Frame Up Restored Trans Am Special Edition 400 4 Speed

Every time a Special Edition F2 Trans Am comes up for sale, there are the inevitable musings about Smokey and the Bandit and coming of age during the 1970's. This time around, we'll spare you the nostalgia trip and get to the facts: these cars are awesome to drive, look at and be seen in. Their value and desirability rises every year and if you've ever dreamed of owning one, today is a much better time to buy than tomorrow will be. This particular example is a well-optioned '79 model featuring a 400cid V8, four-speed gearbox, factory air conditioning and all the black and gold T/A swagger you could ever ask for. The beneficiary of a comprehensive restoration, this numbers matching SE is showroom fresh and offers an authentic driving experience to back up those good looks. If you're ready to cruise the boulevard in one of the most recognizable muscle cars ever assembled, take a closer look at this Pontiac.

A copy of this Trans Am's original window sticker, which is included in a stack of Pontiac Historical Services paperwork that comes with the car, lists the following options and prices:

L78: L78 6.6L (400 cubic inch) 4BBL V8 engine ($90.00)
C60: Custom air conditioning ($529.00)
UA1: Heavy duty batter ($21.00)
C49: Electric rear window defroster ($99.00)
A01: Complete Soft Ray tinted glass ($64.00)
BS1: Additional acoustical insulation ($31.00)
TR9: Auxiliary lighting ($19.00)
C95: Dome light ($19.00)
U75: Power antenna ($47.00)
AU3: Power door locks ($86.00)
A31: Power windows ($132.00)
UM2: AM/FM stereo with cassette ($345.00)
Y84: Special Edition Trams Am ($1329.00)
N33: Tilt steering wheel ($75.00)
WS6: Special performance package ($250.00)
CD4: Controlled cycle windshield wipers ($38.00)
B18: Custom trim group – Velour ($150)

Total Options: $3,324.00

Total MSRP: $9,714.55

This sharp-dressed Firebird rolled off the Norwood, Ohio assembly line during December of 1978. As just one of 1,107 400-equipped Special Editions, it likely stood out on the lot at Bob Jeannotte Pontiac in Plymouth, Michigan where it was originally sold. Today, this T/A looks better than every thanks to recent nut and bolt restoration. From the razor straight body panels to the greatly improved panel fitment, the quality of work performed on this car is obvious. Covering that restored body is a coat of glossy code 19 Starlight Black paint that shows more depth than any original lacquer finish is capable of. On top of the slick black panels, a set of Special Edition-exclusive outlining stripes complement the gold trimmed 'screaming chicken' hood decal.

Trans Ams were never about brightwork but there is certainly no lack of ornamentation to be found. Up front, a straight and glossy urethane front bumper houses the familiar quad headlight setup anchored by a traditional red Pontiac arrow. Behind that front bumper, the cars sinister “T/A-6.6” branded hood sits in front of pristine Soft Ray tinted glass which is bordered by new black molding. At the sides of the car, Special Edition exclusive German style “Trans Am” decals hang between traditional Pontiac fender vents and correct rear fender flares. At the back of the car, correct molding frames an electrically defrosted rear window above a correct black valence that's complete with factory blacked out tail lights. Out back, a large German style “Trans Am” decal is centered above correct stainless side-splitter exhaust tips.

Pop the iconic black and gold hood and you'll find this Trans Am's all original 6.6 liter L78 V8. Branded with the PWH suffix code, it was among the last 400 cubic inch Pontiac motors. The block sports the correct 481988 casting number as well as a matching 29N131797 partial vin. At the top of the motor, a correct Rochester 4-barrel carburetor is supplied air through an intake tube which runs from the car's driver's side inner fender to its iconic scoop. Below that carburetor, original GM corporate blue paint coats the entire block. At the sides, original exhaust manifolds send spent gases into a high performance mandrel bent true dual exhaust system that barks out a deep vintage sound from reproduction factory mufflers. All the hard parts around the motor, from the belt driven accessories to the brake booster and optional air conditioning hanging on the fire wall are factory correct. As expected tags, markings and stamps are just where they should be from the date coded core support to the cars freshly cleaned cowl tag. The car's clean engine bay and hood are covered in a nice coat of factory satin black and there's fresh belts, fresh hoses and even a new AC Delco battery.

Underneath this angry looking F-body, a clean undercarriage further demonstrates the quality of restoration performed. As a Special Edition, there was only one choice for the transmission – a Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission. This one wears an appropriate 1304065903 casting number as well as a matching 29N131797 partial VIN to let you know its original to the car. From the T10, power is sent down the driveshaft to the 10-bolt rear end which looks showroom clean thanks to fresh black paint. Around that rock solid powertrain, a rebuilt Trans Am suspension, which includes power steering, thicker sway bars, better shocks and stiffer springs combines with standard issue power front disc brakes and rear drums to provide quick stops and great handling. All of the cars hardware and bushings appear to be in good shape from its solid and leak-free stainless fuel tank to its correctly installed emergency brake cable. At the corners of the car, SE-exclusive gold Pontiac snowflake wheels are accented by 'gold bird' center caps and BF Goodrich Radial T/A white letter tires.

Behind the Trans Am's massive black doors, you'll find a fully restored optional velour interior. The car's rebuilt seats are firm, crisp and look every bit as rich as their velour name implies. Below those seats, like-new black carpet, which is carefully protected by factory replacement floor mats, displays no fading or unraveling. Between the seats, a silver trimmed console props buttons for the power windows behind a Hurst shifter. At the top of the car, a stain-free headliner is stretched tight around the cars signature T-tops. At the sides, pitch black door panels hang pristine pull straps and new chrome door handles below Special Edition exclusive gold badging. In front of the driver, an excellent looking engine turned gold dash houses crystal clear gauges, controls for heat and air conditioning and the car's original Delco-GM AM/FM/cassette stereo behind a gold Formula steering wheel and optional tilt steering column. Behind the cockpit, a fully restored trunk, which labeled with correct decals offers storage bags for the cars T-tops and a Space Saver spare tire.

Documentation included with this 'Bird include and original owner's manual and copy of the original window sticker that comes courtesy of PHS. Also included is a CD containing hundreds of pictures of the restoration process. From paint prep to body stampings everything is thoroughly covered in these shots.

This car is the total package: the last of a legendary engine wrapped in an immaculately restored shell. If you dream in black and gold, don't miss the chance to take this awesome '79 Special Edition Trans Am home. It's an investment you're guaranteed to appreciate.