Vehicle Description
This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am is a wonderfully restored, highly
optioned, and extremely well-documented example complete with its
Build Sheet and Window Sticker! Released by Pontiac on February 28,
1967, the Firebird was the GM Marque's rendition of a Pony Car.
While the initial Firebird could have been ordered with an HO 326
or Big Block 400 engine, these were merely engine upgrades above
the stock engine that would have come in the car. Then on March 8,
1969 Pontiac introduced the Trans Am package for its Firebird pony
car as a high performance option competing with the likes of Ford's
Boss Mustangs and Chevrolet's Z/28 Camaros which were essentially
street-ready race cars. With the introduction of the federal
government's implementation of pollution control regulations in the
early to mid-1970s, American muscle cars were significantly
handicapped and the Muscle Car era ground to a halt. Despite the
impediments put in place by the US government, Pontiac continued to
produce and consumers continued to purchase the
performance-oriented Trans Am Firebird, now built in accordance
with the new anti-smog rules. Another major milestone year for the
Pontiac Trans Am occurred in 1973 with the introduction of the
iconic "Screaming Chicken" graphic, that originated from a
legendary Indian symbol that was modernized by stylist John
Schinella. After several body style changes throughout the 70s,
Pontiac introduced a new-look Firebird in 1977 complete with new,
more aggressive-looking front end with a more recessed grille, a
newly restyled grille-split, and a pair of dual headlights.
Introduced on October 6, 1977, the 1978 Pontiac Firebird lineup
consisted of the base model Firebird, the more deluxe Esprit, the
sporty Formula, and the top-of-the-line, high-performance Trans Am.
Just by looking at a '78 Trans Am it was clear that the car was
definitely a Trans Am from nearly every angle. Up front, standard
Trans Am equipment included a front air dam, Shaker hood, concealed
windshield wipers, and a blacked-out grille. On the sides, the
Trans Am had front and rear wheel opening air deflectors and dual
outside body-color Sport mirrors. Special Trans Am highlights in
the rear end of the car included dual chrome splitter tailpipe
extensions and a sporty rear spoiler. Additionally, the Trans Am
featured special Trans Am badging around the exterior so you
couldn't mistake a Trans Am for just a regular Firebird. The Trans
Ams also featured special interior options such as Rally gauges and
a Tachometer, along with several performance upgrades including a
Safe-T-Track limited-slip rear differential and power brakes, among
other things. This particular '78 Trans Am comes to us from a
southern-based collector and comes with impressive documentation
including the Window Sticker, Build Sheet, and Pontiac Historical
Society (PHS) documentation. Under the "Screaming Chicken"
emblazoned Shaker hood is a Numbers Matching 400 Cubic Inch V8
engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said
to have produced 220 horsepower when new. The numbers matching 6.6L
V8 is backed by a 4 speed manual transmission that makes this Trans
Am an absolute blast to drive! Exhaust exits this Pontiac's
powerplant via a pair of rear tailpipes that generate a fantastic
throaty sound out the rear. This '78 Pontiac Trans Am is absolutely
loaded with options! You'll be able to keep the rubber to the
pavement since this Firebird comes equipped with a Safe-T-Track
limited slip rear differential. With power steering, the overall
driving experience is much improved and squeezing into a tight
parking spot at the local car show or ice cream parlor is a total
breeze. Stopping power is provided by power front disc brakes and
power rear drums which make bringing this late 70s muscle car to a
complete stop much easier as well. Riding on a set of BFGoodrich
Radial T/A tires mounted on Snowflake wheels, this '78 Trans Am has
a great look and even better ride cruising down the road. The
exterior of this Pontiac Trans Am has been correctly refinished in
Mayan Red, accented with gold Trans Am decals and the
aforementioned "Screaming Chicken" hood decal that together
complete the beautiful exterior appearance of this Pontiac. The
interior of this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am is absolutely gorgeous! The
front Strato Bucket seats along with the rear bench have been
correctly reupholstered in black vinyl, just how this car came when
it rolled off the Van Nuys, California assembly plant back in 1978.
The black door panels, black carpeting, black headliner, Formula
steering wheel, black padded dash, and center console all appear to
be in wonderful condition as well and all retain a nice stock
appearance. You'll be able to stay cool even on the hottest summer
days since this Trans Am comes outfitted with factory air
conditioning, costing the original buyer over $500. The engine
turned trimmed instrument cluster is equipped with a 100 MPH
speedometer, Rally Gauge 6,000 RPM tachometer with integrated
clock, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, voltage gauge, and
fuel gauge. The dash is finished off with the heater and air
conditioner controls, a cigarette lighter, rear defroster control,
lighting controls, a wiper control, and a locking glovebox. Whether
you're buying your very first classic car or you're adding to your
existing collection of Pontiac Muscle Cars, this 1978 Pontiac Trans
Am would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*Numbers Matching 400 Cubic Inch V8
*Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*4 Speed Manual Transmission
*Safe-T-Track Limited Slip Differential
*Power Steering & Front Disc Brakes
*Factory Air Conditioning
*Extremely Well Documented
*Correct Mayan Red Exterior w/ "Screaming Chicken" Decal
*Correct Black Bucket Seat Interior
*BFGoodrich Radial T/A Tires w/ Snowflake Wheels
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 71,207 Miles
