Photo: Craigslist
The Trans Am production figures were already going through the roof in 1978, becoming the second-best year in the history of this model.
The car started the decade with poor production figures but eventually started growing, becoming the model spearheading Firebird sales. For example, Pontiac shipped only 1,286 Trans Ams in 1972, so the 93,341 units shipped in 1978 are quite an achievement.
The numbers continued to grow in 1979, exceeding 117,000 units, but then collapsed heavily to 50K and 33K units in 1980 and 1981, respectively.
The Trans Am in these photos is one of the examples born in 1978, and despite going through a lot lately, it's an example that survived in tip-top shape without rust issues.
The owner explains on Craigslist that they got the car 20 years ago but quickly parked it in a barn. The Trans Am remained in the same place for 20 years, and thanks to proper conditions, it didn't face any serious issues like a rust invasion.
It's hard to spot the tip-top shape in the photos shared by the owner, as the Trans Am still wears the original barn dust, but they guarantee you won't find any rust or dents upon a visual inspection. As a bonus, you'll also get plenty of extra parts, including a roof, a T-top, a front spoiler, and another set of rims.
Unfortunately, the owner doesn't share specifics about the engine under the hood. The most desirable engine choice in 1978 was the W72 package, which was fitted with the standard 400 but developed 220 horsepower.
Considering the Trans Am looks so good, I'd expect the engine under the hood to start and run properly. However, there are many questions that a potential buyer should ask, starting with how original the car continues to be today and ending with how complete the Trans Am is after the two decades in a barn.
A 1978 Trans Am could be worth a small fortune if restored correctly, especially if the all-original package is retained. The only way to tell if this Trans Am is worth your time and money is to see it in person, where you'd have the opportunity to inspect everything in person. However, the photos shared by the owner on Craigslist suggest the Trans Am flexes a great shape, especially if you remove the thick dust layer.
Taking this Trans Am won't be cheap. The owner hopes to get $15K for the car, and the expectation makes sense, given the overall good shape and possibly a working engine under the hood. If you aim for a complete restoration, the extra parts should help with the process, especially if your main objective is to turn the Pontiac into a daily driver.
The numbers continued to grow in 1979, exceeding 117,000 units, but then collapsed heavily to 50K and 33K units in 1980 and 1981, respectively.
The Trans Am in these photos is one of the examples born in 1978, and despite going through a lot lately, it's an example that survived in tip-top shape without rust issues.
The owner explains on Craigslist that they got the car 20 years ago but quickly parked it in a barn. The Trans Am remained in the same place for 20 years, and thanks to proper conditions, it didn't face any serious issues like a rust invasion.
It's hard to spot the tip-top shape in the photos shared by the owner, as the Trans Am still wears the original barn dust, but they guarantee you won't find any rust or dents upon a visual inspection. As a bonus, you'll also get plenty of extra parts, including a roof, a T-top, a front spoiler, and another set of rims.
Unfortunately, the owner doesn't share specifics about the engine under the hood. The most desirable engine choice in 1978 was the W72 package, which was fitted with the standard 400 but developed 220 horsepower.
Considering the Trans Am looks so good, I'd expect the engine under the hood to start and run properly. However, there are many questions that a potential buyer should ask, starting with how original the car continues to be today and ending with how complete the Trans Am is after the two decades in a barn.
A 1978 Trans Am could be worth a small fortune if restored correctly, especially if the all-original package is retained. The only way to tell if this Trans Am is worth your time and money is to see it in person, where you'd have the opportunity to inspect everything in person. However, the photos shared by the owner on Craigslist suggest the Trans Am flexes a great shape, especially if you remove the thick dust layer.
Taking this Trans Am won't be cheap. The owner hopes to get $15K for the car, and the expectation makes sense, given the overall good shape and possibly a working engine under the hood. If you aim for a complete restoration, the extra parts should help with the process, especially if your main objective is to turn the Pontiac into a daily driver.
Google News