For Sale: 1979 Pontiac Firebird in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Coupe

One of the changes to the Trans Am that arrived in 1979 was a redesign of the front nose utilizing a polymer made of closed cell urethane called Endura, which first appeared on Pontiac's 1968 GTO. According to Thomas Bonsall's Pontiac: The Complete History, 1926-1986, the Endura bumper "was one of the great styling innovations of all time because it permitted stylists to blend the bumpers into their frontal styling. Until it came along, front bumpers usually had the look of having been added to a design, rather than being an integral part of it."

For consignment, a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am coupe showing 98,713 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a title exemption. This one presents in original condition with a numbers matching transmission and four wheel disc brakes, a rare option mostly reserved for WS6 models.

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
Nine exterior color options were available in 1979 and you could also order one of four graphics colors to go with it. The owner chose Cameo White with the orange graphics package that included the big screaming chicken on the hood. What seemed like normal accoutrements of the day now seem wildly extravagant including the graphics, the shaker hood scoop, the Endura wheel flares, and the fender vents. 1979 was the first year for the epic smoked tail lights and they would stay with the model in one form or another for years to come. Our example has T-tops and the quad chrome splitter tips, along with 15-inch snowflake wheels, another Trans Am trait. Imperfections include some touched up scratches and chips, wing corner pieces that are off color, rock chips, drip stains on the hood, wheel flares that have sustained some road spray, a dented rocker panel, crazing in the paint, typical chin scuffs, and some yellowing of trim pieces and body molding.

Interior
Sharply contrasting Carmine Red fills the interior beginning on the vinyl clad doors with carpeted lowers and electric lock switches, both presenting in very nice shape. The hobnail cloth on the seats, also based in red, looks to have been well preserved and the rear seats are no exception. Back to vinyl and plastics up front where the deep red is wonderfully contrasted by the spun aluminum faceplate and black gauges and it's in essentially time capsule condition with the original AM/FM radio in place. Beyond the cubby compartment is the deep set shifter wrapped in a rubber, accordion style boot ahead of window switches and armrest. The deep red carpet is protected by mats and the plastic around the T-tops is in great shape. The trunk carries a fitted black mat and space saver spare, just as it did in 1979!

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 1974 L78 400ci V8, replaced sometime in the 80's due to the original's drain plug not installed correctly by a technician. Behind it, the numbers matching T10 4-speed manual that sends power to the 10 bolt rear ale with 3.23 gears and Positraction.

Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with the typical oxidation and surface rust, but solid and dry conditions prevail. Here we have dual exhaust flowing through glasspack style mufflers on their way to those legendary tips, and power disc brakes at all four wheels. Suspension is comprised of coil spring up front and leaf springs in back. The catalytic converter has been removed.

Drive-Ability
Don't let that standard suspension fool you; our seasoned '79 T/A ownership can tell you that this is an F-body that is worthy of the name Trans Am which was a road racing series that required lots of tight turns! The 400 is good for 200 horsepower and while 70's emission controls bog it down just a tad, it still feels quick and nimble. Other than the clock, all operational items work as they should on this well persevered T/A. 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.

This is one of the cleanest Trans Am interiors we've seen and while the paint shows a touch of age in spots, the interior does not. Firebirds from this era are enjoying a resurgence in favored views and collectability and for some people, the smooth nose and blacked out tail lights of the '79 are irresistible! Add T-tops and a stick shift and you have a winner in white!

2W87Z9N176828

2-Pontiac
W-Firebird Trans Am
87-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
Z-400ci 4bbl 220hp L78 V8
9-1979
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
176828-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

05C-3rd Week May
2FS87-1979 Firebird Coupe
N220055-Norwood Body #
74B-Carmine Cloth
11L 11U-Cameo White
A51-Bucket Seats
CC1-Fisher T Tops
A31-Power Windows
WS4-Trans Am
CA2-Soft Roof Trim Delete

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!