This second-gen 1979 Trans Am is all business in black, rocking a shaker hood, rear spoiler, and those unmistakable gold snowflake wheels. With 75,000 miles on the clock and a 403ci V8 mated to a three-speed auto, it’s got the right ingredients for late-70s muscle. The car was refurbished by a previous owner, and now it’s up for grabs on Bring a Trailer – bidding is starting way under what you’d expect for one of these.
Bring a Trailer
What It’s Worth Right Now
According to Classic.com, the going rate for a standard second-gen Trans Am is $42,059, with average sales hitting $45,287 across 210 examples. Prices have been all over the map – from $2,400 project cars to a jaw-dropping $228,000. The last one sold for $39,250.
Keep in mind, those numbers cover everything from 1970 to 1981, so what you’ll actually pay depends on the year, condition, and how original the car is. Right now, there are a handful of 1979s listed between about $33,000 and $59,000 – but those are just asking prices, not what people are actually paying.
Bring a Trailer
For this one, a ballpark of $25,000 to $35,000 feels about right – assuming the refurb and mechanicals are solid. With 75,000 miles and an automatic, it’s more of a driver than a garage queen. The current $9,000 bid? Still a long way off from what these usually fetch.
Condition and Details
The outside got a fresh coat of black paint from a previous owner, and it’s got all the right Trans Am touches: shaker hood with Firebird graphics, spoilers front and rear, painted mirror caps, and four exhaust tips for good measure. It sits on 17-inch snowflake alloys wrapped in beefy 275/40 Nexen tires, with power front discs and rear drums handling the stopping.
Bring a Trailer
Inside, you get black vinyl seats, an engine-turned dash, and a full-length console – classic Trans Am stuff. It’s got air conditioning, cruise, power windows, and even a Kenwood CD stereo for your retro road trips. The A/C was serviced in July 2026, and the five-digit odometer reads 75,000 miles.
Bring a Trailer
Under the hood, you’ll find a 403ci V8 with a factory rating of 185 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, sending grunt to the rear wheels via a three-speed auto and Safe-T-Track limited-slip diff. The oil was just changed in July 2026. One thing to note: the shaker hood sports T/A 6.6 graphics, which have already raised some eyebrows in the auction comments since this is a 403 car.
Bring a Trailer
The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
| Make | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird Trans Am |
| Year | 1979 |
| Mileage | 75,000 miles shown |
| Engine | 403ci V8 |
| Power | 185 horsepower, 320 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Three-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Differential | Safe-T-Track limited-slip |
| Exterior color | Black |
| Interior color | Black vinyl |
Interested in this Pontiac Firebird Trans Am? View the listing here.
What Makes the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Unique
The second-gen Trans Am is one of those cars that helped shape what we think of as a true American performance machine. Long hood, aggressive nose, shaker scoop, rear spoiler – it’s got the look, and the V8 under the hood means it’s got the muscle to back it up.
Bring a Trailer
The 1979 model sits at an interesting crossroads for the Trans Am – classic looks, a mix of V8 options, and plenty of attitude. The 403ci in this one isn’t the top dog for power, but it still delivers that old-school V8 rumble and rear-drive fun fans love.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a late-70s American muscle car with plenty of attitude, this Trans Am checks a lot of boxes: black paint, shaker hood, and a 403ci V8 for that period-correct vibe. Just make sure to double-check the refurb work and those engine decals before you get too excited.
With bidding at just $9,000, this one’s still way under the usual market numbers, but there’s plenty of time for things to heat up before the hammer drops. If you’re serious, it’s worth giving the paint, mechanicals, and originality a close look before throwing your hat in the ring.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are 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