For Sale: 1979 Pontiac Firebird in Ft Worth, Texas

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!