Elite Dealer

1978 Pontiac Firebird

$49,750

Vehicle Details

Make

Pontiac

Model

Firebird

Year

1978

Mileage

67,306 miles

VIN

NMC7873

Body Type

Coupe

Transmission

Automatic

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

BUILT 468CI

Description

1978 Pontiac Trans Am For Sale
Professionally Built 468ci Pontiac V8 * WS4 Performance Package * Ice Cold A/C * Show- Quality Restoration
Few American muscle cars are as instantly recognizable as the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. Immortalized by the late-1970s muscle car era, the Trans Am combined aggressive styling with V8 performance to become one of Pontiac's most iconic models. This beautifully restored example takes that formula even further with a professionally built 468 cubic- inch Pontiac V8, show-quality cosmetics, and a long list of desirable factory options.

Finished in deep mirror-black paint with fresh gold Trans Am decals, this WS4-equipped Trans Am delivers exceptional curb appeal along with the performance to match. Power & Performance
At the heart of this Trans Am is a professionally built Pontiac 455 V8 stroked to 468.54 cubic inches, delivering impressive power and unmistakable Pontiac performance. Performance highlights include:
Built 468.54ci Pontiac V8
High-performance cylinder heads
Rebuilt TH350 automatic transmission
Performance stall converter
Strong-running, high-performance drivetrain
Detailed engine compartment
Whether cruising or accelerating through the gears, this Trans Am offers the sound and performance enthusiasts expect from a built Pontiac V8.

Exterior
The body has been professionally restored and refinished in a stunning deep black finish complemented by fresh gold Trans Am graphics. Exterior features include:
Factory WS4 Trans Am
Mirror-like black paint
New gold Trans Am decals
Laser-straight body
Show-quality finish
Detailed undercarriage retaining factory-style red oxide appearance
The attention to detail throughout the restoration gives this Trans Am outstanding presentation from every angle. Interior
The interior has been completely refreshed while retaining the classic Trans Am cockpit that made these cars famous.

Interior features include:
New deluxe bucket seat interior
Full-length center console
Power windows
Power door locks
Tilt steering wheel
Rear window defroster
Ice-cold factory air conditioning
The cabin is clean, comfortable, and well-equipped for both weekend cruising and long- distance driving. Highlights
Factory WS4 Trans Am
Professionally built 468ci Pontiac V8
Rebuilt TH350 automatic transmission
Stall converter
Ice-cold air conditioning
Show-quality black paint
Fresh gold decals
Detailed engine bay
Exceptional undercarriage
Loaded with desirable factory options
Summary
This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am combines iconic Pontiac styling with modern show-quality restoration and serious V8 performance. Featuring a professionally built 468ci engine, rebuilt automatic transmission, beautifully restored interior, and stunning black-and- gold presentation, it is equally at home on the show field or the open road.

A high-quality Trans Am with the looks, sound, and performance to impress Pontiac enthusiasts wherever it goes. Located in Naples, Florida
Take A L@@K At The Video On YouTube:

Trim: Bandit For Sale
Options: Premium Sound System, Leather Interior Surface

Classic Pontiac Firebird Buyer's Guide

Full guide

Mike Sullivan

Muscle Cars

1967–2002

~5 min read

Updated Apr 2026

Definitive buyer's guide for classic Pontiac Firebird 1967-2002. Generation breakdown, Trans Am identification, PHS documentation, frame inspection, and current market pricing.

This guide covers

✓ 10-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 5 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full Firebird Buyer's Guide

Pontiac Firebird Market Overview

Based on 140 Pontiac Firebird listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

140

Listed Now

$34,776

Avg. Asking Price

1967–2000

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Above Average

This car: $49,750

Low: $6,795 High: $79,997

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 61% ◄

Manual 29%

Condition Distribution

Excellent 12%

Good 12%

Fair 1%

Poor 1%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 140 listings →

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Classic Pontiac Firebird Buyer's Guide

