Here’s your chance to own a locally owned 1979 Pontiac Trans AM 10th Anniversary Edition with the highly desirable and RARE 4-Speed manual transmission! ONLY 1,817 4-speed manual’s were produced for the 10th Anniversary Edition, making this a rare find. Locally owned by its current owner, who is believed to be the 4th owner of this beauty. Assembled out of the Van Nuys, CA plant (ORIGINAL BUILD SHEET IN GALLERY) and sold out of Moab, Utah ,and brought into California. Passes smog with flying colors! Finished in iconic Platinum Silver with silver interior, which has been fully restored. Powered by its original numbers-matching 400 cubic inch. -6.6L V8 W72 engine paired with its original 4-speed manual transmission. This ’79 comes with its original build sheet, reproduction copy of the window sticker, original owner’s manual, receipts of work done by current owners, and a Clean California title. Priced to sell so don’t miss out! Classic Car Financing & Worldwide Transport Available. Contact us today before it sells!
Rarity of the 10th Anniversary Edition
The 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition stands as a pinnacle of rarity in the muscle car world, celebrating a decade of the Firebird’s high-performance legacy. Only 7,500 of these special-edition models were ever produced, making them highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. What elevates this particular example to elite status is its factory-equipped 4-speed manual transmission, a configuration shared by just 1,817 units—less than 25% of total production. The rest were fitted with automatic transmissions and a different engine, diluting their authenticity for purists. This scarcity, combined with the model’s cultural icon status from the late ’70s muscle era, has driven values skyward, with well-preserved examples commanding premium prices at auctions. If you’re hunting for a Trans Am that’s not just rare but verifiably original, this one checks every box.
Ownership and Maintenance History
This Trans Am’s journey began when it was sold new in Moab, Utah, before making its way to California, where it has resided ever since. It’s believed to be with its fourth owner, who calls San Luis Obispo home after stints in San Jose, Paradise, and Turlock—all within the Golden State. Meticulously maintained as a locally owned gem, it features a numbers-matching drivetrain and the original build sheet for undeniable provenance. Whether cruising coastal highways or parked in your garage, this car’s West Coast history adds a layer of sunny allure to its already compelling story.
Engine Specifications and Performance
At the heart of this Trans Am beats the legendary Pontiac 400 cubic-inch (6.6L) V8 engine, code W72—a high-performance powerhouse that was the swan song for Pontiac’s own big-block V8s before emissions regulations forced changes. Delivering 220 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a robust 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm, it thrives in low- to mid-range revs for explosive acceleration and that signature muscle car rumble. Paired with the rare Borg-Warner Super T-10 4-speed manual transmission, it propels the car from 0-60 mph in approximately 7 seconds, with quarter-mile times in the mid-15-second range depending on conditions. Other key metrics include a top speed around 120 mph, redline at 5,000 rpm, and a compression ratio of 8.1:1 for balanced efficiency and power. This engine wasn’t just about brute force; it featured high-flow heads, a performance camshaft, and dual exhaust for superior breathing, making it one of the last true Pontiac V8s before the brand shifted to corporate engines.
Distinctive Features of the 10th Anniversary Edition
What sets the 10th Anniversary Trans Am apart from standard models is its exclusive commemorative design, blending aggressive styling with luxurious touches to mark a decade of Firebird dominance. Externally, it boasts a striking Platinum Silver paint scheme accented by charcoal gray graphics, bold red and black pinstriping, and a massive Firebird hood decal that spans the entire hood like a phoenix rising—far larger and more dramatic than on regular Trans Ams. Special turbine-style wheels, mirrored T-tops, and anniversary badging complete the look, giving it a Daytona 500 pace car vibe. Inside, the silver leather/vinyl upholstery features embroidered bird emblems on the seats and door panels, a custom dash plaque denoting its limited-edition status, and silver accents throughout for a premium, cockpit-like feel. These elements weren’t just cosmetic; they designated it as a top-tier collector’s item, standing out from base Trans Ams with their simpler color options and interiors.
Essentials
- Rare 4-speed manual transmission—only 1,817 produced, paired with the authentic Pontiac 400 V8.
- Numbers-matching drivetrain with original build sheet for verified authenticity.
- Passes CA Smog – Currently Registered
- Iconic Platinum Silver exterior with massive hood bird decal and turbine wheels.
- Luxurious silver interior with recent $1,889.99 upgrade kit from Classic Industries.
- Ice-cold air conditioning and excellent running/driving condition.
- Clean California title, original owner’s manual, reproduction window sticker, and original keys included.
- Locally owned West Coast history: Moab, UT origin, then San Jose, Paradise, Turlock, and now San Luis Obispo, CA.
- T-top roof panels for open-air cruising with classic Fisher design.
- Proven collectability with rising values in the muscle car market.
