Vehicle Description
This is a stunning example of a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th
Anniversary Edition with Pontiac Historical Society documentation
and only 31,xxx miles! This Trans Am is very collectable and One of
only 1,817 produced with the Pontiac 400ci Four Speed!
"The 10th Anniversary Limited Edition" Trans Am. Along with its
special paint treatment, graphics, wheels, and more, this '79 Trans
Am would be among the last offered with the "T/A 6.6" 400 engine.
As a collectible car from the 1970s, the anniversary Trans Am
stands out in terms of desirability and value. The 400 version,
sold exclusively with a Borg-Warner Super T-10 four-speed manual,
is the scarcest, and typically commands the most money.
Of the 7,500 anniversary cars built, a scant 1,817 had the 400/T-10
combo, while the remaining 5,683 were built with the "6.6 Litre"
Oldsmobile 403 and a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatic. Popular price
guides tack on a premium for the 400 and four-speed powertrain
pairing and currently value a 400, four-speed anniversary edition
T/A at $30,000 on the low side, $96,000 on the high end, with an
average of $57,000. All of the anniversary Trans Ams were loaded
with virtually every option and stickered north of $10,000 when
new. That was big money in 1979, but adjusted for inflation,
amounts to about $38,000 today
What's attractive about the 10th Anniversary Trans Am today is that
many were scooped up and preserved as collector cars, so nice
examples are out there. The days of these being priced as used cars
(if they ever were) are gone, but there's interest among Gen X-age
buyers, so values aren't likely to come crashing down anytime soon.
The anniversary Trans Am might not be as recognizable as the 1977
black-and-gold Special Edition Bandit Trans Am, but it is a direct
descendant. The '77's famous paint and graphic scheme was a
carryover from the '76 Trans Am SE, rolled out in celebration of
Pontiac's 50th anniversary. What didn't carry over from '76 to '77
was the hulking 455 engine. So, a special extra-cost version of the
400 was developed and dubbed the "T/A 6.6." Trans Ams equipped with
the engine had a "T/A 6.6" decal on the shaker hood scoop, but, on
the order sheet, this was called W72 and it included cylinder heads
from the 350 (which boosted compression to 8:1), a more aggressive
camshaft, and specially tuned carburetor, ignition, and exhaust
mods that raised the V-8's horsepower to 200. The base Trans Am
engine was the 180-hp L78 400, except in California and
high-altitude counties where the 185-hp Oldsmobile 403 was the only
offering. Trans Ams with those engines received hood scoop decals
that read "6.6 Litre."
Burt's Bandit
It's not the car from Smokey and the Bandit-legend has it there's
one remaining original Bandit '77 Trans Am in...
For 1978, the Special Edition Trans Am flirted with new Solar Gold
paint (black and gold was also still available), and the T/A 6.6
gained another 20 horsepower. A cat-back dual exhaust with
resonators let the Trans Am speak its mind.
The 400 engine was dead on arrival for 1979, but Pontiac had
produced and stashed away about 10,000 T/A 6.6 engines for the big
V-8's sendoff. The engine was designated L78 that year and was an
extra-cost option ( $90 is all it cost! ) on Trans Ams (and
Formulas). The base Trans Am engine was the 403 Oldsmobile, and the
301 first appeared with a four-barrel.
The big news in '79 was the anniversary Trans Am in a
never-before-seen silver-and-charcoal scheme with a "super bird" on
the hood-so called because its wing tips extended onto the tops of
the front fenders. A new cast-aluminum turbo wheel design,
measuring 15 x 8 inches, was also employed. Inside,
floor-to-ceiling silver-and-gray tones echoed the exterior. Special
red lighting for the instruments, inspired by aircraft, was also
part of the deal.
Special when new and special today, the T/A 6.6-powered anniversary
Trans Am makes a striking alternative to the Bandit's
black-and-gold ride. Want one of your very own? Here are some
things to consider.
Engine
In stock, well-maintained condition, the 403 Oldsmobile 6.6. Litre
and the Pontiac 400 T/A 6.6 are almost boringly reliable but
they're gutsy performers... at least by mid-to-late-1970s
standards. The 403 wasn't designed to make a lot of horsepower and
the block has some inherent weaknesses, but it can be coaxed to run
better.
The 400, on the other hand, is eager to make more horsepower and
there are plenty of options for doing that. From a price and value
standpoint, the 400 is also the leader, and the only way to get a
factory-installed manual transmission in these cars.
Transmission and Axle
The 403 was paired only with the Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic and
the 400 was paired only with the Borg-Warner Super T-10. Both
transmissions are extremely reliable and infinitely rebuildable.
The four-speed is the more desirable among collectors due to its
low production numbers and probably because it just seems more
musclecar appropriate. The GM 8.5-inch 10-bolt was standard issue,
with a 3.23:1 gearset with a manual or 2.73:1 with an automatic.
This 10-bolt is a sturdy, reliable axle used under a wide variety
of GM cars and trucks.
Interior
Though monochromatic, in silver and shades of gray throughout, the
anniversary interior manages to be exciting. The red instrument
lighting is still cool and the T-tops open things up. Power
everything was one of the hallmarks of these Trans Ams. The action
of the power windows can get sluggish due to a variety of
repairable conditions, and tachometers sometimes work erratically
or not at all. The leather-wrapped steering wheel covers can crack,
but there are restorers who can make them look new. Reproduction
upholstery, carpets, door panels, and more are available.
How much horsepower does a 1979 Trans Am 10th anniversary have?
Models equipped with the Oldsmobile 403 engine have a horsepower
output of 185, while the Pontiac 400 W72 model is 220.
The paint is nice with a deep shine and a mirror like reflection.
All of the body panels have a great fit & finish. The engine
compartment is extremely clean an shows fantastic. The underside of
the car is amazing and getting hard to find in this condition.
Everything on the car works and the car rides and drives great.
Call 314-346-6039 with any questions or to purchase.
314-346-6039