Vehicle Description
Pontiac seemed to be the last American automaker to get the news
that the horsepower wars were over. This real-deal Code Y84 1979
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Special Edition is proof enough. Still
packing the same numbers matching Pontiac 403 cubic inch V8 that
made the 2nd generation Trans Ams so unique, it's wrapped in a
highly desirable Starlight Black and Gold decal exterior package
made famous on the big screen by Burt Reynolds a couple of years
prior. And with T-tops, a black bucket seat interior, and options
like power steering and brakes, it checks off all the boxes. Today,
these T/As are skyrocketing in value, no doubt driven by nostalgia
as buyers finally find the disposable income to buy the cars of
their childhood dreams.
This particular Poncho is a lovely Code 19 Starlight Black example
that combines strong originality with restored components to
deliver a lot of car for the money. The bodywork is straight, which
is critical in a black car, and gaps are excellent and even all
around with doors that fit flush. Even the deck lid spoiler works
well, something that was hard to get right even when the cars were
new. Restored in 2008, the paint still looks very fresh today, with
a deep luster and bright shine that comes to life underneath our
studio lights. It's not a perfect paint job, and there are some
minor imperfections and blemishes, but nothing too noticeable, and
the vast majority of these minor demerits could be remedied with a
buff-and-wax. Love it or hate it, the gold firebird decal on the
hood was the car's defining styling element, and the impact of that
'Screaming Fire Chicken' is undoubtedly still felt when this black
beauty is cruising down the boulevard. The entire decal package was
applied throughout the car, and it was laid down the right way,
breaking up the black paint and adding to the overall stunning curb
appeal of this T-Top coupe. If you've been waiting your whole life
to own one of these icons, this is a great choice.
Code 19N Black Vinyl was the interior of choice with your all-black
Trans Am (unless you wanted Code 62 Camel just like the 'Smokey and
the Bandit' car), and it looks incredible in this car. The sporty,
high-back bucket seats are supple and comfortable, and there are no
splits or tears anywhere in the interior. And they're all-day
relaxed and ready for long-haul cruises. Door panels are also
great, the carpets are undamaged by the sun or significant wear,
and even the headliner and dash pad show incredibly well. The
original Rally gauges are all fully functional. They live inside a
dashboard dressed up by Pontiac's traditional engine-turned panel -
gold-toned to complement the decals and striping on the exterior.
Other options include the original Delco AM/FM stereo, cold factory
A/C, power windows, locks, antenna, a tilt steering column, and a
center console that houses the shifter for the automatic
transmission below. And despite being a T-top car, the interior is
mainly free of the squeaks and rattles that often plague open
vehicles, and the roof panels fit pretty well. The rear seats look
primarily untouched, while out back, the surprisingly spacious
trunk was outfitted with black carpets that match the cabin.
In 1979, Oldsmobile's 403 cubic inch V8 was sourced for many of
these T/As, and the small block under the Shaker-style hood is
indeed the original, numbers-matching unit. Making a
more-than-decent 185 horsepower and heroic 320 lb/ft of torque
(especially for the end of the era, as this motor was indeed the
last of the American muscle-car Big V8s) straight from the factory,
it has plenty of pop off the line. It can cruise at highway speeds
with ease. Correctly coated in Pontiac Turquoise engine paint on
the block and valve covers, the engine bay is all-stock and very
clean, with signs of maintenance found throughout. The TH350
3-speed shifts smoothly and delivers power up and down the
throttle, spinning a heavy-duty 10-bolt rear end. Trans Ams proved
that Americans were starting to discover handling in addition to
simple brute horsepower, big sway bars at both ends, a tighter
power steering box gear ratio, and power disc brakes, all standard
on the Special Editions. With a throaty dual exhaust and chambered
mufflers, nicely detailed suspension and brake components, and
those gorgeous 15-inch gold snowflake wheels wrapped in 255/60/15
white-letter BFGoodrich T/A radials, this is still a car that gets
respect on the streets, even almost 45 years later. Legends tend to
be like that.
Documented with maintenance and build records, PHS docs, and an
original window sticker, this is an incredible find. Check your
price books and comps, and you'll find that this car is priced
right and is a wise investment for the future. Give us a call
today, and we'll be happy to tell you about it!
