1978 Pontiac Trans Am

For sale is a vintage 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. Oldsmobile 403 engine, automatic, hard-top version, black exterior, tan interior. Odometer has 66K miles, but engine not original, so car itself has more miles.  Previous owner said 403 rebuilt/installed at 100K miles, assume car has 166.  B&M shifter, after-market sun temperature gauge installed under dash bezel. Beautiful car but NOT perfect. 

Exterior has no visible rust, but there are areas where some restoration was done previously.  Undercarriage does have some rust, but surface only and not affect integrity of body. Paint is good, but dull spots are apparent where the sheen doesn't match and work could have been done on the doors and quarter panels.  Front has blemishes as well.  There are dings, nicks and scrapes on exterior of car, nothing substantial.

Interior is good, front driver seat is damaged, with tear in seat.  Scuffs, nicks throughout interior.  Center console hinge is damaged, but does open and close. audio/tape deck included. Speakers are after-market.  Dashboard(front driver side far left) and rear deck have damage, with some dry rot.  Engine works great, in excellent shape—runs like a dream and is turn key.  German lettering decals added in 2005, as well as bird on hood.  Honeycomb wheels. This is an amazing opportunity to own a very desirable and popular car without having to spend $30K.  I tell people it's a “10 at10”  Looks perfect from 10 feet away—if you want a car that looks great, hasn't been customized, and runs with minimal work required and at a reasonable price, this is your car.  Cars on eBay are either $50K restorations or $2K beaters--this mid-grade car that is turn-key is rare and great starter car for someone who wants to just drive the car right away.   Has always been garaged.  Recent service includes new starter.  Buyer gets 15+years of service records with car that I have meticulously kept.  Buyer hires shipper if not local.

Please note I am not an expert on this car or any Trans Am, I just like to drive it.   I was told by previous owner engine was replaced, and current is an Olds403-which makes sense based on where oil gets filled.  I cannot see any serial or other identifier--only codes I did see were on front near right front cylinder—“04158” and“010-001617” but the later is suspect as it was hard to make out.  A “A166” is stamped on front right side of engine as well.

Cowl Tag reads (from L to R, top to bottom): 78 2FSR7 N 270960 / 62R A51 19L 19U / 05d WS4 TN / 020199

Please review scans and feel free to ask questions.  Car is sold“as-is, where-is”.  Deposit is due immediately if you're the winning buyer.  There is no implied warranty and buyer is responsible for reviewing photos, asking questions, and setting up shipping of vehicle.  Car is located ~1 hour outside of Albany, NY.

On Oct-08-21 at 18:11:14 PDT, seller added the following information:

*Update* After receiving comments on the engine, I am now saying I do not know with 100% certainty if engine if Pontiac 400 or Olds 403.  One user (Thanks, Wolverbean) said it's a 400, "It's the 4 bolt valve covers and thermostat housing. Also, Pontiac V8's have an open air intake with a valley pan. If the shaker “6.6 liter” is correct it should have the 180jp 400, not the 403. I think Pontiac codes are near the dist at rear of block". I thought they were at the front and since I didn't see them there, I assumed Olds--since I cannot access the rear of block, I'm going to stick with original thought, but encourage you to review scans and use your expertise...either way, this car is a gem.  Also, I do not have the build sheet in my possession.

On Oct-11-21 at 10:33:09 PDT, seller added the following information:

*Another update from veryhelpful eBay users* (Thanks, Seahawks4U):

“The intake manifold on your engine is not a factory correctmanifold for the pontiac 400. you are correct insofar as if the shaker calloutletters say "6.6 litre" that references the 403 olds. however, thatassumes the shaker decals are original to car. just scroll through some of theother '78 TA's listed as original with the 400 and use the pics there as areference guide for your car.  I own a '77 Trans Am with the Olds 403 engine andI can tell you with 100% certainty that your engine is NOT a 403 Olds engine.It does appear to be the year correct engine for your vehicle i.e. the Pontiac400 c.i.d. engine. The thermostat housing and fuel line from carb to pumpclearly identify it as being a Pontiac 400.”  Decals are not original to car (I put them on) so there is an opinion manifold is not original.  Based on feedback, I will now assume engine is the Pontiac 400, not Olds engine.

Also published at eBay.com

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