1978 Pontiac Firebird

This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am is a wonderfully restored, highly optioned, and extremely well-documented example complete with its Build Sheet and Window Sticker! Released by Pontiac on February 28, 1967, the Firebird was the GM Marques rendition of a Pony Car. While the initial Firebird could have been ordered with an HO 326 or Big Block 400 engine, these were merely engine upgrades above the stock engine that would have come in the car. Then on March 8, 1969 Pontiac introduced the Trans Am package for its Firebird pony car as a high performance option competing with the likes of Fords Boss Mustangs and Chevrolets Z/28 Camaros which were essentially street-ready race cars. With the introduction of the federal governments implementation of pollution control regulations in the early to mid-1970s, American muscle cars were significantly handicapped and the Muscle Car era ground to a halt. Despite the impediments put in place by the US government, Pontiac continued to produce and consumers continued to purchase the performance-oriented Trans Am Firebird, now built in accordance with the new anti-smog rules. Another major milestone year for the Pontiac Trans Am occurred in 1973 with the introduction of the iconic Screaming Chicken graphic, that originated from a legendary Indian symbol that was modernized by stylist John Schinella. After several body style changes throughout the 70s, Pontiac introduced a new-look Firebird in 1977 complete with new, more aggressive-looking front end with a more recessed grille, a newly restyled grille-split, and a pair of dual headlights. Introduced on October 6, 1977, the 1978 Pontiac Firebird lineup consisted of the base model Firebird, the more deluxe Esprit, the sporty Formula, and the top-of-the-line, high-performance Trans Am. Just by looking at a 78 Trans Am it was clear that the car was definitely a Trans Am from nearly every angle. Up front, standard Trans Am equipment included a front air dam, Shaker hood, concealed windshield wipers, and a blacked-out grille. On the sides, the Trans Am had front and rear wheel opening air deflectors and dual outside body-color Sport mirrors. Special Trans Am highlights in the rear end of the car included dual chrome splitter tailpipe extensions and a sporty rear spoiler. Additionally, the Trans Am featured special Trans Am badging around the exterior so you couldnt mistake a Trans Am for just a regular Firebird. The Trans Ams also featured special interior options such as Rally gauges and a Tachometer, along with several performance upgrades including a Safe-T-Track limited-slip rear differential and power brakes, among other things. This particular 78 Trans Am comes to us from a southern-based collector and comes with impressive documentation including the Window Sticker, Build Sheet, and Pontiac Historical Society (PHS) documentation. Under the Screaming Chicken emblazoned Shaker hood is a Numbers Matching 400 Cubic Inch V8 engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced 220 horsepower when new. The numbers matching 6.6L V8 is backed by a 4 speed manual transmission that makes this Trans Am an absolute blast to drive! Exhaust exits this Pontiacs powerplant via a pair of rear tailpipes that generate a fantastic throaty sound out the rear. This 78 Pontiac Trans Am is absolutely loaded with options! Youll be able to keep the rubber to the pavement since this Firebird comes equipped with a Safe-T-Track limited slip rear differential. With power steering, the overall driving experience is much improved and squeezing into a tight parking spot at the local car show or ice cream parlor is a total breeze. Stopping power is provided by power front disc brakes and power rear drums which make bringing this late 70s muscle car to a complete stop much easier as well. Riding on a set of BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires mounted on Snowflake wheels, this 78 Trans Am has a great look and even better ride cruising down the road. The exterior of this Pontiac Trans Am has been correctly refinished in Mayan Red, accented with gold Trans Am decals and the aforementioned Screaming Chicken hood decal that together complete the beautiful exterior appearance of this Pontiac. The interior of this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am is absolutely gorgeous! The front Strato Bucket seats along with the rear bench have been correctly reupholstered in black vinyl, just how this car came when it rolled off the Van Nuys, California assembly plant back in 1978. The black door panels, black carpeting, black headliner, Formula steering wheel, black padded dash, and center console all appear to be in wonderful condition as well and all retain a nice stock appearance. Youll be able to stay cool even on the hottest summer days since this Trans Am comes outfitted with factory air conditioning, costing the original buyer over $500. The engine turned trimmed instrument cluster is equipped with a 100 MPH speedometer, Rally Gauge 6,000 RPM tachometer with integrated clock, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, voltage gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is finished off with the heater and air conditioner controls, a cigarette lighter, rear defroster control, lighting controls, a wiper control, and a locking glovebox. Whether youre buying your very first classic car or youre adding to your existing collection of Pontiac Muscle Cars, this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!