Pontiac Firebird 400 V8 1979
General description :
NUMBER'S MATCHING 403 V8, AUTO TRANS, FACTORY CORRECT COLORS, VERY CLEAN '79 T/A
In 1979, the Trans Am was still an apex predator with nothing else on the road able to match its combination of brute horsepower and striking styling. These are the hot collector cars of the near future as enthusiasts who grew up behind the wheel rediscover their youth, and this gorgeous Platinum silver example is a relatively unusual piece that's just a blast to drive.
Looking for all the world like a clean, well-maintained survivor, this is one stylish 'Bird. Has it been painted? Yes, but it was a while ago and there are obvious signs that this car has been loved from day one. The steel bodywork is straight, the doors fit like they did on the showroom floor, and even ground effects are in good order. Code 15 Platinum was a very popular color in 1979, and it's aged well, with the contrasting black and red graphics poping off the bright surface without looking as dated as some of the other combinations. It's not perfect, but it's extremely nice with an honest look that has nothing to hide, which I think I prefer to outright perfection. All the other Trans Am styling cues look great 30 years later, including the ducktail spoiler and blacked-out taillights that stretch across the back of the car. Even the glass still shows a proper light Soft-Ray tint of factory original equipment.
For a car famous for wretched excess, the code 75 Dark Carmine vinyl interior is flashy yet tasteful with the bright silver bodywork. The pleated vinyl seat covers look sporting yet refined, and are wrapped around supportive buckets that hug you in place. Coordinated red door panels provide continuity, wrapping around into a matching dash with an engine-turned fascia. It appears to be a fairly seamless blend of original and reproduction parts, and it's hard to know where the line is, which is a good thing. All the gauges are crisp and well-marked, and this sucker's been upgraded with a modern AM/FM/CD stereo radio in the dash, which feeds a set of speakers neatly mounted on the rear package shelf to fill the car with sound. The trunk is also quite tidy with black carpets that give it an upscale, finished look that's not totally correct but suggestive of this car's easy life.
You could still get your choice of engines in 1979, but the top performer when linked with an automatic transmission was this number's matching 403 cubic inch Oldsmobile V8. Effortless in everything it does, it makes great muscle car sounds and still carries enough horsepower to be a genuine thrill on the street. It's mostly stock save for routine maintenance items, and it would be hard to tell anyway since everything is pretty well buried under the air cleaner and hood scoop. A replacement exhaust system sounds suitably and probably adds a few horsepower at the same time. With the quick-shifting TH350 3-speed automatic gearbox, acceleration is only a gentle squeeze of the accelerator away and the suspension is a good combination of sporting and comfortable. The underside shows off a lifetime in a warm climate and the positively gorgeous "snowflake" alloy wheels are now fitted with 255/60/15 BFG radials all around.
Very nicely preserved, this Trans Am is a sure-fire future collectable that remains a ton of fun today. Don't wait, call today!
Features : Defrost, AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Heat, Vinyl Interior, Front Disc Brakes, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Rear Defogger, Seatbelts-Front, Seatbelts-Rear, Numbers Matching
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/1733-dfw/1979-pontiac-firebird-trans-am
1979 Pontiac Firebird 400 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fort Worth by Streetside Classics for $21995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Pontiac Model : Firebird Model Version : 400 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1979 Sub type : Coupé Location : Dallas/Fort Worth
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About Pontiac
Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM), held a distinctive position within the company's hierarchy and played a significant role in automotive history. Here's an overview of Pontiac's history and some of its most iconic models up to the 1980s:Position in GM Hierarchy:
Distinct Identity: Pontiac occupied a unique place within GM, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and youthful branding.
Mid-Level Brand: Positioned above Chevrolet but below the more upscale divisions such as Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac, Pontiac aimed to offer affordable yet sporty cars.
History and Notable Models:
Pontiac GTO (1964-1974):
Iconic Muscle Car: Considered the first true American muscle car, blending performance and style.
Specifications: V8 engines, powerful performance, and aggressive styling made the GTO immensely popular.
Pontiac Firebird (1967-1981):
Muscle Car and Pony Car: Shared the platform with the Chevrolet Camaro, featuring distinct Pontiac styling cues.
Variants: Offered various models and engine options, including the Trans Am, which gained fame through movies like "Smokey and the Bandit."
Pontiac Grand Prix (1962-2008):
Personal Luxury Car: Initially a full-size car, later transformed into a mid-size model, known for its blend of comfort and performance.
Evolution: Over the years, it transitioned from a performance-oriented car to a more luxurious offering.
Pontiac Bonneville (1957-2005):
Flagship Model: Started as a full-size car, evolving into a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle.
Innovation: Known for introducing features like fuel injection, making it a symbol of Pontiac's technological advancements.
Impact and Legacy:
Performance Image: Pontiac carved a niche for itself by emphasizing performance, sportiness, and innovation, attracting younger and enthusiast drivers.
Marketing Success: Innovative marketing strategies and successful racing endeavors contributed to Pontiac's popularity and brand image.
Cessation of Production: Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and changes in consumer preferences, GM discontinued the Pontiac brand in 2010, marking the end of its legacy in the automotive industry.