With its period-correct 1980s aesthetic, this extensively restored 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am T-Top features a superbly restored exterior, a fully restored interior, and an upgraded driveline. According to the VIN, the original powerplant was a 4.9-liter 301 V8 which has since replaced by a rebuilt 6.6-liter 400 V8 and the appropriate 6.6 identification elements on the shaker hood scoop. With total production numbers for 301 T-top cars totaling 4,831 in 1979, this Trans Am is truly a rare bird. It is now being offered on consignment with a clean title and a clean Carfax.

Exterior and Interior

The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am saw major stylistic upgrades from its predecessors, with a four-headlight fascia and relocated grill drawing a sharp contrast to previous years. This example has been modified to a period-correct aesthetic of the 1980s, a style defined by staggered Cragar S/S chrome wheels and BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires obscuring the red calipers of the four-wheel disc brakes. The restoration left a hint of patina in the form of the original blackout tail panel. The paint, however, is far more recent and displays few to no notable defects. Occupants enjoy a fully restored cloth interior with a handful of tasteful patina points carried over from the restoration. A B&M ratchet shifter takes center stage below the removable tinted T-tops and upgraded dome lighting. Vintage Air heating and conditioning controls are mounted above a modern retro-style AM/FM stereo head unit with auxiliary input – both in keeping with the classic aesthetic. Door panels, seats, carpeting, and headliner are all new; a few original switches and brightwork elements remain, showing minimal wear from over four decades of use. The odometer shows 36,062 miles at the time of consignment and is believed to have rolled over once.

Engine

According to the VIN sequence, the original powerplant for this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am was a 4.9-liter 301 V8 producing a wheezing 135 horsepower. This ‘bird now packs a rebuilt 6.6-liter 400 V8 estimated to produce more than double the horsepower of the original 301. Every system was addressed during the restoration, and some period-correct under-hood bling was added in the form of red spark plug wires, polished valve covers, a polished brake master cylinder, and a polished compressor for the Vintage Air A/C system.