1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Extensive 'Resto-Mod' mechanical improvement

Registration No: CTY 917V
Chassis No: 2W87K9L143975
MOT: Exempt

• Only two owners since 1984, both keeping the car in carpeted garages
• Extensively improved mechanically in the ‘Resto-Mod’ style, keeping the bodywork and interior as original
• Estimated £15,000 worth of parts expenditure alone
• Matching chassis and engine numbers
• Now surely the best driving Trans Am extant!

As far as iconic movie cars go there are few more instantly recognisable than the Pontiac Firebird from the 1977 film 'Smokey and the Bandit'. The Firebird was one of the jewels of GM’s crown and enjoyed a thirty-five year production run, with the Trans Am immediately bringing memories of tyre smoke, nostalgia, and CB radio handles. With the first iteration developed as direct competition for the ubiquitous Ford Mustang, with the concept of being a striking, front-engined, rear-wheel drive muscle car, very much continuing throughout its production, as did the ability to spec your Firebird with a plethora of options. In 1969, the Firebird saw the introduction of the Trans Am 'performance' and 'appearance' packages as factory options which included power, handling, and suspension upgrades as well as a more exclusive paint schemes and some styling accoutrements. Named after the American race series, the Trans Am name would continue to feature throughout the car’s lifespan.

Manufactured in 1979, the Trans Am offered is a matching chassis and engine numbers example with the 6.6 -litre V8 403ci engine. An original T-top car, it was supplied new to California, however only remained there for a year before reaching UK shores in 1980. Purchased by the vendor in 2006 from a previous owner who had owned the Trans Am since 1984, the vendor embarked on extensive enhancements in the ‘Resto-Mod’ ethos, keeping the bodywork and interior as original with a view to making the best driving Trans Am in the country. With around £15,000 of expenditure on parts alone, some of the parts supplied have included bespoke 18-inch two-piece YearOne alloy wheels with Michelin pilot sport four tyres, B&M shifter, cold case aluminium radiator, Powermaster starter motor and alternator, K&N air filter, Taylor ignition leads, Edelbrock intake manifold and cam, NGK spark plugs, Moroso valve covers, American Racing headers, bespoke exhaust system hand made using a Pypes X-Pipe and Karnage mufflers, and Ridetech adjustable front and rear shocks and steering kit. Extensive Detroit Speed parts have been supplied too with body bushes, sway bar, front and rear springs, upper and lower A-Arms, and camber kit all fitted, and finally the Trans Am received an Optima Red Top battery, all hoses replaced, and the underside Waxoyled.

The original Tan cloth interior has been complemented by a Kenwood head unit with CD changer and has been fitted with new door rubbers. Boasting lots of original features, the Firebird has its original spare wheel and jacking kit, T-top bags, boot matting, and has an uncracked dashboard, likely due to living in the United Kingdom since being a year old. The glovebox has been signed by Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage and Fast N' Loud fame with a photo of the signing. Completing tours of Amsterdam, Belgium and Wales during the vendor’s ownership, the vendor notes the car has been totally reliable and all the gauges work. Offered with a history file that includes a large collection of invoices for maintenance at AutoPontiac, numerous previous MOT certificates supporting the c.88,000 miles as genuine, many other invoices and a current V5C document. Epitomising the ‘Resto-Mod’ ethos significantly improving the drive while keeping the bodywork and interior original, the vendor believes he has created the best driving Trans Am in the country, and the Pontiac started readily and drove excellently during our recent photography session.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452