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2011 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
12

1979 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe (RHD)

$17,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine 8 cylinder, 6.6 litre, 403ci
Gearbox 3 speed Automatic
Body Work Coupe
Colour Black
Interior Tan
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Disc/Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Pontiac Trans Am represents one of the most fascinating eras in motoring history- that of the rampant American muscle cars of the sixties and seventies. Initially offered as a USD $725 option group for the 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400, you could only order them in Polar White with blue striping. Mechanically it gave a standard 335bhp from its 400ci V8, but optionally there was the legendary 345bhp 'Ram-Air IV'. Stiffer suspension and power front discs were all part of the Trans Am package. The much-publicised gas crisis of the mid-seventies killed off just about any performance American V8, however Pontiac held out longer than most, and the 1974 Trans Ams with their 290-net bhp 455ci 'Super Duty' motors were seen as pillars of hope during this time, and sold strongly. Pontiac celebrated the Trans Am's tenth birthday in 1979 with a special anniversary package including unique trim, alloys and four-wheel discs to differentiate it. The standard powerplant for this year was the 185bhp 403ci borrowed from Oldsmobile though there was an optional Pontiac 400 with 220bhp. They were still good for 16 second quarter mile times.