Recently serviced with new power steering unit and fluid changes
Imported from dry-state Nevada
The Appeal
The Pontiac Firebird was introduced to try and take some of the Pony Car thunder from Ford's legendary Mustang - but it's undeniably in 1977 when they made their biggest headway into pop culture. Smokey and the Bandit brought even more rebellion and attitude to the Firebird's already burgeoning profile, and this particular edition - the Y81 - became particularly legendary.
Many conversions to this spec have been made over the years, but a genuine one is about as rare and sought-after as it gets. As a result we're sure a whole host of Pony car fans and movie lovers alike will be getting very excited looking over this car's gallery. Only 384 of this spec were built in 1977, and while many ended up with somewhat undignified ends as rustbuckets, some were lucky enough to end up in dry states - where they thrived.
This Trans Am is one of the lucky, beautifully kept ones - having spent its life in Reno, Nevada, before being imported to the UK in 2014. The car has been stored in a garage and driven only on dry days, preserving its condition and leaving it as a truly desirable, fast and iconically finished car.
History and Paperwork
Genuine special edition from the factory - as proven by its build sheet
Registered in 1977
Spent most of its life in Reno, Nevada, and imported into the UK in 2014
Owned by a mechanic for the majority of its life in the UK
Current owner bought the car to be a daily driver starting later in 2024 but decided it was too good for winter driving
Stored in a garage and storage facility until very recently, driven only on dry days
Recently stored on a drive under a bespoke protective cover
Recent work includes an oil and transmission fluid change and a new front main seal
Fluids have been very recently changed, and the old oil/transmission fluid was in good shape
Car comes with a small paperwork file
MOT exempt - last tested in 2018
Currently indicates 33,646 miles on a five-figure odometer
The Condition
The underside of the vehicle is in great condition, indicative of being from a dry state and well-stored over the years
Overall, the paint looks great and attracts plenty of positive comments
Two small areas of paint bubbling on the sills
Decals are overall in great shape, particularly the 'screaming chicken'
Three pinstripes could be replaced by a new owner, but do still look in good overall order
Wheels are in good condition but have suffered from tarnishing to the lacquer and would benefit from being refurbished
No curb rash on the wheels
Interior features optional black velour trim from the factory
Dash has had a repair undertaken in the past
Carpets, seats, and door cards are all in near-perfect condition
Seatbelts work perfectly
Clock on the dashboard is not functioning, air conditioning is untested and needs a regas
All gauges are functioning perfectly
Power windows are fully operational
All dash lights and external lights are working as expected
Radio is neither original nor a modern Bluetooth retro-style model - a replacement with one of these wouldn't go amiss
In-windscreen antenna is working fine
The view over the shaker hood with the imposing air intake protruding makes the driver's seat a great place to be
The Mechanics
6,600cc V8 powerplant
Manual transmission with 4 gears
Rare manual transmission model, most American drivers opted for automatic at the time
True drivers will love the feel of a 'four speed on the floor' and the experience this gives
Mechanically, the vendor informs us that the car starts every time and runs perfectly
They also highlight that it accelerates and brakes well, holding a static temperature
Centerforce clutch fitted for a lighter pedal
New power steering unit fitted in the last three months
Comes with new shocks for all four corners, still to be fitted
Existing shocks are fine with no damage or leaks, but new ones are uprated models
We're told the car runs and drives perfectly, and is ready to be enjoyed immediately
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
