In 1978, the Trans Am’s ascent continued at full pace, culminating in the second-highest production figures of the decade.
From just 1,286 units in 1972 to over 117,000 units in 1979, the Trans Am output increased, and the automobile eventually became the model that drove Firebird sales.
Clearly, Pontiac was concentrating more on enhancing the Trans Am in an effort to capitalize on the market’s increasing desire for its star vehicle. But in the early years of the following decade, Trans Am sales began to fall, from a record high of 33,000 vehicles in 1979 to just 33,000 units two years later.
A 1978 Trans Am made its way to Craigslist a few hours ago with one of the most intriguing packages I’ve seen lately. The car has all the major selling points of a project, ticking most boxes that would make it a solid candidate for a return to factory specifications.
Did not disclose how long the Trans Am had been kept inside the structure, hidden from people, since it was found in a barn. It appears in one of the pictures wearing the usual barn find, but after a thorough wash, the original paint looks brand new. However, since they must accurately assess whether or not the paint needs repairs, I would advise prospective purchasers to view the Trans Am in person.
The metal looks good, but you’ll still find the typical rust issues, including on the floors and the trunk. The owner says the rust invaded the bottom due to the many years of sitting, and this isn’t a surprise. Cars parked for a long time usually end up struggling with metal problems, but the damage on this Trans Am should be easily fixable.
The owner says the car has everything originally, including the Pontiac 400 engine and the transmission. The drivetrain is no longer running, but the good news is the engine is not locked up and still turns over by hand.
Additionally, the Trans Am is complete, so the next owner won’t have to go looking for parts to begin the repair. Since the automobile has been resting for a while, you shouldn’t expect everything to be in perfect condition.
An extremely well-maintained Trans Am with all original parts and no missing pieces. One-owner Trans Ams are always highly interesting, and this one appears to be a simple project. You have to go to Chicago to see it for yourself.