Competition And Iconic Features
In the fiercely competitive 2-door coupe segment of 1979, the Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition towered over rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and Ford Mustang Cobra II, blending superior power, handling, and style in a package that screamed American excess. While the Camaro Z28 offered 175 horsepower from its 350 V8 and solid acceleration (0-60 in about 8 seconds), it lacked the Trans Am’s torque-heavy punch and dramatic aesthetics, often feeling more subdued. The Mustang, hampered by emissions-era detuning, topped out at around 140 horsepower and struggled with straight-line speed, making the Trans Am’s 220 hp feel like a revelation. Even against premium coupes like the Corvette, the Trans Am held its own with better everyday usability and a lower price point. A standout feature was its iconic Hurst T-tops—removable smoked glass panels that provided an open-air experience without the full convertible’s drawbacks, offering wind-in-your-hair freedom while maintaining structural rigidity for spirited cornering. These T-tops became synonymous with ’70s cool, enhancing the Trans Am’s appeal as a versatile grand tourer.
Historical Context and Collectability
The Pontiac Trans Am’s history is rooted in racing heritage, named after the Trans-American Championship series where Pontiac competed fiercely. This 1979 model falls under the second generation (1970-1981), a transformative era that saw the Firebird evolve from a pony car into a cultural icon. Redesigned with sleeker lines, wider tracks for better handling, and optional big-block engines, the second-gen Trans Am emphasized performance amid tightening regulations. Its popularity exploded in 1977 thanks to the blockbuster film Smokey and the Bandit, where Burt Reynolds’ black-and-gold Trans Am became a symbol of rebellion and speed—boosting sales from around 46,000 in 1976 to over 93,000 by 1978. Today, these cars are highly collectible, with values appreciating steadily; anniversary editions like this one often fetch $40,000+ at auctions due to their limited production and nostalgic appeal. As Pontiac’s final pure V8 era before the ’80s downturn, the second-gen Trans Am represents the last gasp of unbridled muscle, making it a smart investment for enthusiasts who crave history, performance, and exclusivity.
Pricing and Availability
Priced to move at just $34,995, this Trans Am won’t last long in today’s hot collector market. Classic car financing and worldwide transport are available to make ownership effortless. Contact us today to schedule a viewing or secure this timeless machine—your garage deserves a legend.
- Rare 4-speed manual transmission—only 1,817 produced, paired with the authentic Pontiac 400 V8.
- Numbers-matching drivetrain with original build sheet for verified authenticity.
- Engine rebuilt in 2019 for reliable performance and peace of mind.
- Iconic Platinum Silver exterior with massive hood bird decal and turbine wheels.
- Luxurious silver interior with recent $1,889.99 upgrade kit from Classic Industries.
- Ice-cold air conditioning and excellent running/driving condition.
- Clean California title, original owner’s manual, reproduction window sticker, and original keys included.
- Locally owned West Coast history: Moab, UT origin, then San Jose, Paradise, Turlock, and now San Luis Obispo, CA.
- T-top roof panels for open-air cruising with classic Hurst design.
- Proven collectability with rising values in the muscle car market.
In the fiercely competitive 2-door coupe segment of 1979, the Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition towered over rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and Ford Mustang Cobra II, blending superior power, handling, and style in a package that screamed American excess. While the Camaro Z28 offered 175 horsepower from its 350 V8 and solid acceleration (0-60 in about 8 seconds), it lacked the Trans Am’s torque-heavy punch and dramatic aesthetics, often feeling more subdued. The Mustang, hampered by emissions-era detuning, topped out at around 140 horsepower and struggled with straight-line speed, making the Trans Am’s 220 hp feel like a revelation.
Even against premium coupes like the Corvette, the Trans Am held its own with better everyday usability and a lower price point. A standout feature was its iconic Hurst T-tops—removable smoked glass panels that provided an open-air experience without the full convertible’s drawbacks, offering wind-in-your-hair freedom while maintaining structural rigidity for spirited cornering. These T-tops became synonymous with ’70s cool, enhancing the Trans Am’s appeal as a versatile grand tourer.The Pontiac Trans Am’s history is rooted in racing heritage, named after the Trans-American Championship series where Pontiac competed fiercely.
This 1979 model falls under the second generation (1970-1981), a transformative era that saw the Firebird evolve from a pony car into a cultural icon. Redesigned with sleeker lines, wider tracks for better handling, and optional big-block engines, the second-gen Trans Am emphasized performance amid tightening regulations. Its popularity exploded in 1977 thanks to the blockbuster film Smokey and the Bandit, where Burt Reynolds’ black-and-gold Trans Am became a symbol of rebellion and speed—boosting sales from around 46,000 in 1976 to over 93,000 by 1978. Today, these cars are highly collectible, with values appreciating steadily; anniversary editions like this one often fetch $40,000+ at auctions due to their limited production and nostalgic appeal. As Pontiac’s final pure V8 era before the ’80s downturn, the second-gen Trans Am represents the last gasp of unbridled muscle, making it a smart investment for enthusiasts who crave history, performance, and exclusivity.
