1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary
The Trans Am lineage is no stranger to special editions. The original T/A's are special in their own right, but beginning with the 10 year anniversary bird, Pontiac set out to mark each year anniversary with a car that was painted and equipped differently than the standard Trans Ams. Performance peaked with the 20 year anniversary employing a slightly modified GNX drivetrain, while the 35th anniversary veered from the traditional white paint. It is the goal of numerous collectors around the country to have each of the anniversary cars in their stable and many have succeeded!
For consignment, a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary edition with a title verified 52,715 actual miles with a numbers matching engine. If you want to start a collection of special edition Trans Ams, this should be #1 on your list. It's in mostly original condition and comes with the build sheet and a value proposition that is still on the uptick.
Exterior
The distinct color used by Pontiac to celebrate its 10 year making the Trans Am is Platinum Poly, a sleek, silvery gray that serves as the basis for the many anniversary accoutrements. It begins with the screaming eagle which is not unusual for '79, but this bird's wingspan extends beyond the constraints of body panels and crosses over the fender where its charcoal crown sends back color over the shoulder line and up to surround the T-top opening. Accent striping also is found on the Endura nose, the spoiler, and around the distinctive charcoal on the rear bumper cover. Optional Pace Car delineation is expressed on the doors and the NASCAR logo occupies the rear quarters, while 15-inch turbine wheels occupy the corners and would reappear on 1980 models. Standard features now considered iconic include the heat extracting fender vents, the wheel flares, chrome exhaust splitters, and the smoked tail lights that appear black when not illuminated. Imperfections include some uneven filler down low, a bubble or two, scuffs, and some touched up chips on the nosepiece and curb rash on one wheel.
Interior
Somehow, Pontiac was able to make silver vinyl shimmer like metal, and it starts on the door panels which feature a red piping and a multi-colored embroidered bird, special for the anniversary. The bucket seats are practically NASA-inspired in their sheen, and otherwise enjoy the same sporty design of mere mortal '79's, which are supportive and tall. The rear 2+2 are fine for your smaller friends and in this case, show some patina with some creasing and significant scratches on the upper and lower. Up front, it's standard Trans Am, only in gray and silver hues, beginning with the robust steering wheel in front of the machined applique and round, black faced gauges and switchgear. In the center, the standard AM/FM radio is in place while a more modern Pioneer AM/FM/CD player is in what would otherwise be the cubby hole, which is flanked by some speakers that have been mounted to the center console. That console is a molded piece of plastic that houses the shifter and its base that is dressed in those shiny machined swirls just ahead of the window switches. Gray carpet covers the floors and smoked T-tops above allow in muted light that illuminates this light colored cabin. The trunk shows some usage and contains a space saver spare.
Drivetrain
A very clean and original looking engine bay houses the numbers matching 403ci V8 known in T/A circles as the "Olds 403," rated at 185 horsepower and topped with a 4-barrel carburetor. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is behind it and sends power to the 10 bolt rear axle. The air filter case is topped with the shaker hood which for '79, is more cosmetic than functional, but always iconic. Power disc brakes are on all four corners.
Undercarriage
Uniformly black undercoated with only hints of surface rust, some oil drops on the pan, and no build up of road dirt or grime. The single exhaust splits after the cat and flows through stock style mufflers on their way to the downturned chrome tips. Suspension is standard T/A and is configured as coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
That factory suspension is enough to provide great handling for the Trans Am. They may not be the fastest Firebird ever produced, but they were no slouch in the corners. Visibility is great and light streams into the interior through the T-tops. As far as non functional items, we found just a few. The A/C is not working, the power locks don't work, and the factory radio gave its power to the new unit below it. All other lights, switches, and functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
7,500 10th Anniversary Trans Ams were built and of them, 5,683 were equipped with the 403 V8. The model debuted on February 18th, 1979 at Daytona Speedway at the first nationally televised NASCAR race. Here's your opportunity to own a piece of automotive history as the owner of a limited edition 10th Anniversary Trans Am, sometimes called "TATA" in Pontiac circles. And so, your collection begins! Then stay tuned to Classic Auto Mall for the next 15th anniversary to be offered on consignment!
2X87K9L164753
2-Pontiac
X-Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
K-403ci 4bbl V8 185hp
9-1979
L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
146924-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
03B-2nd Week March
79 1FS87-1979 Firebird 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
L196670-Van Nuys Body #
152-Silver Leather
15L-Platinum Poly
16U-Dark Charcoal
W-Water Based Paint
A51-Bucket Seats
CC1-T Tops
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
