Photo: eBay seller LadyLuckCycles
Soaring gasoline prices had a significant impact on cars with large-displacement engines, and annual Trans Am sales declined dramatically.
After setting historic numbers in 1979 with 117,000 units sold, the Trans Am dropped to 50,000 units a year later. The entire Firebird lineup barely surpassed 107,000 units, and while the Trans Am remained the best-selling model, Pontiac failed to make its cars as compelling as they once were.
The big news in the engine department was the debut of the 4.9-liter turbocharged engine that was supposed to combat rising gasoline prices. The engine design produced the odd asymmetrical hood look, as Pontiac had to install the air cleaner on the right and the turbo on the left.
The Trans Am in these photos features the same turbocharged engine, but the good news is that it has the unit that Pontiac installed before it left the factory. Everything on this Trans Am is original, and eBay seller LadyLuckCycles says the car has never been altered, restored, or modified in any way.
It prides itself on being as original as possible, as the Trans Am has spent its entire life with the same owner. Now it is ready to say goodbye to its one and only home, needing only a little TLC, including a new fuel tank and minor headliner repairs.
Although the seller claims the car is still original, you should have it inspected, as the owner installed a new high performance water pump, new belts and hoses, and new door and trunk seals. However, I believe the radio is original, but be sure to inspect that as well.
Described as a time capsule and with only 60,000 miles on the odometer, the Trans Am is still in running condition. I have to admit, it looks better than I expected when I first saw this ad, and I doubt it will be around for long, especially since it could easily become a collector's item with the right repairs.
The asking price may be its biggest issue, but you can only determine if that’s a fair price after inspecting the Trans Am in person. The seller will let it go for $25,000, and with 35 people already adding the Trans Am to their watchlists, interest in the car is likely growing. However, they’ve also enabled a Make Offer button, so if you don’t think that’s a fair price, you can contact the seller to submit your offer.
The Trans Am is parked in Tujunga, California, so if you want to see the original paint and gorgeous interior, contact the seller and arrange a live inspection. The listing will expire at the end of August, so you still have plenty of time to convince your SO that you need a Trans Am.