| Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey Friday, October 10, 2008 |
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| 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am | |||||||||
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185bhp, 403 cu. in. V8 engine, 4-barrel Rochester Quadra-Jet carburetor, three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and stabilizer bar, and power-assisted hydraulic front disc, and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 108.2" When introduced in 1969, only a few hundred examples of the Pontiac Trans Am were sold. During the 1970s, tightening emissions regulations, rising oil prices and economic recession conspired to threaten the very existence of the American performance car. However, the Pontiac Trans Am actually enjoyed growing popularity, thanks to its powerful engines, outstanding handling, and head-turning styling. In addition, many racing victories and the 1977 release of Burt Reynolds’ “Smokey and the Bandit” solidified the Trans Am legend. The Firebird spawned a number of special sub-series by 1979, including the base Firebird, the luxurious Esprit, and the sporty Formula, but the Trans Am accounted for nearly half of total Firebird production that year. In ten short years, the Trans Am was more than the best-selling Firebird model; it was the Firebird to have. Like Burt Reynolds’ famous mount, the 1979 Trans Am offered here is finished in Starlight Black. The current owner purchased the car specifically to drive it in the 2007 “Bandit Run”, which commemorated the thirtieth anniversary of the hit movie. The trip and this car’s role in it were described in the August 2007 edition of Automobile magazine, as well as a May 27, 2007 article in the New York Times. Copies of both articles, as well as various souvenirs from the run, are included with the sale of the car. As documented by Pontiac Historic Services, this particular Trans Am was built at Pontiac’s Van Nuys, California plant, with a list price of $8,694.45. Of course, the car features the iconic Firebird hood decal, a pair of chrome exhaust splitters, and a set of handsome “Snowflake” aluminum wheels. Underhood resides a 403 cubic inch Oldsmobile-built V8 engine, mated to a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The interior features black cloth upholstery in a distinctive hobnail pattern, an engine-turned instrument panel treatment, and amenities including power brakes, power steering with tilt wheel, and air conditioning, among other features. While the car is not detailed to concours standards, and age-appropriate wear is evident on the upholstery, the car nonetheless remains attractive. A true piece of automotive Americana, the second-generation Trans Am has become a rare sight. Maybe the time has come to fulfill your dreams and head “Eastbound and Down” in a Trans Am of your very own. |
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Addendum Please note that this vehicle is offered without a reserve. |
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