I went
around a few times, but I did not want to rack up the mileage, but
I just could not get enough of this beautiful car.
The consigner is correct in that you would have to look far and
wide to find an example from this year, in this condition, with
this mileage. Just a great color combo, comfortable interior, and
gotta love that machined dash with its pristine gauges and levers
and controls. A screaming chicken which screams very loudly on the
quality front...Cock a doodle doo!
VIN DECODE
2W87K9N183384
2-Pontiac
W-Trans Am
87-2 Door Coupe
K-403ci V8 Oldsmobile Engine
9-1979
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
183384-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
06A-1st Week June 1979 Build
ST 79 2FS87-1979 Firebird 2 Door Coupe
BDY N242229-Norwood Body #
TR 19R A51 BLK-Black Vinyl Strato Bucket Seats
75 L-Mayan Red Laquer
WS4-Trans AM
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.