1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Description

Pontiac seemed to be the last automaker to get the news that the horsepower wars were over. This 1978 Trans Am is proof enough. Still packing the Pontiac 400 cubic inch V8 that made early Trans Ams so special, it was wrapped in the flashiest bodywork of the era. Today, these cars are seeing a strong surge in values, no doubt driven by nostalgia as buyers finally find the disposable income to buy the cars of their childhood dreams. This cool one-owner, actual mileage car needs little TLC, but it's also an entry-level collectable with a lot of upside for the enterprising hobbyist.

Repainted about a decade ago, this code 69 Chesterfield Brown Trans Am is a refreshing change from the black and gold T/As running around at every show. It's pure 1970s cool and these days, brown is back in fashion so this car looks like it's ahead of the curve once again. The finish is holding up well, and would really pop with a cut-and-buff to brighten the shine, but even as it sits, this car gets attention. This is a car for the do-it-yourself guy who likes to tinker, but little things like a new drivers' door handle are easy to fix and inexpensive, and once again, that's why this one is so affordable. On the other hand, the decals were new when the paint was applied and still look great, the urethane bumpers are in very good condition, and a new spoiler was installed out back so it looks right.

Tan was the interior of choice with your Chesterfield Brown Trans Am, and it provides a sophisticated look that suits the upscale Trans Am just fine. The seats are showing their age, but new reproduction covers are inexpensive and easy to install for a big upgrade that'll pay dividends at car shows and at resale time. The carpets are in good shape, protected by monogrammed floor mats, and the door panels are pretty darned good. The original gauges are fully functional, and live inside a dashboard dressed up by Pontiac's traditional engine-turned panel which remains bright. An AM/FM/CD stereo radio was added sometime in the recent past, and the options list includes factory A/C and power windows. As a non-T-top car, the structure is stiffer and more rigid for better handling and the completely original trunk carries what appears to be the original, unused space-saver spare.

In 1978, the 400 was making 180 horsepower, and the L78 could be paired with either the 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, as in this car. The numbers-matching engine is totally original and untouched, and the engine bay is authentic right down to the shaker-style hood scoop. Not detaild for show, it does demonstrate what you get when you have just one loving owner, as it is quite clean and there are no signs of rust or accident repairs. It starts and runs well and has never been abused, so it's got a lot of life left in it. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly, and the Trans Am was proof that Americans were starting to discover handling in addition to simple brute horsepower. With a rumbling exhaust and those gorgeous Rally II wheels, this is still a car that gets respect on the streets, even 35 years later. Legends are like that.

Check your price books and you'll find that this car is a screaming bargain. Give us a call today!