An Unrivaled Survival of an American Performance Icon
The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Special Edition stands as a breathtaking window into the past, preserved with just 44 miles since new. Originally purchased by Suncoast Studebaker for a private collection, this vehicle remains in a state of preservation rarely seen in the collector car world. It still retains its original factory plastic seat covers, cardboard floor protection, and dealership window stickers affixed to the glass. As a highly documented example, it arrives with its original build sheets and Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, representing a definitive benchmark for authenticity in the Trans Am community.
Classic Starlight Black Silhouette with Iconic Gold Accents
Finished in the legendary Starlight Black, the exterior of this Special Edition is defined by its signature gold pinstriping and the iconic “screaming chicken” hood graphic. The silhouette is enhanced by the factory front and rear spoilers, along with the highly desirable removable T-top roof panels that defined the era’s grand touring style. It sits on 15-inch gold-finished snowflake wheels, which are still wrapped in their older Goodyear 225/70 tires. Every detail, from the painted mirror caps to the dealer stock stickers on the windshield, remains exactly as it was when the car left the showroom floor in 1979.
A Pristine Time Capsule in Camel Tan Cloth
The interior is a masterclass in preservation, featuring Camel Tan cloth seating surfaces that extend to the door panels. The cabin environment is highlighted by the engine-turned dashboard fascia and a full-length center console housing a Hurst shifter for the four-speed manual transmission. Notable factory amenities include power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio, all of which remain surrounded by the original interior protection materials. A Formula steering wheel fronts the classic instrumentation, including a 100-mph speedometer and a 6,000-rpm tachometer, though the tachometer currently remains inoperative after decades of static display.
High-Output V8 Power Paired with the WS6 Package
Mechanical performance is derived from the numbers-matching 400ci V8 engine, which was factory rated at 220 hp (223 PS) and 320 lb-ft (434 Nm) of torque. This power is directed to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential. The car is equipped with the coveted WS6 Special Performance Package, which significantly upgraded the handling via a quick-ratio steering box, larger sway bars, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. Recent maintenance by the selling dealer in 2025 included a carburetor rebuild, fuel tank cleaning, and a brake fluid flush to ensure the mechanical vitals remain preserved.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 400ci (6.6-Litre) V8 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Induction | Four-Barrel Carburetor |
| Handling Package | WS6 Special Performance |
| Braking System | Four-Wheel Power Disc Brakes |
| Differential | Safe-T-Track Limited-Slip |
| Wheel Type | 15-inch Snowflake Gold-Finished |
| Odometer Reading | 44 Miles |
Unprecedented Rarity in the Trans Am Collector Market
In the current market for second-generation Firebirds, the Special Edition 400/4-speed combination is widely considered the pinnacle of desirability. This specific car’s unique selling point is its extreme low mileage and the presence of factory-delivery materials that are almost always discarded during initial ownership. While many “Smokey and the Bandit” style clones exist, a genuine Y84-coded Special Edition with 44 miles is a blue-chip investment piece. It benchmarks far above standard restored examples, appealing to the most discerning collectors who prioritize original, untouched condition over modern refurbishment.
The Ultimate Preserved Legacy of the Screaming Chicken
The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Special Edition remains an untouchable legacy of American muscle history. Its transition from a dealership owner’s personal collection to the open market marks a rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle that has quite literally never been “used” in the traditional sense. With its deep black paint and gleaming gold accents, it serves as a stunning reminder of Pontiac’s performance peak during the late seventies. This is more than just a classic car; it is a physical record of automotive manufacturing as it existed nearly five decades ago.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
