For Sale: 1978 Pontiac Sunbird in Lutz, Florida

This 1978 Pontiac Sunbird is a very cool sleeper wagon. After all, the exterior appears quite stock, and the interior is just a comfy place with A/C. But under the hood is a well-built small block that's larger than any V8 Pontiac offered in these...and when you put it in a lightweight package, it makes for a magical driving experience.


Turning grocery-getters into go-fast machines is an art, and it starts with the right attitude. So this one is trying to appear like a well-respected survivor. The body lines are good, the trim is complete, and the paint has an aged-in look that feels like it has been in use by the same family for generations. The value price leaves room in your budget if you want to give it a wild respray, but we really like the attitude this one is already putting forward. There is power within, but it likes to hide it well. So rather than large dual exhaust tips, you have a luggage rack. And while the wheels look like they were borrowed from a Trans Am, they really are stock units.


The red interior goes for the same stock and originality as the exterior. That's why there's even the AM radio still there for display. And while it looks like a family car, it also has some nice comfort features - including front bucket seats will remind you of a Trans Am. Plus, you have upgrades like auxiliary gauges, tinted windows, and cold-blowing R134a air conditioning. The Safari wagon body style is a rarity that was only produced for a couple of years. Not only does it give added practical storage, but also we bet you'll even make some Chevy Nomad comparisons with this two-door wagon (did you see how the rear hatch even has Nomad-like vertical slats?)


Under the hood is where this stops trying to look stock. The 327 cubic-inch V8 was larger than anything made available to the Vega/Sunbird line, and the ribbed valve covers are a true giveaway that this one was built for power. You have upgrades like a Holley four-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake, and headers feeding the dual exhaust. It's a fresher setup with the right running upgrades, like an aluminum radiator with electric fans. Plus, the strong powerhouse feeds a three-speed automatic transmission with a shift kit that keeps you in the powerband. It makes for a quick and exciting experience in this lightweight wagon. And power steering, power brakes, and front discs make it a good all-around driver.


Sleeper cars are a ton of fun, and so to find one with rarity, features, and a terrific price make this irresistible. Call today!!!