Pontiac Firebird 6.6 Liter V8 1978
General description :
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
400 cubic inch Pontiac V8
Borg Warner 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Starlight Black paint / Correct Camel cloth interior
Correct factory air conditioning
18-inch Snowflake Wheels
Sale includes: An original Build Sheet / An original Window Sticker
Correct factory power steering
Correct factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
Correct WS4 suspension / Correct 10-bolt rear axle
If you're a car guy who's anywhere south of 100, or anywhere north of 30, chances are you know exactly where 'east bound and down' came from. And if you know where 'east bound and down' came from, it's a good possibility you're very familiar with this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. What's my point? If you're one of the growing number of enthusiasts rediscovering just how cool F2 Trans Ams are, but aren't quite sure you want to regress that far into youth, here's your chance to throw a little sophistication into the mix. Fully documented and ready to roll, this brassy black and gold 'bird isn't just a bold throwback to simpler times and cooler cars, it's a timeless commentary on smart investment for the future. So, if you're into classic American muscle and giant Screamin' Chicken decals, order up some flutes of Coors, throw on the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's Down on the Farm and toast your next classic!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Assembled at GM's famous Van Nuys manufacturing facility in May of 1978, this striking SE tribute is an authentic factory black car that was originally delivered to Hiday Motors in Bluffton, Indiana. At some point, after it migrated to the dry plains of Arizona, the car was massaged from solid condition into better-than-new condition. And today, logging only weekend miles since that thorough dust off, this spectacular F2 displays a killer coat of correct Starlight Black 2-stage under Special Edition-exclusive full outlining stripes and an iconic Special Edition-exclusive Screamin' Chicken hood decal.
Despite their minimalist brightwork, second generation Trans Ams were highly decorated cars that brought new meaning to the word 'details'. At the front of this 'bird, straight and glossy urethane hangs Special Edition headlight buckets and a small 'PONTIAC' script between a correct 'TRANS AM' call-out and traditional red arrowhead. Behind that urethane, a great looking 'T/A-6.6' branded hood anchors like-new glass beneath painted stainless trim and tinted T-tops. At the sides of that hood, correct 'TRANS AM' call-outs and Special Edition B-pillar birds complement traditional fender vents, polished door handles and correct wheel spoilers. And at the back of the car, a rounded D80 trunk wing aligns a correct 'TRANS AM' call-out above factory-fresh taillights, a small 'PONTIAC' script and polished side-splitter exhaust.
ENGINE
Thanks to government-mandated emissions standards, performance had almost been legislated out of existence; and that left the Trans Am suffering a bit of an identity crisis. This 'bird's stout, 400 cubic inch V8 combined the largest muscle car engine you could buy with Pontiac's proven '6X' head design to create one of the fastest pony cars on the market. At the top of the smooth mill, a big Rochester carburetor and modern HEI distributor center a familiar Trans Am shaker on a proven Edelbrock intake. Below those components, GM Corporate Blue paint coats the entire block, while correct, cast iron manifolds funnel spent gases into throaty pipes. All the hard parts around the motor, from the fresh brake booster and rebuilt alternator to the correct Delco Air conditioning and fender plenum air tube, appear to be factory-correct. The car's authentic engine bay and hood are covered in a nice combination of GM Satin and Pontiac Starlight Black. And, as expected, there's pliable belts, clean hoses, and a strong battery.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
At the bottom of this Trans Am, a clean undercarriage is comprised of straight floorpans that display thick undercoating, and a Satin Black chassis that retains a showroom-fresh appearance. In the middle of that undercarriage, a tough Borg Warner 4-speed sends power to a familiar GM axle. Below that stellar powertrain, a rebuilt WS4 suspension, which includes power steering, thicker sway bars, better shocks and stiffer springs, combines with standard issue power front disc and rear drum brakes to mix quick stops with great handling. At the center of that suspension, a fresh exhaust system barks a deep, vintage roar through an X-shaped crossover and Pypes Race Pro mufflers. And at the corners of those tubes, modern Snowflakes spin Special Edition paint and requisite 'gold bird' center caps around two 255/40ZR18 BF Goodrich g-Force Sports and two 275/40ZR18 BF Goodrich g-Force Sports.
INTERIOR
Open this Pontiac's massive doors and you'll find a correct cloth interior that wraps gold, Special Edition trim in a whole lot of old school comfort! The airy cockpit begins with thick seats that are firm, crisp and look restoration-fresh in every way. Below those seats, like-new carpet centers a molded console on a requisite Hurst shifter. And in front of the driver, a correct, tilting column spins a correct, Formula wheel around an engine-turned instrument panel, sliders for the car's correct air conditioning and a retro Delco radio.
PROVENANCE
Now that you've waded through our detailed description, here's a through breakdown of this Poncho's VIN, Cowl Tag and Build Sheet.
