1978 Pontiac Firebird Esprit Trans Am Tribute

Description

The 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am emerged at the height of the model’s pop‑culture dominance, thanks in large part to the smash success of Smokey and the Bandit just a year earlier. The movie’s runaway popularity triggered a nationwide craze for Trans Ams. Demand surged so strongly that the 1978 models — particularly the Y82/Y84 black‑and‑gold editions — became icons in their own right, celebrated for their Screaming Chicken graphics, T‑tops, and unmistakable Bandit attitude. By blending movie‑fueled stardom with genuine performance, the 1978 Trans Am is still one of the decade’s most unforgettable muscle cars.

This 1978 Firebird began life as an Esprit model powered by the California-only Chevrolet 305ci V8. It’s since been updated to the coveted Trans Am look with a Ram Air hood, fender air vents, rear spoiler, and blue “Trans Am” graphics. Of course, the famed flaming Firebird graphic adorns the hood. With American Racing wheels and an upgraded 350ci Chevy engine as detailed below, this ’Bird carries its own Bandit attitude.

This 1978 Firebird Esprit Trans Am tribute is now offered with some spare engine parts and a clean New Mexico title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 1978 Firebird Esprit upgraded with Trans Am styling

• Modified 350ci Chevrolet V8

• Three-speed automatic transmission with shift kit

Factory Equipment

• Power windows

• Power steering

• Power brakes

• The chassis number (2T87U8N151146) decodes as:

  • 2 – Pontiac division

  • T – Esprit series

  • 87 – 2‑door hardtop

  • U – 305ci Chevrolet V8 (now 5.7L 350ci)

  • 8 – 1978 model year

  • N – Norwood, Ohio, assembly plant

  • 151146 – Production sequence number

Modifications

• American Racing 17” Torq-Thrust 2 wheels

• Riken Raptor ZR 275/40/R17 tires

• Aftermarket dual exhaust system and headers

• Edelbrock intake manifold

• Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor

• Edelbrock lifters and cam

• Roller rockers

• New pushrods

• High-pressure, high-volume oil pump

• Racing oil pan

• K&N intake set-up

• Edelbrock valve covers

• Shift kit

• Alpine stereo head-unit

Servicing

• According to the seller, recent servicing includes replacing the brake booster and battery, flushing the transmission fluid, and an engine oil/filter change.

Known Imperfections

• Speedometer is not accurate, true mileage unknown (TMU)

Ownership History

• The seller reports that the previous owner of this 1978 Firebird kept it garaged in Florida.

Included Items

• Some spare engine parts