The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition serves as a high-water mark for the second-generation F-body, celebrating a decade of performance dominance. This specific example is a true blue-chip collector asset, having remained in the care of its original owner, a GM executive, until 2008. With a staggering 1,600 miles shown on the digital odometer, it represents one of the most preserved survivors in existence. Crossing the block with its original window sticker and 1979 dealer invoice, this Trans Am offers a rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle that has effectively been frozen in time since it left the Clarkston, Michigan showroom.
Platinum and Charcoal Anniversary Styling with Shaker Hood
The exterior of the 10th Anniversary Edition is defined by its exclusive two-tone Platinum and Charcoal paint scheme, accented by the iconic “Super Bird” hood graphic that spans the shaker hood. This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am retains all its factory aerodynamic appointments, including the front and rear spoilers and painted mirror caps. The silhouette is further enhanced by the removable T-top roof panels, providing the quintessential open-air experience of the late seventies. It sits on 15-inch Turbo Air Flow alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, maintaining the aggressive, wide-track stance that made the Trans Am a cultural phenomenon.
Gray Leather Cabin with Engine-Turned Precision
Inside, the Anniversary Edition luxury is on full display with gray leather seating surfaces that extend to the door panels. The cockpit features the signature engine-turned dash fascia, which houses a 100-mph speedometer and a 6k-rpm tachometer. Period-correct amenities are abundant, including a full-length center console and a Delco-GM eight-track tape player that highlights the car’s 1979 vintage. While the air conditioning system has been updated to R134a, the interior remains largely untouched, preserving the tactile feel of the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the original power window switches. It is a space that perfectly captures the executive-level sportiness of the era.
403ci V-8 Authority and WS6 Special Performance Handling
Mechanical power is provided by a 403ci V-8 engine equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, delivering a factory-rated 185 hp/188 PS and 320 lb-ft/434 Nm of torque. This torque-rich plant is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and a Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential for consistent power delivery. This Trans Am is further elevated by the WS6 Special Performance Package, which provides a significant handling advantage through power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, a quick-ratio steering box, and larger sway bars. The result is a vehicle that offers the classic muscle car feel with the improved chassis dynamics that defined Pontiac’s “Excitement” marketing during the late seventies.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 403ci V-8 (4-Barrel Carburetor) |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Automatic |
| Performance Package | WS6 Special Performance |
| Differential | Safe-T-Track Limited-Slip |
| Braking | 4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes |
| Wheels | 15-Inch Turbo Air Flow Alloy |
| Odometer Reading | 1,600 Miles |
GM Executive Pedigree and Ironclad Documentation
The provenance of this 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is among the best in the market, having been initially delivered to Jack W Haupt Pontiac Sales and kept by a GM executive for nearly three decades. This history is supported by the original window sticker, manufacturer’s literature, and a 1979-dated sales invoice showing a total price of $10,723. Compared to high-mileage examples, this 1,600-mile car offers an unmatched level of original factory finishes and mechanical integrity. As an investment-grade 10th Anniversary Edition, its value is bolstered by its rarity and the extensive documentation that traces its journey from a Michigan executive’s garage to the auction block.
The Definitive Anniversary Edition Survivor
This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is more than a classic car; it is a meticulously preserved piece of Pontiac’s performance legacy. Every detail, from the vibrant hood bird to the working eight-track player, serves as a testament to its sheltered life and executive-level care. It successfully combines the most desirable options of the 1979 model year, including the WS6 package and T-tops, with a mileage figure that is nearly impossible to replicate. For the serious F-body collector, this 10th Anniversary Edition stands as the ultimate expression of the second-generation Trans Am. It is a rolling monument to the end of the 1970s muscle era, ready for its next long-term sanctuary.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: bringatrailer.com
