Vehicle Description
Perhaps you've seen the way prices are skyrocketing on these
Anniversary Trans Ams, but it's the investment-grade specimens that
are truly bringing top dollar. This incredible 1979 Trans Am has
the right pedigree: matching-numbers, a faithful and comprehensive
restoration, great options, and lots of great documentation.
There's still time to get in on the rapidly ascending roller
coaster and ride it to the moon, and this is the perfect T/A to do
it in.
Is it possible for a car to be almost too nice? Thanks to a
comprehensive freshening that included new paint and interior, this
Trans Am is dialed-in from head-to-toe. And thanks to careful
ownership through the years that helped ensure that the sheetmetal
was unmolested and ultra-straight, the refinishing was relatively
easy (in a manner of speaking, restoring a classic is never
'easy'), but they were careful not to over-restore the car, which
is a big no-no with purists and the cars they love. This is
especially true with cars of the '70s and the evolving paint
technology, but things like the urethane bumpers and deck lid
spoiler match beautifully, something the factory rarely achieved.
The recent finish is smooth to the touch and very slick, with a
shine that really looks great when you're looking down the
laser-straight lines of the body. The decals are all exact
reproductions that were expertly installed, wrapping around the
nose cone, rear decklid, and, of course, the 'Screaming Chicken'
covering the hood. Slatted taillights, an aggressive chin spoiler,
a true Shaker hood, and all the other Trans Am goodies make this
the definitive performance car of the era. And because this is a
T-Top car, open-air cruising is just seconds away.
The restorers obviously knew that this was a very special car the
moment that they laid eyes on it, and as a result the silver
leather upholstery is in outstanding condition thanks to a
comprehensive refurbishment back to stock. OK, so the silver is
totally 1970s, but that really is the point with one of these cars.
In fact, every surface inside the car is some hue of silver or gray
and in equally great shape. The dash is covered in engine-turned
appliques that was a Trans Am trademark for, well, a decade, and
the gauges look virtually new with bright markings and
crystal-clear lenses. Just about every feature available was
standard equipment on the Anniversary models, including A/C, power
windows, tilt wheel, and a positively awesome AM/FM/8-track stereo.
You'll also note that this is a 4-speed car, which makes it THE
Trans Am Anniversary model to own, and the Hurst T-handle shifter
practically taunts the driver to bang through some gears and have
some fun. Carpets are plush below, the rear seats are virtually
untouched, and the T-Tops are always a desired option. The trunk is
equally finished and bone stock, down to the space-saver spare and
jack assembly, neither of which appear to have ever been used.
In 1979, the Trans Am was perhaps the most potent of the American
muscle cars still on the market. The 4-speed cars like this
received a genuine Pontiac 400 cubic inch V8, and performance was
impressive enough to make Corvette owners nervously look over their
shoulders. Numbers matching and still looking like the factory
intended in just about every way, this car has received correct
maintenance and conscientious care throughout the years. From the
big scoop living atop the air cleaner to the oil pan, this engine
is exactly what you'd find in 1979, and probably just as clean too.
It runs superbly, with a definite muscle car bark from the H-pipe
dual exhaust with factory-style chambered mufflers, which is one of
the only changes from stock that's visible, although it's certainly
welcomed as it makes a big difference in terms of performance. The
chassis is fully detailed and incredibly solid, and again, thanks
to the comprehensive restoration there are new and restored
components abound. Gorgeous aluminum wheels wear what may be the
last set of 225/70/15 Goodyear Polysteel radials on the planet.
Documentation includes numerous original owner's and dealership
manuals, a factory build sheet, build receipts, an album full of
pictures that covered the build, and various other 10th anniversary
provenance that really add to the lore of this car. Pretty
impressive, right? All you have to do is call and take it home
today.
