1979 was a fantastic year for the Trans Am. The car started the decade with modest sales but eventually became Pontiac’s superstar, spearheading Firebird sales in an impressive way.
For example, Pontiac shipped over 117,000 Trans Ams in 1979, whereas the Firebird sales barely exceeded 38,600 units. The distance versus the Esprit was even bigger, as this version only accounted for 30,800 units of the entire Firebird production. Pontiac also produced 24,851 Formula units, so the Trans Am was the version most customers wanted in 1979.
Despite many 1979 Trans Am still being around, collectors are willing to pay big bucks on all-original models. The example posted on Craigslist earlier this week is much more than that.
According to its seller, the car, which has been garaged its entire life, spent 45 years in San Fernando Valley but never received any metal repairs. Its condition is impressive, with no rust or other type of metal work, as the Trans Am has never been involved in an accident.
The owner says the Trans Am has the magic package, meaning it’s unrestored, all-original, complete, and unmolested. It’s a Trans Am in the same shape as on day one, selling with original documents, including the build sheet.
Such a Trans Am is rare, but as if this wasn’t already enough, the car also sports the Special Edition Y84 treatment. It’s believed approximately 11,000 units were made, though it’s unclear how many are still around today. All Y84 Trans Ams were fitted with a 403 V8 engine, and this example rolled off the assembly lines with an automatic transmission.
The fabulous package continues with an incredible number on the odometer. The car has only 36,000 miles on the clock, and considering the overall shape, they are likely original. It’s unclear if the car spent some years sitting in the same place, but given it’s been garaged for its entire life, the great shape isn’t surprising.
The paint you see on the body is the original coating sprayed by Pontiac, and once again, the condition is mesmerizing. It’s great to see a classic car in such great shape, and it’s clear whoever owned this Trans Am properly cared for it.
As a result, its price isn’t a surprise. Such a Trans Am could easily sell for a small fortune at auction, but the owner is willing to let it go for just $58K. It’s a low price for a rare classic, so I don’t expect it to remain available for too long.
Of course, if you’re interested in this Trans Am, you should go inspect it in person, as you must first make sure everything is as good as advertised. You can find it in Thousand Oaks for as long as the search for a new home continues.