VIN: 2W87Z8L172585
2: Pontiac Motor Division
W: Trans Am
87: Sports coupe
Z: 400 cubic inch V8
8: 1978 model year
L: Assembled in Van Nuys, California
172585: Production sequence number
COWL TAG:
78 – 1978 model year
2FS87 – 2: Pontiac Motor Division, FS: Firebird, 87: coupe
L ' Assembled in Van Nuys, California
203867 ' The car's Fisher Body production number
62B ' Camel cloth interior
A51 – Bucket seats
W19L W19U – Starlight Black lower (L) and upper (U) exterior paint
05D ' Assembled during the fourth week (D) of May (5), 1978
T — Unknown
228132 ' Fisher Body time and date code.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT LISTED ON THE CAR'S BUILD SHEET:
A01: Tinted glass
A51: Bucket Seats
BS1: Additional acoustic insulation
B93: Door edge guards
B97: Rear wheel spoilers
CC1: Hatch roof
C49: Electric rear window defogger
C60: Air conditioning
C95: Dome lamps
D35: Dual sport mirrors
D55: Floor console
D80: Rear decklid spoiler
D92: Door handle tape stripes
F41: Rear stabilizer
GU6: 3.42 gears
G80: Posi-traction rear end
JL1: Pedal Trim
JL2: Power disc brakes
K15: Fuel return
L78: 400 cubic inch V8 that's complete with a 4-barrel carburetor
M21: 4-speed transmission
NK3: Formula steering wheel
NS3: Tilt steering column
N65: Space Saver spare tire
N67: Rally Wheels
P06: Wheel trim rings
QCY: G70x15 lettered tires
TS3: Black tail lamps
UN9: Radio suppression package
U05: Dual horns
U25: Luggage compartment lamp
U27: Glove box lamp
U28: Ashtray Lamp
U29: Courtesy lamp
U35: Electric clock
U76: Windshield antenna
V02: Heavy-duty cooling
WS4: Trans Am
WW8: Rally gauges
WX3: Ram Air Shaker Hood
W72: Performance Package
YR1: Custom front seat
YS1: Custom rear seat
YT1: Custom door and quarter panels
Y90: Custom trim ($134)
Y92: Lamp Group ($18)
62I: Buckskin trim
62X: Big 4 tan
XXX: Customer order
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
The aforementioned Build Sheet
A copy of that Build Sheet
Original factory literature
An original Window Sticker
T-top bags
Two sets of keys
Fully restored from its factory T-tops all the way to its slick Snowflakes, this fully documented Trans Am is an impressive muscle car that's perfect for any Bandit enthusiast! This is the kind of car you park at the show on Saturday, then drive to work on a sunny Monday morning. In the market for a clean, late model F2? NOW is the time to buy an impressive showpiece to enjoy for years to come!
http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active/1978%20Pontiac%20Firebird%20Trans%20Am/136003
1978 Pontiac Firebird 6.6 Liter V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Donald Berard for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Pontiac Model : Firebird Model Version : 6.6 Liter V8 Engine size : 6.6 Model Year : 1978 Sub type : Coupé Location : Charlotte
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About Pontiac
Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM), held a distinctive position within the company's hierarchy and played a significant role in automotive history. Here's an overview of Pontiac's history and some of its most iconic models up to the 1980s:Position in GM Hierarchy:
Distinct Identity: Pontiac occupied a unique place within GM, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and youthful branding.
Mid-Level Brand: Positioned above Chevrolet but below the more upscale divisions such as Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac, Pontiac aimed to offer affordable yet sporty cars.
History and Notable Models:
Pontiac GTO (1964-1974):
Iconic Muscle Car: Considered the first true American muscle car, blending performance and style.
Specifications: V8 engines, powerful performance, and aggressive styling made the GTO immensely popular.
Pontiac Firebird (1967-1981):
Muscle Car and Pony Car: Shared the platform with the Chevrolet Camaro, featuring distinct Pontiac styling cues.
Variants: Offered various models and engine options, including the Trans Am, which gained fame through movies like "Smokey and the Bandit."
Pontiac Grand Prix (1962-2008):
Personal Luxury Car: Initially a full-size car, later transformed into a mid-size model, known for its blend of comfort and performance.
Evolution: Over the years, it transitioned from a performance-oriented car to a more luxurious offering.
Pontiac Bonneville (1957-2005):
Flagship Model: Started as a full-size car, evolving into a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle.
Innovation: Known for introducing features like fuel injection, making it a symbol of Pontiac's technological advancements.
Impact and Legacy:
Performance Image: Pontiac carved a niche for itself by emphasizing performance, sportiness, and innovation, attracting younger and enthusiast drivers.
Marketing Success: Innovative marketing strategies and successful racing endeavors contributed to Pontiac's popularity and brand image.
Cessation of Production: Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and changes in consumer preferences, GM discontinued the Pontiac brand in 2010, marking the end of its legacy in the automotive industry.