1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – Project Profile

As far as iconic movie cars go there are few more instantly recognisable than the Pontiac Firebird from Smokey and the Bandit. At the mere mention of ‘Trans Am’ we’re immediately transported back to our youth in a cloud of tyre smoke, nostalgia and CB radio handles. Having already featured this classic as one of our The Car’s the Star highlights we’re no stranger to its virtues and so when this particular 1978 model popped up on our auctions platform as an unfinished project we knew we had to cast our spotlight on it as this week’s Project Profile.

The Firebird was a bit of a jewel in GM’s crown and enjoyed a 35 year production run, beginning in 1967. Developed as direct competition for the ubiquitous Ford Mustang the first generation Firebird was a great looking car thanks to its classic Coke bottle styling. It could shift too, especially when fitted with the largest engine on offer – the 6.6-litre V8 churning out nearly 350 horse power. It was a successful car for the American giant.

The next generation arrived in 1970 and that’s exactly what we have here – a second gen, 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Although this version featured a re-designed body they were still front-engined, rear-wheel drive monsters. There were a whole host of engines available too, from an in-line, six cylinder all the way up to a 7.5-litre V8 but this one has the 400 cubic inch, 6.6-litre fitted – the same lump as the movie car.

At this point you might be asking yourself what the difference is between a Firebird and a Trans Am, and it’s a good question. The fact is, all Trans Ams are Firebirds but not all Firebirds are Trans Ams. 1969 saw the introduction of the ‘Trans Am performance and appearance package’ as a factory option which included power, handling and suspension upgrades as well as a more exclusive paint job and some styling accoutrements. Named after the American race series the Trans Am name would continue to feature throughout the car’s lifespan.

Why is it a project? 

Something of a stalled restoration a lot of the big jobs have already been completed, which is great news for you – it just needs finishing off. With fresh paint and comprehensive engine work the bulk of the costly, time-consuming labour is done. The drivetrain is yet to be connected, although it is present and correct, and the interior needs putting back together, along with a new fuel tank and hoses, but that really could be the long and the short of it. According to the seller it is believed to be a matching numbers car and the build sheet is present, showing black as the original colour. All of the suspension parts are brand new and the original Trans Am wheels have been refurbished.

On the face of it this seems to be an honest project that has been carried out, so far, to a very high standard and with due care and attention. It just so happens to have hit a wall, figuratively speaking of course. The current owner is happy to help with any shipping logistics and so the only talking point is your bank balance, but with a guide price of just €14,000 to €17,000 we think that would be a very short discussion indeed.

Five things to look for:

1) Rust

Burt Reynolds’ Trans Ams were all supplied brand new by GM and so he never had to concern himself with such trivialities. You are likely not a multi-million dollar movie star though and so you very much do have to. The car has been freshly painted and from the photos it does look to be in very fine condition but nevertheless, you should still scrutinise the problem areas as these cars do suffer. Places to inspect include the rear frame rails and leaf spring connection points, the floor of the boot and the lower quarter panels as well as the floor pans and the bottom of the A-pillars. Check the chassis too for any accident damage.

2) Engine and Drivetrain

The listing states that the engine has received comprehensive work but that doesn’t mean the thing runs and we would want to hear that 6.6-litre V8 turnover before we parted with any of our hard-earned. The engine and drivetrain are fitted to the car but not yet connected so there is a question mark there. Check with the seller to ensure everything is kosher – a video of the car running would be invaluable. ‘Thought’ to be a matching numbers car it would pay to find out for sure as this could affect values.

3) Interior

The interior is partly fitted but the listing does not state whether the rest of the trim and parts are included in the sale so that would be something to check. What is there does look to be in good condition though and the car comes with a brand new headliner installed.

4) Parts

Thanks to Smokey, and indeed the Bandit, this was a popular model and so parts availability shouldn’t be too much of an issue. As stated, it is unclear what is missing, especially where the interior is concerned so check what bits and pieces are required before taking this on. Having said that, a few hard-to-come-by ancillary parts shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

5) History

There is no mention of any service history or past works beyond that of the recent resto so check with the owner to see if there is any paperwork included with the car. The original build sheet is present, however, along with its official Dutch documentation.

What should you do with it? 

We shouldn’t have to state the obvious here but this car is destined to become a Smokey and the Bandit replica surely. With matching paint and engine to that of the famous movie car it’s crying out for it and with the bodywork and mechanicals apparently sorted it shouldn’t be too much work to do exactly that. Finish putting it back together, get the correct decals, fit a CB radio and hit the road, smokies in hot pursuit. 10-4 good buddies.