Reviewing 1979 Tenth Anniversary Trans Am - What To Look For?

[79TenthAnniversary]

In a week or so, I'll review a 1979 Tenth Anniversary Trans Am with the Pontiac 400 and a 4-speed manual transmission.

I had one of these cars in high school from 1983 to 1985, and I've always wanted another.

This example I found appears to be all original and in excellent condition (although not a concours show car) with over 71k miles.

I cannot tell if the carpet is the original low-pile shag or has been replaced, but everything else appears to reflect a well-maintained driver's level car.

In addition to reviewing it in person myself, I'll be running it to a local classic car specialist for a mechanical inspection.

That said, I'd appreciate any feedback from the peanut gallery here and would like to learn what to look for in one of these now that it's a 42-year-old car which is hard to believe because it means I'm now 56, LOL.

Here are some early pics I have of the car.

Any comments are appreciated.

 

[Pontiac Trans Am]

Get it in the air, which is the first place to start!

Thank you,
PTA Staff

 

[79TenthAnniversary]

Get it in the air, which is the first place to start!

Thank you,
PTA Staff

I suppose you mean getting it on a lift to look underneath, agreed.

I already have an appointment set up to look at the entire car.

I'll personally inspect it and review all electrics, accessories, and lighting.

I'll be looking for possible rust and trying to confirm originality.

It appears all original, although I think the carpet's been replaced as I don't see the "shag" that was unique to this.

Doesn't bother me too much.

43-year-old used carpet isn't beautiful, and most need replacing unless they're 5k-10k mile cars in storage.

My goal is a mostly all-original unmolested example of driver quality which is why this 71k mile example appears to fit the bill.

Any other weaknesses or specific things to look for on these?

I am trying to gather my specific questions and review points before seeing the car.

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[JR_Dallas81]

Beautiful car.

I want one of these! Following the thread to learn more about these cars.

 

[1911a1]

That's cool; it's a W72 car.

Check the trim tag, but I'm pretty sure it's legit.

Also, check the VIN against the engine VIN to be sure it has the original engine.