For Sale: 1978 Pontiac Firebird in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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!