1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
For consignment, a 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with a numbers matching 4-speed manual transmission and all of the iconic Trans Am components, snowflake wheels, the shaker hood scoop, and of course, the screaming chicken.
Note: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area
Exterior
Just like Sammy's '79, this 1978 is bathed in blazing Mayan Red paint and augmented by a series of decals from stem to stern. Special block font spells out Trans Am in gold letters on the eyebrow of the Endura nose, on the fenders below the heat-extractor vents, and broadly across the rear spoiler. The black and gold hood bird wraps its wings around the hood scoop and along with the split grille and quad headlights, presents an aggressive attitude coming straight at you and it's all in very good condition. Fender flares and a chin spoiler widens the car and the contoured rear bumper and split tail lights complete the streamlined body. No 70's Trans Am would be complete with the down facing quad exhaust tips. 15-inch snowflake wheels in gold are in place and wear the correct screaming chicken center caps. Imperfections are limited to a fender flare slightly detaching and a touched up scuff on a corner.
Interior
Clean black vinyl door panels have a silver trim piece, crank windows, and manual mirror controls with the mini joystick. Tall black vinyl sport bucket seats are in great shape, slight compression on the driver's side but otherwise puffy and firm and the 2+2 in the rear mirror in this condition. Speakers pop up on the package tray and the molded plastic sidewalls in back are unmarred. The Trans Am steering wheel looks great and leads to the machined metal backing of the dashboard with tach and speedometer gauges flanking water temp and oil pressure in one, smaller disc. It's fantastically clean and a Clarion AM/FM/Cassette radio, while not original, still looks period correct. A Hurst shifter rises from a recessed cove in the center console which is constructed of clean molded black plastic. Low pile black carpet is in decent condition on the floor and the perforated black vinyl headliner is on point.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, connected to the hood scoop, is a 400ci W72 V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, rated at 220 horsepower. Behind it, a numbers matching T10 4-speed manual transmission is sending the power back to the 10 bolt rear. Power brakes are on board as disc in front and drums in the rear, while no air conditioning is present. The engine bay presents cleanly with polished valve covers and the Pontiac blue block. Headers are present to manage exhaust.
Undercarriage
Relatively driver quality underneath but overall clean and lacking surface rust. We note some oil on the right side of the steering components, some on the transmission housing, and some sling near the rear U-joint. The dual exhaust flows into stock style mufflers before making their infamous exit behind the rear wheels and no catalytic converter is present. Coil springs are found up front and leaf springs with traction bars are in the back.
Drive-Ability
F-body ergonomics welcome us in this familiar setting and the 400 roars to life as the Trans Am rolls its 60 series tires onto the test loop in fine style. Acceleration and shifts are notably good, and handling has always been a high point of Trans Ams and this one does not disappoint. Braking, tracking, visibility, all good. The clock and the reverse lights don't work but all other functions operate as intended. 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.
You don't have to be a rock star to feel like one and not many cars can convey rock and roll like an Eagle clad Trans Am of the 70's. This is a great example, clean and red and in stock configuration. Who needs amusement parks when you can park a Highway Wonderland in your garage and become a real red rocker?
2W87Z8L112786
2-Pontiac
W-Trans Am
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
Z-400ci 4bbl V8
8-1978
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
112786-Sequential Unit Number
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.
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