1979 Pontiac Trans AM

1979 Pontiac Trans Am

Although Pontiac designers Bill Porter and Norm Inouye created the iconic firebird decal in 1970, Pontiac didn't start slapping it on the hood until 1973 at the urging of designer John Schinella. The option (code WW7) cost $55 and was quickly nicknamed The Screaming Chicken. It became the car's signature feature through 1981 before returning as an option on the third-generation Trans Am from 1985-87.

For consignment as close to an original car example as one can get with this 79 Firebird. A little history. This car was purchased from a car museum (Honey Brook Classics) with a mere 2,000 original miles on it. The headliner was coming loose so the consigner fixed it, and there was a scratch on the front quarter from transporting it to shows, so that was repaired as well. Now with a mere consigner stated 7,300 miles (title reads exempt) it is as close to a new 1979 model as you could ask for, and it has some screen time in a movie called "Dust Nuggets". A star is born.

ExteriorRolling down the red carpet we see laser straight panels of Mayan Red, which are minding their gaps very nicely. The paint is very well preserved and mostly original. Body matching integrated bumpers, wheel well flares and a rear spoiler all present nicely. The screaming chicken is affixed in black and gray tones and it surrounds a scooped hood. Black trimmings are surrounding the windows, and a black crash bumper hides itself nicely within the front. On the back a long horizontal strip of headlights runs the gamut from side to side and on all 4 corners are the iconic snowflake wheels wrapped by new rubber.

InteriorAward winning would best describe this interior all buttoned up with black vinyl tuck and roll panels, clear chrome trim and no dirt to be noted for miles. The comfortable buckets are nicely patinaed, with some creases and signs of wear not unlike a favorite leather chair. The original machined spun patterned aluminum panel covers the dash and has all the original fixings embedded within. A nice rear bench brings up the back and streaking forward is a center console with a glovebox and gear shift lever housing. The factory radio hangs below and works, and above we note that repaired headliner all factory OEM. Black carpet which is clean covers the floors.

DrivetrainA numbers matching 403ci Oldsmobile V8 sits within a very nicely preserved engine bay. A bit of patina is seen, but it adds to the charm from 1979 keeping it real. A Rochester Quadrajet 4-Barrel carburetor is atop and topped by the red shaker scoop which protrudes through the hood. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is on back and it throws power rearward to a 10-bolt 2.41 geared rear axle.

UndercarriageWhat to my wandering eyes do I behold but the factory coating of rustproofing with slight areas of surface rust. All strong steel frame and floorpans, wheel wells and rockers and just amazing overall condition. Independent coil spring suspension is aboard on front, and leaf springs on the back. The rear axle is positraction. Power disc brakes are on front, and power drums on the back. Turbo mufflers have now been installed.

Drive-AbilityBut of course, it started right up, and I was off to the test track where it handled its challenges with ease. It was so good I went around a few times, but I did not want to rack up the mileage, but I just could not get enough of this beautiful car.

The consigner is correct in that you would have to look far and wide to find an example from this year, in this condition, with this mileage. Just a great color combo, comfortable interior, and gotta love that machined dash with its pristine gauges and levers and controls. A screaming chicken which screams very loudly on the quality front...Cock a doodle doo!

VIN DECODE2W87K9N1833842-PontiacW-Trans Am87-2 Door CoupeK-403ci V8 Oldsmobile Engine9-1979N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant183384-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG06A-1st Week June 1979 BuildST 79 2FS87-1979 Firebird 2 Door CoupeBDY N242229-Norwood Body #TR 19R A51 BLK-Black Vinyl Strato Bucket Seats75 L-Mayan Red LaquerWS4-Trans AM

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.