1979 was a fantastic year for the Trans Am, as the production numbers went through the roof. Pontiac produced over 211,000 Firebirds in 1979, and the Trans Am accounted for approximately 117,000 units.
The Tenth Anniversary model was the flagship release in 1979, as Pontiac wanted to celebrate ten years from the first Trans Am in style. Despite its hefty price tag, the Anniversary model still sold like hotcakes, with every customer paying at least $10,620 for this model.
It doesn’t mean a “standard” Trans Am wasn’t intriguing. Pontiac built 7,500 Anniversary models, so the other units rolled off the assembly lines as non-SE models or with the Y84 package. The most common configuration was the non-SE coupe with an L80 403 engine, as over 48,000 units used this setup.
The Trans Am in these photos has already lost its original heart and soul, as the car looks like it’s been sitting for decades next to that dumpster. We know nothing about how the car ended up on the side of the road, but the owner explains on Craigslist that the vehicle is now just a roller.
This means that the Trans Am no longer has an engine or a transmission, likely because it donated the powertrain to another sibling. The owner says the body is “pretty solid,” but I’d still put this Trans Am on a lift to inspect the undersides. A vehicle sitting under the clear sky for several years could come with heavy undercarriage rust, and the body already shows signs of damage in the lower parts.
We also don’t get to see the interior, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see many parts missing from the cabin. If this Trans Am served as a donor for another project, the owner likely gave up on other parts, too, so you’ll have to check out the car in person or order a third-party inspection before committing to a purchase.
The best thing about this Trans Am is that it comes cheaply. You can buy the car at the price of a maxed-out iPhone, as the owner is willing to let it go for $1,600. They’re also interested in other offers and trades, so if you really want this Trans Am, all you have to do is contact the owner. You’ll need a trailer to take it home for obvious reasons.
Unfortunately, this Pontiac has a hard time convincing netizens to take it home. It landed on Craigslist several weeks ago, but nobody agreed to pay the asking price, likely due to its condition. The Trans Am will probably remain where it is for a little longer, albeit the more it sits, the more metal damage it will end up suffering.