Documented 31,357 Mile Trans Am SE 400 V8 4 Speed

What can we say about the F2 Trans Am that hasn't been said before? Pontiac made them, Hollywood made them famous and, over 30 years later, they're still awesome to drive and be seen in. Value curves have been heading skyward for awhile now, lead by cars like this awesome '79 Trans Am SE. Dressed in iconic black and gold war paint, this unrestored Texas car has seen just 31,357 miles and three owners in its lifetime. With one of the last Pontiac 400cid V8s under the hood and a host of options to boot, this SE is the kind of car you can proudly drive, show and make money on down the line. If you're ready to turn your Bandit dreams into reality, take a closer look.

PHS supplied a copy of the build sheet which does a good job at the putting the options list into perspective. Here's the (mostly) unabridged version:

AK1: Deluxe Belts
AU3: Electric Door Locks
A01: Tinted Glass
A31: Power Windows
A51: Bucket Seats
A90: Power Deck Lid
B18: Custom Interior
B22: Door Emblem
CC1: Hatch Roof (T-tops)
C60: Air Conditioning
D34: Visor Mirror
D35: Sport Mirrors
D53: Hood Decal
D55: Floor Console
D80: Rear Spoiler
F41: Rear Stabilizer Bar
GU5: 3:23 Ratio Axle
G80: Posi Axle
JL1: Pedal Trim
J65: 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
K15: Fuel Return
K81: 63 Amp Generator
L78: 400cid V8
M21: 4-Speed Manual Transmission
NA5: Standard Emissions
NK3: Form Steering Wheel
N33: Tilt Steering Wheel
N65: Space Saver Spare Tire
N90: Cast Aluminum Wheels (Gold)
QGR: P225/70R15 Tires
TR9: Lamp Group
T93: Black Tail Lamps
UM2: AM/FM Radio & Tape Player
U05: Dual Horns
U17: Gauge Package
U27: Glove Box Light
U28: Ash Tray Light
U29: Courtesy Light
U35: Electric Clock
U76: W/S Antenna
U80: Dual Rear Speakers
VK3: Front License Plate Bracket
WS4: Trans Am
WS6: Special Performance Package
WV6: Gold Graphics
W72: Performance Package
YR1: Custom Front Seat
YS1: Custom Rear Seat
YT1: Custom Door Panels
Y84: Black Special Edition
62I: Camel Tan Trim
62X: Big 4 Camel Tan

Assembled at GM's Van Nuys, California manufacturing facility, this well-optioned Trans Am met its first owner through Schneider-Gilbert Pontiac in El Paso, Texas. A southwestern life has left the car rust-free with straight panels and factory set panel gaps. The Starlight Black paint has received some non-factory help over the years but over half of it remains Van Nuys shot. The iconic fire-chicken occupies the hood while a host of gold stripes and badging accents the cars classic lines. While assembly line practices have certainly been refined over the years, it's hard to fault this T/A. Doors open and shut with ease and the car feels solid in every way.

For 1979, Pontiac did a bit of Trans Am tweaking. A mildly revised front end features a straight and glossy urethane front bumper with the familiar quad headlight setup anchored by a traditional red Pontiac arrow. Behind that front bumper, the car's sinister “T/A-6.6” branded hood sits in front of pristine Soft Ray tinted glass which is bordered by black molding. At the sides of the car, Special Edition exclusive Formula style “Trans Am” decals hang between traditional Pontiac fender vents and correct rear fender flares. At the back of the car, correct molding frames the rear window above a correct black valence that's complete with factory blacked out tail lights. Out back, a large Formula style “Trans Am” decal is centered above correct stainless side-splitter exhaust tips.

Under the hood, the original 400cid V8 remains planted in the subframe. While there is no such thing as a “bad” 400, this happens to be an exceptionally good one. For the '78 and '79 model year, Pontiac went back to a earlier stronger block casting, identified by the XX481988 casting number. This 400 carries that W72-exclusive casting number combined with a PWH suffix code and correct 29L137965 partial VIN. The engine was rated at 220hp and 320lb ft of torque, making it one of the strongest runners of its day. At the top of the engine, a four-barrel carburetor sits under the shaker scoop while a correct HEI distributor sends power to the cylinders through the plug wires. Below that carburetor, Metallic Blue paint coats the entire block. All the hard parts around the motor, from the belt driven accessories to the brake booster and air conditioning hanging on the fire wall are factory correct, as are the decals and signature satin finish chrome valve covers. The car's clean engine bay and hood are covered in factory satin black, complemented by fresh belts, hoses and a newer battery. Turn the key and the engine comes to life with very little drama, offering a surprisingly quiet exhaust note at idle.

Put this T/A on a lift and you'll find a clean original undercarriage that wears its mileage well. Rock solid satin black floor pans provide a great backdrop for the untouched chassis. The 400cid V8 is still mated to its original Borg Warner T10 four-speed manual transmission, as shown by the matching 29L137965 partial VIN and 10.4.78 date code. Out back, a 10-bolt Safe-T-Track differential packs standard 3.23 gears for a great blend of off-the-line performance and highway cruising capabilities. Around the drivetrain, Pontiac's legendary WS6 performance suspension offers larger sway bars, better shocks and springs, a tighter steering gear box and new-for-1979 power front and rear disc brakes. Combined with standard power steering, all that great hardware creates some pretty serious handling capabilities and greatly reduced stopping distances. In the middle of the car, a fresh mandrel bent true dual exhaust system barks through factory replacement mufflers. And at the corners of the car, correct N90 aluminum Pontiac snow flake wheels spin beefy BF Goodrich Radial TA white letter tires around pristine Trans Am 'gold bird' center caps.

Open the elongated doors and a factory fresh Camel Tan cloth interior comes into view. Unrestored with surprisingly little visible wear, this cabin remains just how Van Nuys put it together. The bucket seats are supportive and comfortable, divided by a center console which offers power window switches and room for the shifter. At either side, pristine door panels host controls for another piece of optional equipment – electric door locks. From the driver seat, the familiar gold machined dash bezel surrounds a set of stock gauges that monitor revs, temperature, speed, fuel and voltage. A three-spoke steering wheel connects the driver to front wheels through a tilt column, while controls for the HVAC system and factory tape deck remain within reach. On the passenger side, a grab bar provides some comfort for the less performance-oriented. Below the seats, clean tan carpet covers the floor, protected by tan rubber mats. Behind the rear seat, an immaculate trunk holds black carpet and a Space Saver spare, accented by correct decals all around.

The car comes with plenty of original paperwork including an original build sheet, owners manual, registration, carpet tag, warranty information – even a brochure for the long-gone Goodyear tires the car shipped with. Also included is an easier-to-read copy of the build sheet provided by PHS alongside a ton of useful Trans Am information.

High quality second generation Trans Ams are red-hot right now with the value of clean, unique factory correct cars climbing steadily each year. Enthusiasts are turning to cars like this to round out their collections, or build entire collections around the cars of their childhood just like this one. With its numbers matching, pure Pontiac powertrain, fantastic body and long list of options, this authentic street survivor would be a great addition to any garage!