The Pontiac Firebird launched in February 1967 as Pontiac's F-body sister to the Chevrolet Camaro, and across thirty-five years of production it built one of the most loyal enthusiast followings in American automotive history. From the 1969 Trans Am (the launch of the iconic performance trim that would define Pontiac for decades) through the 1973-1974 SD-455 cars (the last truly raw muscle Pontiacs before federal emissions de-tuning), the 1977 Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am that kicked off second-generation pop-culture immortality, and the 1980s third-generation IROC-era cars, every Firebird era has its own buyer profile and its own pitfalls. This guide covers what every buyer should verify before paying premium money for any Firebird Trans Am or Formula variant.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Order PHS Documentation Report ($50-$80) — Pontiac Historic Services. Confirms original engine, transmission, axle ratio, paint, options, dealer destination.

✓

Verify VIN engine code against block casting — 5th digit of VIN (1968+) identifies engine. Cross-reference with casting number on rear of block and PHS report.

✓

For Trans Am claims, demand specialist authentication — Re-stamped blocks and cloned cowl tags well-documented. WS6 and SD-455 cars require expert verification.

✓

Inspect F-body frame at body mount points — Same chassis as Camaro. Body mount bushings collapse and water pools above. Frame rust = $1,500-$3,500 minimum.

✓

Probe perimeter frame at front kick-up — Behind front wheels. Solid steel resists; rotten metal flakes.

✓

Magnet test rear quarters and rocker panels — Body filler is non-magnetic. Driver-quality cars universally have filler — verify how much before purchase.

✓

Check rear window channel rust (1967-1969) — Hidden rust point. Ruins back of body when allowed to progress. Pop rear seat for inspection access.

✓

Examine third-gen T-tops and weatherstrips — T-tops on 1982-1992 cars commonly leak. Water rots floor pans and rear cargo area.

✓

Test all electrical and pop-up headlights — Vacuum-actuated (1967-1981) or electric (1982+) headlight systems commonly fail.

✓

Compression test all eight cylinders — Should read 145-185 PSI uniformly. Variance over 15% = head gasket or worn rings.

Common Issues

Firebird rust follows the F-body Camaro pattern. The first-generation cars (1967-1969) hide rust under the rear window, in the trunk pan, around the rear wheel arches, and at the cowl seam where the windshield meets the firewall. Second-generation cars (1970-1981) are notorious for rotten quarters, rocker panels, and floor pans. Third-generation cars (1982-1992) suffer from T-top water leaks that rot floor pans and rear cargo area. Mechanically, Pontiac V8 engines (326, 350, 400, 455) are bulletproof when maintained. From 1982 forward, Firebirds used shared GM engines (Chevrolet 305, 350, LT1, LS1). Common issues include broken motor mounts on big-block cars, worn timing chains on tired engines, leaky oil pan and valve cover gaskets, and tired Quadrajet carburetors. The Muncie M20/M21 four-speeds, Borg-Warner T-10, Saginaw three-speed, Turbo 350, and Turbo 400 transmissions are all robust. Electrical issues vary by era. First-generation cars have brittle 50+ year-old wiring harnesses. Second-generation cars add vacuum-actuated headlight failures (vacuum lines crack), Hood Tach failures (1971-1976 optional), and tail light circuit problems. Third-generation cars suffer from failing TPI sensors (TPI fuel injection 1985-1992), worn front coil-over-shock units, and sloppy T-tops that leak.

