1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE

Description

Pontiac seemed to be the last automaker to get the news that the horsepower wars were over. This real Y82 code 1978 Trans Am SE is proof enough. Still packing the Pontiac 400 cubic inch V8 that made early Trans Ams so special, it was wrapped in the all-black package made famous on the big screen by Burt Reynolds. Today, these cars are seeing a strong surge in values, no doubt driven by nostalgia as buyers finally find the disposable income to buy the cars of their childhood dreams.

This is an extremely nice Starlight Black example that combines strong originality with some restored components to deliver an awful lot of car for the money. Bodywork is very straight, which is critical in a black car, and gaps are good all around. Even the deck lid spoiler fits well, something that was hard to get right, even when the cars were new. And love it or hate it, the gold firebird decal on the hood was the car's defining styling element, and it is in excellent shape, as are the rest of the decals which show no signs of flaking, checking or peeling. It's got a few signs of age, of course, but the way these cars are growing in popularity every year, it wouldn't take much to bring it up a notch and cash in, and if you've been waiting your whole life to own one, this is a great choice. Somehow, all that gold accent striping has aged well and the car has a definite high-performance look that the muscle car world has embraced.

Black was the interior of choice with your all-black Trans Am, and it looks simply amazing in this car. The seats are supple and comfortable, and there are no splits or tears anywhere in the interior, which is truly remarkable. Door panels are also excellent, and the carpets are undamaged by the sun or wear. The original gauges are all fully functional, and live inside a dashboard dressed up by Pontiac's traditional engine-turned panel which is gold-toned to complement the striping on the exterior. An AM/FM stereo radio, ice cold A/C, cruise control, a tilt steering column, and a console round out the impressive list of equipment in this Trans Am, and it's all in excellent operating condition. And despite being a T-top car, the interior is largely free of the squeaks and rattles that often plague the open cars and the roof panels fit quite well. The trunk is outfitted as the factory did it, including a space-saver spare with jack assembly.

In 1978, Pontiac's 400 cubic inch V8 was making decent horsepower and the L78 could be paired with either the 4-speed manual or an automatic transmission, as is the case with this car. The numbers-matching engine has been coated in Pontiac Turquoise paint and still carries its original chrome valve covers and shaker-style hood scoop. The rest of the engine bay is exceptionally clean, and a recent service means that it's running like it should. The TH350 3-speed automatic shifts cleanly, and the Trans Am was proof that Americans were starting to discover handling in addition to simple brute horsepower, with big sway bars at both ends. With a fresh dual exhaust, nicely detailed suspension and brake components, and those gorgeous Year One gold snowflake wheels, this is still a car that gets respect on the streets, even 35 years later. Legends tend to be like that.

Check your price books and you'll find that this car is priced right and may even be a smart investment. Give us a call today and we'll be happy to tell you all about it!