Awesome 1979 Pontiac Trans Am resto-mod. Built fuel-injected 455 with aluminum heads. 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. C5 Corvette 4-wheel disc brakes. Extensive documentation. A killer T/A for less than the cost of the parts!
If youre looking for a stock 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, there are plenty of those laying around. But if you want something special that stands out without coloring too far outside the lines, then this very slick Atlantis Blue T/A coupe should appeal to you. At a glance, it doesnt strike you as heavily modified, and that was by design because the 1979 Trans Am is one of the better efforts of the 1970s. Low, lean, and sleek, everything came together just right on this car to provide a look thats distinctive but not overwrought. With the rising popularity of 70s Pontiacs, its smart to leave the factory styling alone. The car was treated to a bare-metal repaint about eight years ago and remains in very good overall condition. The Atlantis Blue paint is just about right and it has all the usual Trans Am graphics, including the legendary firebird on the hood. Its been nicely maintained since it was finished, so it shines up beautifully and makes a real statement sitting on those beautiful Snowflake alloys. Of note, all the lighting has been replaced with LEDs, including the taillights which do a trick sequential dance when you hit the brakes or turn signals, and its a desirable non-T-top car, which means none of the usual squeaks and rattles. The details are right on this one.
The interior keeps things pretty much stock, although a few subtle upgrades improve the driving experience. The upholstery, including the high-back buckets, is from GM so it looks right, including the cool checked fabric thats a lot grippier than vinyl for spirited driving. The original leather-wrapped steering wheel is in good shape and the car is loaded with options including an all-new A/C system, power windows and locks (power locks are inop), and a tilt steering column. The factory gauges have been replaced by a very cool set of aftermarket dials that look original but have an LED display for various additional functions. Theres also a powerful Kenwood AM/FM/CD/USB/Bluetooth stereo neatly installed in the original radios location. And if you look closely at the shifter detents, youll notice an overdrive position for the 200-4R 4-speed automatic transmission that now lives underneath. Add in some Firebird-logo carpeted floor mats, and it becomes a very authentic interior with several worthy upgrades. The trunk is finished to stock specs, which means basic black carpets and a correct space-saver spare with jack assembly.
The wheezy 403 cubic inch Oldsmobile engine is gone, replaced by a genuine Pontiac 455 cubic inch V8 built by well-regarded shop Gearheads Automotive. Featuring a roller cam and a set of Edelbrock Performer aluminum heads, its considerably stronger than anything GM was building in 1979. Up top theres a Holley Sniper fuel injection system that inhales fresh, cool air through the original scoop, and its so well-hidden that youd swear theres a carburetor under there. Nice! The engine was finished with Pontiac valve covers and correct corporate turquoise engine enamel so it looks like it belongs in there. Other new parts include the entire A/C system, a new alternator, new power steering pump, a giant aluminum radiator, and a fresh master cylinder and booster for the 4-wheel disc brakes. And speaking of the brakes, they use Corvette C5 spindles, rotors, and calipers for notably improved performance. A set of long-tube headers feed a custom exhaust system with X-pipe and stainless transverse muffler out back, all terminating in proper chrome tips. Youll also find the aforementioned rebuilt 200-4R transmission, which feeds a brand new 10-bolt rear end full of 3.42 gears on a limited slip. The car has been subtly lowered so it has exactly the right stance, and there are new shocks all around plus a recent gas tank hanging out back. The bigger Corvette brakes wouldnt fit inside the original wheels, so a set of custom 17-inch "Snowflake" alloys were installed, along with fat 255/45/17 BFGoodrich radials all around.
Documentation includes extensive receipts on the build adding up to more than the asking price, never mind the purchase price of the car. Impressive!
Youll note that 70s Trans Ams are some of the most popular cars on the market today. This awesome 1979 Trans Am delivers authentic Pontiac excitement with a few modern upgrades that make the car what it was always meant to be. No longer a victim of the smog era, its built to cruise with big power, modern reliability, and an eye for performance. Check out the specs, the hardware, and the killer look, then give us a call.
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
