The 1979 model year is a testament to the Trans Am’s enduring appeal. A decade into its production, the Trans Am reigned supreme within the Firebird family, fascinating the American automotive market with its sporty character.
Sales figures paint a vivid picture of this dominance: an astonishing 117,000 Trans-Ams were sold, dwarfing the combined sales of the base Firebird, Esprit, and Formula models. While the base Firebird managed a respectable 38,000 units, and the Esprit reached 30,000, the Formula struggled to attain 25,000 sales.
Interestingly, despite its widespread popularity, the majority of Trans Ams rolled off the assembly line equipped with automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions were a less common choice, with approximately 11,600 units opting for this configuration.
The Trans Am showcased in these photographs exemplifies the era’s automotive allure. Under its hood lies an L37 301 cubic-inch V8 engine paired with an automatic transmission, a combination strongly believed to be original to the car.
Its immaculate condition suggests exceptional preservation, hinting at a vehicle that likely starts, runs, and drives as seamlessly as it did on the day it left the factory. This particular Trans Am serves as a fascinating time capsule, encapsulating the spirit of the late 1970s and showcasing the enduring legacy of this iconic muscle car.
The Trans Am in question presents an intriguing opportunity for collectors, given its claimed original interior, build sheet, and exceptionally low mileage. These factors strongly suggest the car has spent a significant portion of its life in storage, potentially preserving its condition. However, critical information gaps raise concerns.
The owner’s lack of transparency regarding the engine’s history is a notable omission. Additionally, the claim of 90% original paint is ambiguous, leaving room for speculation about the extent of potential restoration or rust repair. While the car’s apparent condition and mileage are undeniably appealing, a comprehensive inspection is imperative to verify its authenticity and value.
The asking price of $39,000 aligns with the potential of a rare, low-mileage Trans Am. Nevertheless, prospective buyers must prioritize due diligence. Gathering additional details about the car’s history and conducting a thorough examination are essential steps before making an offer. Given the car’s location in Pittsburgh, potential buyers can readily arrange for an in-person inspection or enlist the services of a third-party evaluator.
