Vehicle Description
Pontiac seemed to be the last automaker to get the news that the
horsepower wars were over. This survivor WS4 1979 Trans Am is proof
enough, and with what is believed to be 139k actual miles, there
may not be a better representation of that pedigree out on the
market and at this price point. Still packing its original 400
cubic inches and riding high on Burt Reynolds' famous stunts, 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 is a very well-preserved code 50 Solar Gold example that
combines strong originality with careful low ownership to deliver
an awful lot of car for the money. The body is straight, pretty
much exactly how it left the factory, which is critical on a car
with a crease running from nose to tail, 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. And love it or hate
it, the giant 'Screaming Chicken' Firebird decal on the hood was
the car's defining styling element, and it appears to have been
untouched since it left the dealer, with a gentle patina accrued
through the years. That goes for the paint as well, it all looks
like a very well-presented survivor-grade finish, with some
potential signs of newer paint on one fender. With that smooth
urethane front end, a dedicated lack of chrome or stainless trim,
and judicious use of decals, this particular survivor T/A is very
attractive and looks fast just standing still. When this sucker
appears in your rear view mirror, you move!
Tan was the interior of choice with your Solar Gold Trans Am, and
the very attractive vinyl upholstery inside this survivor is
further proof of a gentle life. The seats are supple and
comfortable and although there are some minor signs of use that
should be expected in an older vehicle, there's nothing that needs
to be replaced or refreshed in our opinion. Door panels are also
great, and the carpets are virtually undamaged by the sun or wear
thanks to original rubber mats. All those super-cool original
gauges are still in place ahead of the driver, and live inside a
dashboard dressed up by Pontiac's traditional engine-turned panel
which remains bright. A modern Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo radio and
speaker system is the sole upgrade inside and it works along with
the CB radio, the factory R12 A/C still blows cold, and a factory
Poncho steering wheel atop a tilt column rounds out the options
list. The center console is great shape and houses what is arguably
the coolest part of this car: the 4-speed shifter, and out back the
rear seats look like they've barely seen any passengers in the last
40+ years. In the trunk, this T/A still carries a space-saver spare
in the nicely finished compartment.
In 1979, 4-speed cars got a genuine Pontiac 400 cubic inch V8
making a robust 220 horsepower, one of the biggest figures of the
day. The numbers-matching engine looks quite original and still
carries its correct shaker-style hood scoop that is one of the most
iconic looks in the automotive world. The rest of the engine bay is
very tidy, with plenty of signs of proper maintenance over the
years but no abuse or major modifications. The Borg Warner Super
T10 close ratio 4-speed shifts cleanly, and the Trans Am was proof
that Americans were starting to discover handling in addition to
simple brute horsepower. Power steering and power front disc brakes
improve road manners, and this baby can still hit the curves with
confidence thanks to proper care underneath. With a freshened dual
exhaust and throaty Flowmaster mufflers it sounds like you'd expect
a muscle car to sound, and those gorgeous gold snowflake wheels,
this is still a car that gets respect on the streets, even 42 years
later. Legends are like that.
Check your price books and you'll find that this car is a screaming
bargain, with values that are on the move, especially on cars with
original provenance like this one: window sticker, warranty card,
bill of sale. Original, fast, and fun, the '70s are red hot in the
Pontiac department. Call today!