This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a greatest hits album of late-’70s American muscle, but with a twist: it’s got a bigger V8 than Pontiac ever dared to offer from the factory that year. Dressed in Gold with Camel Tan cloth inside, this second-gen Trans Am hides an overbored 455-cubic-inch V8, hooked up to a three-speed auto and a Safe-T-Track limited-slip diff. You also get glass T-tops you can pop out, gold Snowflake wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, power windows, and cruise control. In other words, it’s a proper cruiser with all the right throwback touches.
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What It’s Worth Right Now
If you’ve been watching the second-gen Trans Am market, you know these cars still have plenty of fans. Classic.com says the 1970–1981 Trans Am averages about $44,000, with sales all over the map – from a bargain-basement $2,400 to a jaw-dropping $228,000. It all comes down to how original, rare, or clean your car is.
This one sits right in the middle. It’s not a time-capsule survivor with delivery miles, and it’s not rocking its original drivetrain either. What you get is classic Trans Am attitude paired with a rebuilt 455 V8 – a combo that hits the sweet spot for a lot of fans, especially since Pontiac had already killed off the 455 by 1979.
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Bidding is just getting started, so there’s still plenty of action left. Similar late-’70s Trans Ams in solid driver shape usually land somewhere between the mid-$30Ks and $60K, but the sky’s the limit for the rare, all-original unicorns. The 455 swap is a big draw if you want more muscle, but if you’re a stickler for factory specs, you might look elsewhere.
Condition and Details
The car rocks its original Gold paint and Camel Tan cloth inside – pure late-’70s vibes. Outside, you get the legendary Firebird hood bird, spoilers front and back, painted mirror caps, glass T-tops you can pop off, and those gold 15-inch Snowflake wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/As. Power steering and four-wheel discs round out the package.
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Inside, it’s a time warp to the late ’70s. Camel Tan cloth everywhere, matching door panels, and that signature engine-turned dash trim. You get power windows, cruise control, a center console, a CD stereo, and – because why not – an aftermarket intercom, siren, and animal sound system courtesy of a previous owner.
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The real headline here is what’s under the hood. The seller says the 455-cubic-inch Pontiac V8 got bored .040 over, plus a Holley four-barrel carb and Edelbrock intake. Power goes to the rear through a three-speed auto and a Safe-T-Track diff. Heads up: the parking brake doesn’t work right now, and the AC is a bit moody.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
| Make | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird Trans Am (2nd Generation) |
| Year | 1979 |
| Mileage | 95,000 miles shown (TMU) |
| Engine | Overbored 455-cu.in. Pontiac V8 |
| Induction | Holley four-barrel carburetor |
| Intake | Edelbrock intake manifold |
| Transmission | Three-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive with Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential |
| Exterior Color | Gold |
| Interior Color | Camel Tan cloth |
| Wheels | 15-inch Gold Snowflake wheels |
| Roof | Removable glass T-top panels |
| Brakes | Four-wheel disc brakes |
| Other Equipment | Power steering, power windows, cruise control, CD stereo |
Interested in this 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am? View the listing here.
What Makes the 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Unique
The second-gen Firebird Trans Am is pure 1970s Americana. Long hood, shaker graphics, mean front end, and those unmistakable Snowflake wheels – it’s a pop culture legend for a reason. The T-tops? They let you catch some sun without going full convertible.
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What sets this one apart is the 455 V8. Pontiac dropped the 455 after 1976, so any ’79 with one is an aftermarket special, not a factory freak. That means this car isn’t for the numbers-matching purist – it’s for someone who wants late-’70s style with the muscle of Pontiac’s glory days.
Final Thoughts
This Trans Am is for folks who want to actually drive their classic muscle, not just stash it in a garage. With the rebuilt 455, auto trans, T-tops, and all the right retro looks, it’s a driver’s car that still nails what made the late-’70s Firebird a legend.
As always with classic cars, it’s worth reviewing the auction phAs with any classic, check the auction pics, ask about the engine build and paperwork, and get an inspection if you’re serious. With the bidding still live, we’re curious to see where this Gold Trans Am ends up.re not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog