1979 Pontiac Trans Am TRUE Survivor Car
Make: |
Pontiac |
Model: |
Trans Am |
Type: |
Coupe |
Trim: |
Hard Top |
Year: |
1979 |
Mileage: |
30,167 |
VIN: |
2W87K9N168712 |
Color: |
Black |
Engine: |
Olds 403 |
Cylinders: |
8 |
Transmission: |
Automatic |
Drive type: |
RWD |
Interior color: |
Tan |
Vehicle Title: |
Clear |
Item location: |
Front Royal, Virginia, United States |
1979 Pontiac Trans Am Hard Top Additional Info:
Listed is a once in a lifetime find 1979 Trans Am. Car was discovered in a Condo parking garage after sitting for 28 years. The owner had lost the condo to foreclosure in 1989 and walked away from everything he owned including a 1984 Mustang and the 1979 Trans Am you see here. The Condo was then bank owned and changed hands between banks for years, but never sold. In Feb 2017 a bid was solicited by the owners association to have the contents removed and the unit sold. I acquired this car from the salvage company that cleared the contents.The Trans Am was covered in dirt, sat on 4 flat tires, and had various boxes piled on top. The original tires were filed with air and the car removed. The gentleman I purchased the car from stated that he put a new battery in, drained the gas, drained the oil (the dated 1989 oil filter is still on the car), put fresh in and she started right up. He hosed the car off and then ponder what to do. He hired a lawyer to find the original owner. After some time the owner was found. Owner had no license and was not in a financial position to reacquire his cars. He was willing to go to the PA DMV and sign the titles over. The car was purchased new in May of 1979 in Reading PA. Discovered in the condo garage in Reading PA, and purchased by me from the salvage company in Reading PA. This T/A was driven for about 4 years then lead a leisurely life as a car show regular. It was well maintained and I do not believe it was ever driven during the winter months. There is Zero rust on this car. I don't believe the rear seats have ever been sat in. The doors, hood, truck open and close as easily as a new modern day car. The interior is simply STUNNING! Carpet - all original. No cracks anywhere. Unmolested Delco radio. All gauges, lights, light bulbs, buzzer, wipers, radio, and speakers work. The head liner material is sagging - I placed the plastic strips you see in photos to keep it off my head - but is original material - no rips or tears.All 4 Uniroyal tires that were new to the car in 1979 are present and still holding air over a year after being inflated. They do ride rough from sitting flat and would need to be replaced if intending to drive the car. the alternator is not charging and would need rebuilding. The front grills are dry rotted - I have a NOS GM driver side grill that would come with the car. Still looking for a NOS grill for the left side.I have carefully washed the car twice. It could use a professional detailing to really make it pop. The graphics are bright and vibrant. There is some scuffing on the driver fender as seen in photo. Probably from time spent in the condo. Does not appear to be into the paint.There are a few door dings, but nothing into the paint. This car absolutely can continue to ware its original paint - just needs the attention of a high end prep shop.The car still wares its 1990 inspection sticker on the windshield. This is my 8th 2nd gen T/A since graduating HS in 1980 and is by far and away the best one. I only list it here in case someone is looking for a museum quality T/A. I know how rare a car like this is. Its not a "survivor" that was painted last year or the engine rebuilt with a mild cam. To the best of my knowledge the only thing not original to this car when built 39 years ago is the battery. Belts, hoses, tires, inflate a spare, jack, carpet, paint, center caps, radio....all there. Title with actual 30,159 miles. Not "believed" to be actual.I am listing this car 1 time. After that.....I will most likely spend the money necessary to make it road worthy and enjoy it when I retire in 6 years.Please don't waste my time. The NADA mid range value on a car like this is $55K. The High end is $65K The McLaughlin Trans Am Museum in WV has expressed interest in this car, but I have not followed up with them. Thanks for looking and good luck.