1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am W72 WS6 4-Speed

Description

The second-generation Firebird Trans Am reached the height of its cultural moment in 1978 — the year after Smokey and the Bandit put the black-and-gold car on every movie screen in America. Beneath the pop culture phenomenon was a genuinely capable performance machine.

The W72 high-output 400ci V8 was the most powerful engine available in the Trans Am lineup in 1978, and combined with the WS6 Special Performance Package's specific spring rates, heavy-duty sway bars, and performance shock valving, it delivered a driving experience that backed up the car's dramatic appearance. The Screaming Chicken hood decal, Hurst T-tops, and Solar Gold Metallic paint made this particular configuration one of the most visually assertive factory combinations available in the American market at the time.

This Trans Am is finished in Solar Gold Metallic over a Camel Tan vinyl interior and was originally sold through Jim Fresard Pontiac in Royal Oak, Michigan, shipping on May 20, 1978. Acquired by the seller in 2016, the car is supported by PHS documentation.

Ordered to a high level of specification, this Trans Am was came with the W72 high-output 400ci V8, WS6 Special Performance Package, 4-speed manual transmission, Hurst T-tops, and the Screaming Chicken hood decal — the combination most associated with the peak Trans Am experience of the era. Additional factory options included power steering, power brakes, power windows, power door locks, tilt steering, a Delco AM/FM stereo, electric rear defroster, Soft-Ray tinted glass, body side moldings, and custom color-keyed seat belts.

Recent servicing under the seller’s ownership is said to have included an interior refresh, clutch replacement, and basic servicing include tires and battery replacement.

This manual transmission 1978 Pontiac Trans Am W72 WS6 is offered with the manufacturer's literature, PHS documentation, a partial factory build sheet, service records, T-top storage bags, and a clean Illinois title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• W72 400ci 6.6L 4-barrel V8

• WS6 Special Performance Package

• 4-speed manual transmission

• Hurst T-tops

• Solar Gold Metallic with Screaming Chicken hood decal

• Camel Tan vinyl interior, refurbished under current ownership

• Partial build sheet and PHS documentation included

Factory Equipment

According to the accompanying PHS documents, this Firebird was optioned as follows:

• W72 — 6.6L (400ci) 4-barrel V8, high-output specification

• WS6 — Trans Am Special Performance Package

• B84 — Body side molding

• C60 — Custom air conditioning

• C49 — Electric rear window defroster

• A01 — Soft-Ray tinted glass, all windows

• WW7 — Hood decal (Screaming Chicken)

• AU3 — Power door locks

• A31 — Power windows

• U58 — Delco AM/FM stereo radio

• N33 — Tilt steering wheel

• AK1 — Custom color-keyed seat belts

• A51 — Bucket seats

• Solar Gold Metallic exterior

• Camel Tan vinyl interior

• 4-speed manual transmission

• Power steering

• Power brakes (front disc / rear drums)

Servicing & Documentation

Underbody photos and servicing records are available in the gallery. Servicing performed by the seller includes the following:

• 2026:

  • Battery replaced

  • Oil and filter change

• 2022:

  • Power steering gear box and hoses replaced

• 2020:

  • Tires replaced

• 2019:

  • Clutch replaced

• 2017:

  • Interior refresh

    • Seats, visors, seat belts, carpet, and heat shield

  • Radiator recored

  • Hoses, radiator cap, and thermostat replaced

  • Leaf springs, shock absorbers, and front springs replaced

  • Tachometer and clock refurbished

  • Dash bezel refurbished

• 2016:

  • Various gaskets replaced

  • Fan clutch replaced

Known Imperfections

• Images detailing the vehicle’s condition are available in the gallery.

• Air conditioning system inoperative

• Bubble/bump present on lower passenger door

Ownership History

According to the included PHS documents, this 1978 Trans Am was originally sold through Jim Fresard Pontiac Inc., Royal Oak, Michigan. The current seller acquired the in 2016 and reports adding approximately 4,000 miles.

Included Items

• Manufacturer's literature

• Partial build sheet

• Service records

• PHS documentation

• T-top storage bags