Vehicle Description
Awesome 1979 Pontiac Trans Am resto-mod. Built fuel-injected 455
with aluminum heads. 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. C5
Corvette 4-wheel disc brakes. Extensive documentation. A killer T/A
for less than the cost of the parts!If you're looking for a stock
1979 Pontiac Trans Am, there are plenty of those laying around. But
if you want something special that stands out without coloring too
far outside the lines, then this very slick Atlantis Blue T/A coupe
should appeal to you. At a glance, it doesn't strike you as heavily
modified, and that was by design because the 1979 Trans Am is one
of the better efforts of the 1970s. Low, lean, and sleek,
everything came together just right on this car to provide a look
that's distinctive but not overwrought. With the rising popularity
of '70s Pontiacs, it's smart to leave the factory styling alone.
The car was treated to a bare-metal repaint about eight years ago
and remains in very good overall condition. The Atlantis Blue paint
is just about right and it has all the usual Trans Am graphics,
including the legendary firebird on the hood. It's been nicely
maintained since it was finished, so it shines up beautifully and
makes a real statement sitting on those beautiful Snowflake alloys.
Of note, all the lighting has been replaced with LEDs, including
the taillights which do a trick sequential dance when you hit the
brakes or turn signals, and it's a desirable non-T-top car, which
means none of the usual squeaks and rattles. The details are right
on this one.The interior keeps things pretty much stock, although a
few subtle upgrades improve the driving experience. The upholstery,
including the high-back buckets, is from GM so it looks right,
including the cool checked fabric that's a lot grippier than vinyl
for spirited driving. The original leather-wrapped steering wheel
is in good shape and the car is loaded with options including an
all-new A/C system, power windows and locks (power locks are inop),
and a tilt steering column. The factory gauges have been replaced
by a very cool set of aftermarket dials that look original but have
an LED display for various additional functions. There's also a
powerful Kenwood AM/FM/CD/USB/Bluetooth stereo neatly installed in
the original radio's location. And if you look closely at the
shifter detents, you'll notice an overdrive position for the 200-4R
4-speed automatic transmission that now lives underneath. Add in
some Firebird-logo carpeted floor mats, and it becomes a very
authentic interior with several worthy upgrades. The trunk is
finished to stock specs, which means basic black carpets and a
correct space-saver spare with jack assembly.The wheezy 403 cubic
inch Oldsmobile engine is gone, replaced by a genuine Pontiac 455
cubic inch V8 built by well-regarded shop Gearheads Automotive.
Featuring a roller cam and a set of Edelbrock Performer aluminum
heads, it's considerably stronger than anything GM was building in
1979. Up top there's a Holley Sniper fuel injection system that
inhales fresh, cool air through the original scoop, and it's so
well-hidden that you'd swear there's a carburetor under there.
Nice! The engine was finished with Pontiac valve covers and correct
corporate turquoise engine enamel so it looks like it belongs in
there. Other new parts include the entire A/C system, a new
alternator, new power steering pump, a giant aluminum radiator, and
a fresh master cylinder and booster for the 4-wheel disc brakes.
And speaking of the brakes, they use Corvette C5 spindles, rotors,
and calipers for notably improved performance. A set of long-tube
headers feed a custom exhaust system with X-pipe and stainless
transverse muffler out back, all terminating in proper chrome tips.
You'll also find the aforementioned rebuilt 200-4R transmission,
which feeds a brand new 10-bolt rear end full of 3.42 gears on a
limited slip. The car has been subtly lowered so it has exactly the
right stance, and there are new shocks all around plus a recent gas
tank hanging out back. The bigger Corvette brakes wouldn't fit
inside the original wheels, so a set of custom 17-inch 'Snowflake'
alloys were installed, along with fat 255/45/17 BFGoodrich radials
all around.Documentation includes extensive receipts on the build
adding up to more than the asking price, never mind the purchase
price of the car. Impressive!You'll note that '70s Trans Ams are
some of the most popular cars on the market today. This awesome
1979 Trans Am delivers authentic Pontiac excitement with a few
modern upgrades that make the car what it was always meant to be.
No longer a victim of the smog era, it's built to cruise with big
power, modern reliability, and an eye for performance. Check out
the specs, the hardware, and the killer look, then give us a
call.Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
