1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Special Edition

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.

The Generous Collection returns with Part 2 offering over 250 cars in August all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy.

* * *

“A New Breed of Wow!” The 1979 was the best-selling year for the Pontiac Firebird, and it’s easy to see why. More than just a movie star, it was arguably the last real performance car in the “malaise” era.

The 1979 model offered performance options including the last 400ci Pontiac V8 engines paired exclusively with a Hurst shifted 4-speed manual. Then there was the Y82 package, commonly known as the “Special Edition,” delivered the car's iconic gold accents, gold snowflake wheels, and the unmistakable gold Firebird decal penned by designer Norm Inouye spanning the distinctive "shaker" hood. It still looks as good today as it did back then in front of New York’s famed Studio 54 discotheque.

The later 1970s Trans Am is one of those rare objects that becomes so ingrained in the popular culture that, after nearly half a century, it’s still something to lust over. This Trans Am Special Edition has the famed 400ci engine with 4-speed manual, the last pure big-block Pontiac.

This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Special Edition is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist with a CARFAX Vehicle History Report and a clean Alabama title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• Finished in Starlight Black (21U)

• Y82 Special Edition gold Firebird graphics

• Black (21I) vinyl interior

• 6.6L (400ci) Pontiac V8

• Hurst shifted 4-speed manual transmission

• “Snowflake” wheels

Factory Equipment

• The chassis number (2W87Z9N150368) decodes as:

  • 2 – Pontiac Motor Division

  • W – Firebird Trans Am series

  • 87– 2-door Sport Coupe body

  • Z – 400ci Pontiac V8, 4-barrel, dual exhaust

  • 9 – 1979 model year

  • N – Norwood, Ohio, assembly plant

  • 150368 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Edelbrock intake manifold

• Chrome alternator

• Replacement carburetor

Known Imperfections

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of vehicles in this collection, it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present. Please refer to the photo gallery.

• Stone chips in paint

• Radio missing

Ownership History

This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Special Edition is offered from The Generous Collection of no-reserve automobiles.

Additional Information

Motor vehicles older than 35 years (1991) are exempt from Alabama’s titling requirements. In states that issue titles, an Alabama registration converts to a title upon transfer.

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

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide very limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential; however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require extensive additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is.  

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite, between the hours of 9AM to 6PM local time beginning Monday, September 14 through Wednesday, September 30. No cars can be retrieved prior to September 14, and any lots remaining after September 30 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.