Vehicle Description
1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
It took some time, but Trans Ams are finally having their day in
the sun. Between the period when the over the top design and
graphics seemed normal, and the rediscovery of the coolness, the
market for Trans Ams was soft compared to Camaro counterparts. But
no more, the second generation T/A's are some of the hottest cars
on the market, highly desirable, and usually not at the mall for
very long before finding a new owner. 1978 saw the greatest number
of Trans Ams produced up to that point with over 93,000 cars
finding their way to American roads.
For consignment, a 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe showing
83,074 miles, but the true miles are unknown. After 1978, customers
could pick an exterior color and decal color separately thereby
creating your own combination. But in '78, the decal colors were
selected automatically by Pontiac.
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by
the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws
to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public
highways in your area.*
Exterior
Regardless of how it was born, this car received new paint about
seven years ago in one of the eight colors originally offered in
1978, Starlight Black, here with the charcoal/red decal selection
beginning with the screaming chicken iconic hood decal and
including the Trans Am designation on the side and tail,
pinstriping around the heat extractors and wheel flares, and on the
T/A 6.6 on the shaker hood scoop. 1978 would be the final year for
the open grille between the dual headlights and the three part tail
lights as seen on the muscular tail of this car. 15-inch Pontiac
snowflake wheels are in place here, looking right at home of course
and chrome rear splitters peak out the back, a reflective warning
to challengers that four tips mean business. Imperfections on this
black beauty include a misshaped corner of a plastic wheel flair,
and some paint chips down low.
Interior
Legendary Auto Interior redid the upholstery on the car creating a
unique configuration of silver vinyl inserts with pewter borders
and charcoal piping applied not on to the front buckets, but to the
rear 2+2 as well. Our consignor states the door panels are newer
and they do present cleanly, with slight separation of the carpeted
kick panel on the passenger side, nothing a little glue couldn't
remedy. Up front, the now legendary Trans Am design, a three spoke
steering wheel fronting the spun aluminum applique on the dash with
the most pertinent gauges in front of the driver, including the
tachometer, and others to the right over the A/C panel. With the
black formed plastic dash, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD player has been added
in the middle over the useful storage bin and pull out ashtray. The
familiar shifter is in the center console over low pile gray carpet
protected by Trans Am branded carpeted mats. The black foam backed
headliner above shows some depressions, the visors remain in good
condition, and the trunk is clean and lined with black cloth mats
and houses a covered spare.
Drivetrain
The nicely detailed engine, topped with the shaker scoop of course,
is a non original 400ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and mated to
a non original TH350 3-speed automatic transmission sending power
to the 10 bolt axle with 3.42 gears and Positraction. A gold power
booster is onboard to assist the front disc and rear drum
brakes.
Undercarriage
Clean and dry underneath with no surface rust nor errant fluids to
note here. Floorboard patchwork is noted underneath and
undercoating applied for a uniform, semi gloss black finish. Dual
exhaust veers from the original configuration, meeting at an X pipe
and continuing in tandem to a Pypes muffler that disperses two
tailpipes terminating at dual chrome splitters. No catalytic
converter is present. The transmission pan is polished as is the
rear differential for some old school enhancement. Suspension
consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
So many of us cut our teeth, or own vintage F-bodies so driving
them is like putting on a comfortable pair of shoes. This 400 comes
to life eagerly and the exhaust note is better than stock, and
stock was pretty good. The responsive throttle moves this bird onto
the test loop where it provides good power, and the car tracks
straight and as expected, handles great. We note the power locks,
wipers, and heater blower in the high speed position are not
working, but all other functional items all operate as intended.
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.
"Blackbird singing in the dead of night. Take these broken wings
and learn to fly. All your life, you were only waiting for this
moment to arise". Well, nothing's broken here but Mr. McCartney is
giving you the green light to purchase the car of your dreams.
"1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, the car I've always wanted and now
I have it. I rule!". That's you, friend.
2W87Z8L155904
2-Pontiac
W-Trans Am
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
Z-400ci 4bbl V8
8-1978
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
155904-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 78 2FS87-1978 Firebird 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY L179549-Van Nuys Body #
TR 24B A51-Blue Cloth Buckets
PNT W11L W11U-Cameo White
04A-1st Week April
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!
