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Pontiac introduced their second generation of Firebirds in 1970. The Firebird lineup now had four body styles, instead of six. The convertible was no longer offered. The top-of-the-line body style was the Trans Am, which was fitted with air dams across the bottom of the front and in front of the wheels. Completing the package was a large deck lid spoiler and small spoilers in front of the rear wheels.
Throughout the 1970s, the Firebird and Trans Am became an even more refined automobiles and increased in popularity in spite of CAFE restorations that limited Pontiac's ability to increase engine performance. Instead, they focused on appearance and handling.
In 1977, the Trans Am entered a new level of popularity when it played a leading roll along-side Burt Reynolds, Sally Fields, and Jackie Gleason in the movie 'Smokey and the Bandit.' The movie was made in 1976 and used several Trans AMs equipped with what would be the SE package.
Later, Burt Reynolds purchased his own original Trans Am - this car. It is a true W87 Trans Am with factory T-tops and a 6.6-liter 400 cubic-inch engine fitted with an automatic transmission. It has been properly restored and given slight modifications. It is black with gold paint, snowflake rims, and body ground effects with flairs and spoilers. The interior features embroidered Bandit portrait headrests, aftermarket stereo, a leather steering wheel, and a Cobra C.B. radio.
The car was loaned to the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, where it was a display piece for many years.
In 2009, this Trans Am 'Bandit' Sport Coupe was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers and held in Seabrook, Texas. The lot was estimated to sell for $55,000 - $75,000. The lot was sold for $47,000 plus the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009
Throughout the 1970s, the Firebird and Trans Am became an even more refined automobiles and increased in popularity in spite of CAFE restorations that limited Pontiac's ability to increase engine performance. Instead, they focused on appearance and handling.
In 1977, the Trans Am entered a new level of popularity when it played a leading roll along-side Burt Reynolds, Sally Fields, and Jackie Gleason in the movie 'Smokey and the Bandit.' The movie was made in 1976 and used several Trans AMs equipped with what would be the SE package.
Later, Burt Reynolds purchased his own original Trans Am - this car. It is a true W87 Trans Am with factory T-tops and a 6.6-liter 400 cubic-inch engine fitted with an automatic transmission. It has been properly restored and given slight modifications. It is black with gold paint, snowflake rims, and body ground effects with flairs and spoilers. The interior features embroidered Bandit portrait headrests, aftermarket stereo, a leather steering wheel, and a Cobra C.B. radio.
The car was loaned to the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, where it was a display piece for many years.
In 2009, this Trans Am 'Bandit' Sport Coupe was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers and held in Seabrook, Texas. The lot was estimated to sell for $55,000 - $75,000. The lot was sold for $47,000 plus the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009
2011 Worldwide Auctions - The Auburn Auction
Sale Price :
USD $57,750
2009 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Houston Classic Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $55,000-USD $75,000
Sale Price :
USD $51,700
1978 Pontiac Firebird Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Pontiac Firebird
(Data based on Model Year 1978 sales)
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l145643 Sold for USD$41,800 2024 Mecum : Harrisburg | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l146486 Sold for USD$38,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1978 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM Chassis#: 2W87Z8L169908 Sold for USD$62,700 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1978 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM Chassis#: 2W87Z8N134757 Sold for USD$73,700 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l156537 Sold for USD$24,200 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1978 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM Chassis#: 2W87Z8L160424 Sold for USD$45,100 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1978 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM Chassis#: 2W87Z8L147222 Sold for USD$46,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1978 Pontiac Firebird Esprit Skybird Chassis#: 2t87u8l119414 Sold for USD$28,600 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l168593 Sold for USD$33,000 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l165818 Sold for USD$47,300 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l116290 Sold for USD$11,000 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l173885 Sold for USD$30,800 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l102758 Sold for USD$33,000 2023 Mecum : Harrisburg | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l173863 Sold for USD$38,500 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 | |
1978 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM Chassis#: 2W87Z8L173954 Sold for USD$85,800 2023 Barrett-Jackson : Las Vegas | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#: 2w87z8l184029 Sold for USD$38,500 2023 Mecum : Houston | |
1978 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM Chassis#: 2W87Z8L173863 Sold for USD$31,900 2023 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Sold for USD$47,300 2023 Mecum : Glendale | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Sold for USD$27,500 2023 Mecum : Glendale | |
