Vehicle Description
1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary
The Trans Am lineage is no stranger to special editions. The
original T/A's are special in their own right, but beginning with
the 10 year anniversary bird, Pontiac set out to mark each year
anniversary with a car that was painted and equipped differently
than the standard Trans Ams. Performance peaked with the 20 year
anniversary employing a slightly modified GNX drivetrain, while the
35thanniversary veered from the traditional white paint. It is the
goal of numerous collectors around the country to have each of the
anniversary cars in their stable and many have succeeded!
For consignment, a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10thAnniversary edition
with a title verified 52,715 actual miles with a numbers matching
engine. If you want to start a collection of special edition Trans
Ams, this should be #1 on your list. It's in mostly original
condition and comes with the build sheet and a value proposition
that is still on the uptick.
Exterior
The distinct color used by Pontiac to celebrate its 10 year making
the Trans Am is Platinum Poly, a sleek, silvery gray that serves as
the basis for the many anniversary accoutrements. It begins with
the screaming eagle which is not unusual for '79, but this bird's
wingspan extends beyond the constraints of body panels and crosses
over the fender where its charcoal crown sends back color over the
shoulder line and up to surround the T-top opening. Accent striping
also is found on the Endura nose, the spoiler, and around the
distinctive charcoal on the rear bumper cover. Optional Pace Car
delineation is expressed on the doors and the NASCAR logo occupies
the rear quarters, while 15-inch turbine wheels occupy the corners
and would reappear on 1980 models. Standard features now considered
iconic include the heat extracting fender vents, the wheel flares,
chrome exhaust splitters, and the smoked tail lights that appear
black when not illuminated. Imperfections include some uneven
filler down low, a bubble or two, scuffs, and some touched up chips
on the nosepiece and curb rash on one wheel.
Interior
Somehow, Pontiac was able to make silver vinyl shimmer like metal,
and it starts on the door panels which feature a red piping and a
multi-colored embroidered bird, special for the anniversary. The
bucket seats are practically NASA-inspired in their sheen, and
otherwise enjoy the same sporty design of mere mortal '79's, which
are supportive and tall. The rear 2+2 are fine for your smaller
friends and in this case, show some patina with some creasing and
significant scratches on the upper and lower. Up front, it's
standard Trans Am, only in gray and silver hues, beginning with the
robust steering wheel in front of the machined applique and round,
black faced gauges and switchgear. In the center, the standard
AM/FM radio is in place while a more modern Pioneer AM/FM/CD player
is in what would otherwise be the cubby hole, which is flanked by
some speakers that have been mounted to the center console. That
console is a molded piece of plastic that houses the shifter and
its base that is dressed in those shiny machined swirls just ahead
of the window switches. Gray carpet covers the floors and smoked
T-tops above allow in muted light that illuminates this light
colored cabin. The trunk shows some usage and contains a space
saver spare.
Drivetrain
A very clean and original looking engine bay houses the numbers
matching 403ci V8 known in T/A circles as the "Olds 403," rated at
185 horsepower and topped with a 4-barrel carburetor. A TH350
3-speed automatic transmission is behind it and sends power to the
10 bolt rear axle. The air filter case is topped with the shaker
hood which for '79, is more cosmetic than functional, but always
iconic. Power disc brakes are on all four corners.
Undercarriage
Uniformly black undercoated with only hints of surface rust, some
oil drops on the pan, and no build up of road dirt or grime. The
single exhaust splits after the cat and flows through stock style
mufflers on their way to the downturned chrome tips. Suspension is
standard T/A and is configured as coil springs up front and leaf
springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
That factory suspension is enough to provide great handling for the
Trans Am. They may not be the fastest Firebird ever produced, but
they were no slouch in the corners. Visibility is great and light
streams into the interior through the T-tops. As far as non
functional items, we found just a few. The A/C is not working, the
power locks don't work, and the factory radio gave its power to the
new unit below it. All other lights, switches, and functions work
as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
7,500 10thAnniversary Trans Ams were built and of them, 5,683 were
equipped with the 403 V8. The model debuted on February 18th, 1979
at Daytona Speedway at the first nationally televised NASCAR race.
Here's your opportunity to own a piece of automotive history as the
owner of a limited edition 10thAnniversary Trans Am, sometimes
called "TATA" in Pontiac circles. And so, your collection begins!
Then stay tuned to Classic Auto Mall for the next 15thanniversary
to be offered on consignment!
2X87K9L164753
2-Pontiac
X-Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
K-403ci 4bbl V8 185hp
9-1979
L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
146924-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
03B-2nd Week March
79 1FS87-1979 Firebird 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
L196670-Van Nuys Body #
152-Silver Leather
15L-Platinum Poly
16U-Dark Charcoal
W-Water Based Paint
A51-Bucket Seats
CC1-T Tops
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