What to Look For

PHS Documentation is the gold-standard verification for any Firebird claimed as Trans Am, Formula, or SD-455. Pontiac Historic Services sells documentation reports for $50-$80 based on Pontiac factory production records. The report confirms the original equipment of the car: engine, transmission, axle ratio, paint, options, and dealer destination. For any Firebird priced over $35,000, PHS documentation is mandatory. Engine identification by casting numbers and stamping codes is essential. The 326 V8 (1967-1968), 350 V8 (1968-1981), 400 V8 (1967-1979), and 455 V8 (1970-1976) all have specific casting numbers and two-letter stamping codes that identify the specific engine type. Cross-reference against the VIN engine code (5th digit on 1968+ cars) and the PHS report. The most desirable codes for Trans Am cars: WS (1969 Ram Air III/IV), WW/YZ (1970 Ram Air IV), and the SD-455-specific codes (1973-1974). For 1969 Trans Am claims, demand specialist authentication. Only 697 Trans Ams were built for 1969 — every chassis number is documented in the marque registry. Forgeries with cloned cowl tags and re-stamped engine blocks are well-documented in the muscle-car market. Frame inspection is the second non-negotiable. The F-body perimeter frame rusts at the body mount points and the front kick-up — same issues as Camaro. Crawl under the car with a flashlight and probe with a screwdriver. Solid steel resists; rotten metal flakes. Body mount replacement is $1,500-$3,500 if the frame is solid; full frame replacement is $8,000-$15,000. For third-generation cars (1982-1992), inspect T-top weatherstrips. Failed seals leak water that rots floor pans and rear cargo area. Replacement T-top seals are available but installation requires careful body alignment.

Price Guide

First-generation Firebirds (1967-1969) are the most desirable era. Driver-quality 1967-1968 cars run $32,000-$55,000. 1969 cars: driver-quality $38,000-$70,000. The 1969 Trans Am (only 697 built) is the high-water mark — documented numbers-matching cars: $130,000-$280,000. The 1969 Trans Am Convertible (only 8 built) is the rarest Firebird ever produced — $500,000-$1M+ for documented examples. Second-generation Firebirds (1970-1981) split into three sub-eras. 1970-1973 cars (split-bumper era): driver-quality Trans Am cars run $42,000-$75,000. Documented 1973-1974 SD-455 Trans Ams: $80,000-$180,000+. 1974-1976 Trans Ams with the 455 HO: $35,000-$65,000 documented. 1977-1979 Smokey and the Bandit-era Trans Ams: $32,000-$60,000 driver-quality, with documented Y82 Special Edition cars (the black-and-gold Bandit cars) at $45,000-$95,000. Third-generation Firebirds (1982-1992): driver-quality cars run $14,000-$28,000. The 1989 Turbo Trans Am Pace Car (only 1,555 built) commands $30,000-$55,000+. The 1985-1990 GTA models trade at $22,000-$42,000. Fourth-generation Firebirds (1993-2002): driver-quality cars run $12,000-$28,000. The 1998-2002 WS6 Trans Am with the LS1 produces 320-325 hp and represents the most powerful factory Firebird ever — clean WS6 cars trade at $22,000-$45,000. Project Firebirds start around $12,000-$25,000 across most generations. Stripped roller candidates: $5,000-$15,000.

Did You Know?

The Firebird was developed in just nine months as Pontiac's response to GM corporate executives canceling Pontiac's planned dedicated sports car project (the Banshee). When Chevrolet's Camaro F-body was approved for 1967 production, Pontiac was given six months to develop a Firebird variant on the same platform. The accelerated timeline forced the Firebird to share virtually all chassis and structural components with the Camaro, distinguished only by Pontiac-specific styling, dashboard, and engine options. The 1977 Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am (the black-and-gold Y82 Special Edition) is widely credited with saving the Pontiac brand. By 1976, Pontiac was struggling against the broader malaise era, and the dramatic visibility of the Trans Am as the hero car in the Burt Reynolds film drove dealer traffic dramatically. Y82 Special Edition production grew from a few thousand cars in 1976 to over 30,000 in 1977-1978, making the Trans Am the best-selling Pontiac performance car of the era. The 1973-1974 SD-455 (Super Duty 455) was Pontiac's last serious factory performance engine — produced specifically as a homologation package for SCCA Trans-Am racing. The SD-455 features four-bolt main bearings, forged crankshaft, special heads, and unique camshaft, producing 290 hp net (significantly under-rated by Pontiac to keep insurance companies off the buyer's back). Only 1,296 SD-455 Trans Ams were built across two model years, making them among the rarest American muscle cars ever produced.

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$49,750

1978 Pontiac Firebird

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Original Factory Colors

Official paint codes for the Pontiac Firebird (1978).

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Model History