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Sold for USD$33,000 2023 Mecum : Glendale |
Pontiac Firebirds That Failed To Sell At Auction
1978 Pontiac Firebird's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2w87z8n153157 | 2024 Mecum : Harrisburg | $50,000 | ||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Pro Touring | 2w87z8n136568 | 2024 Mecum : Indy | $100,000 | ||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am SE | 2w87k8l176200 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $80,000 | ||
1978 Pontiac Macho Trans Am | 2w87z8l121656 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $45,000 | ||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2w87z8l169908 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $65,000 | ||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2w87z8l117694 | 2023 Mecum : Kansas City | $37,000 | ||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2w87z8n196277 | 2023 Mecum : Harrisburg | $26,500 | ||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am SE | 2w87z8n135222 | 2023 Mecum : Indy | |||
1978 Pontiac Firebird | 2022 Mecum : Las Vegas | ||||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2W87Z8N171821 | 2022 GAA : November 2022 | $18,000 | ||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2022 Mecum : Chicago | $30,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2022 Mecum : Chicago | $27,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Custom | 2022 Mecum : Dallas | $60,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2022 Mecum : Harrisburg | $16,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Firebird SE | 2022 Mecum Indy | ||||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2021 Mecum : Las Vegas | $65,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2020 Mecum : Houston | $27,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2020 Mecum : Indy Fall Special | $20,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Firebird Formula | 2020 Mecum : Indy | $20,000 | |||
1978 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM MECHAM MACHO COUPE | 2W87Z8L157441 | 2020 BarrettJackson : Online Only May | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2019 GAA : November 2019 | $25,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2019 Mecum : Chicago | $20,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2019 Mecum : Dallas | $50,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2019 Mecum : Monterey | ||||
1978 Pontiac Macho Trans Am | 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | $32,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Macho Trans Am | 2019 Mecum : Indianpolis | $31,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am Custom | 2W87Z8L154130 | 2019 RM Sothebys : Fort Lauderdale | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction | $29,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction | $17,000 | |||
1978 Pontiac Trans Am | 2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction | $21,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $27,896 range.
2001 Plymouth Prowler Mulholland Edition Chassis#:1c3ew65g41v703865 Sold for $28,050 2024 Mecum : Harrisburg | |
1986 Chevrolet K10 Pickup Chassis#:2gcek14hxg1189924 Sold for $28,050 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1976 Chevrolet C10 Pickup Chassis#:ccd146z126572 Sold for $28,050 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1979 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#:2w87k9n121409 Sold for $28,050 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1940 Ford Model 01A Deluxe 'Woodie' Station Wagon Chassis#:185793041 Sold for $27,720 2024 Bonhams : Gilded Age | |
1924 PANHARD ET LEVASSOR X47 LIMOUSINE Chassis#:47739 Sold for $28,000 2024 Gooding & Co: Selections From The Mullin Collection Auction | |
1986 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Chassis#:jt3rn64w2g0064470 Sold for $28,050 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1986 Chevrolet K10 Pickup Chassis#:1gcek14h0gs146418 Sold for $28,050 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1965 Fiat 500F 'Jolly' Beach Car Conversion Chassis#:1520214 Sold for $28,000 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
1959 MG A Roadster Electric Conversion Chassis#:HDR4362391 Sold for $28,000 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
1968 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP Chassis#:F10BEA70886 Sold for $28,050 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
2010 PORSCHE PANAMERA S Chassis#:WP0AB2A79AL062681 Sold for $28,050 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1993 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER HZJ75 CUSTOM FLATBED TRUCK Chassis#:JT731PJ7508517975 Sold for $28,050 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1957 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup Chassis#:3a57j120292 Sold for $28,050 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1979 Pontiac Trans Am Chassis#:2w87z9n124665 Sold for $28,050 2023 Mecum : Kansas City | |
1971 Triumph TR-6 Race Car Chassis#:CC 63064 L Sold for $28,000 2023 Bonhams : Audrain Concours Auction | |
1963 Buick Riviera Coupe Sold for $28,000 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1995 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Coupe Sold for $28,000 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1969 Chevrolet C10 Custom Truck Sold for $28,000 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1936 Packard Eight Touring Coupe Sold for $28,000 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction |
1978 Pontiac Firebird
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