1979 was the best year for the Trans Am. Ten years after its launch, the Trans Am became Pontiac’s superstar, with sales surpassing the 117K milestone.
The Tenth Anniversary model was the most notable release in 1979, but Pontiac eventually sold approximately 7,500 units. Most Trans Ams rolled off the assembly lines as coupes fitted with an automatic transmission, while the T-Top version was ordered by more than 38,000 customers.

The 403 V8 remained the most popular choice in the lineup, but buyers could also choose the L37 301 and the W72 400, with the latter only available with a manual transmission.

The T-Top in these photos no longer has the original engine under the hood, but you’ll still be impressed if you check out the car. The Trans Am now has a high-performance 455 block with Edelbrock Raim Air IV style heads. The power is massive, and the owner explains on Craigslist that it reaches 600 horsepower.

The car was completely restored in 2003, but as anyone can tell by just checking the photos, it’s no longer in the tip-top shape that you’d expect on a custom build. The car was parked in a garage shortly after its restoration, leaving storage occasionally for short drives around the block. However, water got in the way and damaged the Trans Am, so it’s now seeking another overhaul online.

The Trans Am comes with rusty metal due to the food, and the engine “needs to be refreshed again.” The owner shared more information on the upgrades received by the car on Craigslist, revealing that the engine was built by a professional Pontiac shop.

While the Trans Am requires more urgent attention to return to the road, the seller claims they have everything to get it back up and running, minus the hood. If you’re a Pontiac restorer, you probably know that finding a correct hood isn’t that difficult, especially considering that the 1979 model year was the most successful in Trans Am history.

The interior looks complete, but you’ll have to give it a thorough cleaning before determining its condition more accurately. However, the Trans Am is likely an easy project, and as the seller explains, the engine is the main selling point, especially considering how much it’d cost. They estimate the price of the mechanical upgrades to surpass $26K, so getting this Trans Am at $11,500 could be quite a bargain.

I still think buyers should inspect the car in person before making an offer, so contact the seller to discuss all the details. You’ll need transportation to take it home, as the engine and the transmission are no longer in the car, awaiting the second overhaul before getting back in the Trans Am.