For Sale: 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in St. Louis, Missouri

Few cars capture the spirit of late-1970s American performance quite like the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and none are more instantly recognizable than the dramatic black-and-gold Special Edition models made famous during the era. Introduced in the mid-1970s, the Special Edition package added distinctive trim and luxury equipment to Pontiac's already popular Trans Am, combining aggressive styling with premium interior appointments. The car's cultural impact was cemented in 1977 when a black-and-gold Trans Am starred in the hit film Smokey and the Bandit, driven by Burt Reynolds, making the Special Edition one of the most sought-after muscle cars of the decade.

Offered here is a beautifully restored 1977 Pontiac Trans Am Y81 Special Edition hardtop coupe, finished in iconic Starlight Black over a Black Custom Deluxe Velour cloth interior. The Y81 Special Edition package included numerous unique visual and luxury enhancements such as gold accent striping, gold "Screaming Chicken" hood decal, gold-tinted instrument panel trim, Special Edition badging, and gold snowflake wheels, giving the Trans Am a bold and unmistakable presence.

For the 1977 model year, Pontiac produced approximately 6,158 Y81 Special Edition hardtop coupes, making them among the most recognizable and collectible second-generation Trans Ams. Combined with their strong connection to 1970s pop culture and their striking appearance, these cars have become enduring icons of the muscle-car era.

This particular example benefits from a professional restoration completed while the car resided in Texas, including a complete rotisserie repaint in Starlight Black, installation of new Special Edition graphics, and a fully renewed interior from headliner to carpeting. Mechanical refurbishment included all-new suspension components, braking system, fuel system parts, and exhaust plumbing, resulting in a Trans Am that both looks and drives exceptionally well. Having spent much of its later life in Texas, the car retains a remarkably rust-free body and chassis with excellent structural integrity.

Power comes from a rebuilt earlier 1971-generation 400 cubic-inch V8 engine, equipped with matching 1971 "99" cylinder heads with upgraded Pontiac 4-barrel intake manifold fitted with a Quadrajet carburetor. Power is delivered through a Turbo-Hydramatic 350 three-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and dependable performance consistent with Pontiac's legendary big-inch V8 tradition. This Trans Am is especially well equipped with a long list of desirable factory options. Highlights include Custom Air Conditioning, power windows and power door locks, cruise control, tilt steering column, electric rear window defroster, and the seldom-seen rear seat console, a particularly rare and desirable feature. Additional options include the Lamp Group, power remote deck lid release, and an AM/FM stereo with 8-track tape player, which remains functional and will accompany three period 8-track cartridges included with the sale.

The interior remains a standout, with the Custom Deluxe Velour upholstery providing a comfortable and authentic period atmosphere. Nearly every feature remains operational, including the radio, 8-track player, cigarette lighter, and cold air conditioning, with the only noted exception being the dash clock.

Originally sold new through Russ Regenold Pontiac based in Anderson, Indiana, this Special Edition later migrated south to Texas, where it spent the majority of its later life before undergoing restoration. The car retains excellent provenance and is accompanied by Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) documentation, along with original owner's manuals, a reproduction window sticker, carpeted and rubber floor mats, a Space-Saver spare tire with GM refill cartridge, and two sets of keys. Adding a unique touch of Hollywood nostalgia, the most recent Texas owner acquired a sun visor signed by Burt Reynolds at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction 2023, which now accompanies the car and is displayed inside, an especially fitting tribute to the actor who helped immortalize the black-and-gold Trans Am in American pop culture.

Beautifully restored, impressively equipped, and presented in the most iconic Special Edition color combination, this 1977 Trans Am Y81 Special Edition represents an outstanding example of Pontiac's late-1970s performance legend, offering striking looks, strong mechanical condition, and unmistakable presence wherever it goes!