455-Powered 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Description

“I need a speedy car. Speedier than that,” announced The Bandit. And in the late 1970s, one car stood out as the ultimate outlaw machine: the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The 1979 Trans Am represented the peak of second-generation Firebird design and performance. With 117,108 units sold, it was the best-selling Trans Am ever—thanks to its starring role in “Smokey and the Bandit” and Pontiac’s bold marketing. The ’79 model had a new aggressive urethane nose and retained its quad rectangular headlights and the iconic shaker hood scoop. The legendary optional “Screaming Chicken” decal also dominated the hood. Power came from an Oldsmobile 403ci V8, with a few Pontiac 400ci units reserved for manual-transmission cars. This example began life in California with a 301ci V8 and blue paint but was transformed into a striking white-and-black build. Under the hood, a cammed Pontiac 455ci V8 now delivers serious muscle, paired with a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission. Dual exhaust, an LED digital dash, and a refreshed interior using factory-style components enhance its appeal. Upgraded “snowflake” wheels and fresh tires (just ~1,600 miles) complete the look.

This upgraded Trans Am is now offered on behalf of the current owner with service records, upgrade documentation, some spare parts, and a clean title. Highlights

• 455ci Pontiac V8 with performance camshaft and more

• Substantial servicing in 2024-2025

• Service records and upgrade documentation included

Factory Equipment

• “Screaming Chicken” graphic on hood

• 15" Snowflake wheels wearing Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires

• GM 10-bolt rear end, gear ratio unknown

• Power brakes

• Power windows

• The chassis number (2W87W9L112087) decodes as:

  • 2 – Pontiac

  • W – Trans Am

  • 87 – Coupe

  • W – 301ci 4bbl V8 (now 455ci V8)

  • 9 – 1979

  • L – Los Angeles, California assembly plant

  • 112087 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Resprayed white with black graphics

• 455ci Pontiac V8 with performance camshaft

• 200-4R four-speed automatic transmission

• Moroso valve covers

• Headers

• Aftermarket mufflers

• Aftermarket LED gauges

Servicing & Documentation

• October 2025:

  • New graphics added

  • Ceramic coating applied

• December 2024:

  • Adjust timing and carburetor

• July 2024:

  • Valve cover gaskets replaced

  • Upper control arm bushings replaced

  • New water temperature sender

  • Fluids replaced

Known Imperfections

• No stereo head-unit, speakers are still equipped

• Air Conditioning inoperable

• Heat inoperable

• Rust on rocker panels

• Bubbles forming on rear wheel arches

• Paint nicks and blemishes

Ownership History

The current owner acquired this 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in March 2024.

Included Items

• Service and upgrade documents (shown in the "Additional documents" section below)

• Assorted spare parts

Additional Information

This 455-Powered 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was offered on Hagerty Marketplace November 2025. You can view the previous listing here. The winning bidder failed to follow through on their commitment to purchase the vehicle. This was not due to any faults of the vehicle or the seller.

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Matt Lowney Phone: 623.308.2640 Email: mlowney@hagerty.com