1978 Pontiac Trans Am

Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

2W87Z8N160558

Gasoline

1978 “Smokey and the Bandit” Trans Am (RELISTED due to winner not making payment) In the summer of 1977, one of the all time classic movies with Burt Reynolds, Sally Field and Jerry Reed hit the theaters and while everyone loved Burt and Sally, the iconic Black Trans Am became even more popular than the actors. The “Smokey and the Bandit” car was about fun, driving fast, getting the girl, and being cool. Even today when you drive up to a bar, and the Harley Davidson bikers move their bikes over so you can park up front with them, you know the car is still just as cool. Offered for auction is the best overall edition, the 1978 model of the “Smokey and the Bandit” car. The differences between the original 1977 movie model and the 1978 model were almost negligible to the naked eye, but you feel it when you drive. In 1978 the WS6 performance package was first offered and this car has it. One of the quickest ways to visually see the difference is noting the 1 inch wider gold snowflake wheels for better stability. You can tell the wheel has a dished look versus the straight up and down look of the 7 inch rim. When you have the 8 inch wheels, you know that underneath you also have the performance suspension radial tuned with larger diameter sway bars and a closer ratio steering gear box. In 1978 the engine was still the famous Pontiac 400 and the T-Tops were improved to the larger Fisher type. The original travel covers are still in the trunk to protect them when you go topless. Five years ago a frame off restoration was begun by the previous owner using Evolution Autobody and completed two years ago. This car had Ziebart rust protection undercoated after delivery to the dealer and it did a wonderful job of rust protection. The amount of rust that had to be fixed was minimal, even though the car spent most of its life in Ohio before coming to Texas. Because Ziebart is so good and still doing the job, the frame and underbody were not media blasted to save time and expense. The Pontiac 400 engine and Turbo 350 automatic transmission, all numbers matching, were rebuilt back to stock. The motor runs strong and the transmission shifts perfectly with less than 800 miles since the rebuild. The recommended after rebuild 50 mile oil change was performed and at 500 miles changed over to synthetic Mobil-1 oil. Underneath, the entire front end was replaced with all new parts and bushings. The front coil springs and rear 5-leaf springs along with heavy duty shocks were also replaced to bring the car back to original factory ride height and feel. The dual exhaust was replaced with Flow Masters and the original exhaust manifolds were used to maintain the stock look to the engine compartment. The brakes are new and stopping is crisp. This car has original factory AC although the compressor is new and even with the new R134 Freon it blows nice and cold. Other factory options include: rear window defroster, all soft ray glass, Fisher T-tops, power windows, AM/FM/8 Track (original radio is still in the car and it works as does both the front and single rear speaker, there are even a few 8-track tapes in the glove box), tilt steering wheel, and controlled cycle windshield wipers. The BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires have 200 miles on them. The interior is also totally restored. The gold machine finished dash bezel was re-tinted to a fresh looking gold, the steering wheel was replaced, and the gauge lenses were replaced as well as all of the gauges except for the speedometer, which is original. Even the clock works in the new tachometer and most didn’t even work from the factory. The headliner is new as are the visors. The seat covers as well as seat buns are also new along with the carpet and door panels. All of the gold emblems are new. The mats are not stock but are new and plush with the gold Trans Am logo embossed looking so much better than stock. She smells like a new car on the inside. This car is a tribute to the Smokey and the Bandit movie. While it was originally a Black on Black Trans Am as you can see from the PHS documentation, it did not originally have the “special edition” appearance package. During the restoration it was converted to a special edition except for a few small items. I left the trim around the front and rear window as well as the T-tops chromed because it looks better in my opinion and helps to offset all that black and it works better with the wheels. That trim is black on the special edition. In the interior, you would need to add a hand grip to the dash on the passenger side and change the standard door panels to deluxe. I like the standard panels better since they look cleaner in my opinion but the special edition had deluxe door panels. The seats already have the deluxe covers. This has been a 5 year project and $40K total has been spent by the previous owner and me. There are other parts that have been replaced with new but they are too numerous to list here. I’m selling this car to make room for my next project. This is an awesome car and you will enjoy driving. I had to get used to people gawking and pointing while blowing their horns with a thumbs up every time I’m out driving. I have even gotten used to people asking me to take pictures of the car. It really does bring back all of the good memories of the late 70’s. SOME ADDITIONAL NOTES: 1. Please be advised that by placing a bid you are entering into a legally binding contract and are committed to purchasing the vehicle described above. The details of this commitment are further outlined in the eBay User Agreement. 2. Bidders with no feedback, negative feedback, or with bid retractions must email me direct first in order to make purchase arrangements as all such bids may be subject to cancellation or rejection. 3. I reserve the right to end this auction early or to cancel bids solely at my discretion and shall not be held liable for any such cancellation or closure. 4. Winning bidders are required to contact me within 24 hours of the auction's closing to secure the vehicle and to finalize the details of the transaction. 5. A $2,000 non-refundable deposit via PayPal is required within 48 hours of auction close to secure the vehicle. Balance must be paid in full via bank transfer within 7 days and/or prior to delivery of vehicle. 6. In the event that winning bidders are unable, either to contact me directly, or to provide for deposit within established time frames, vehicles may be made available to other buyers on a first come, first serve basis. 7. I have represented this vehicle to the best of my ability. Prospective bidders should nevertheless, feel free to contact me directly to provide information, respond to uncertainties, or answer any questions, please email me and I will forward my personal cell number to qualified buyers. If you want any pictures of anything in particular, let me know and I can email them to you. 8. It is important to bear in mind that a vehicle is "New" only once and that all pre-owned vehicles, regardless of age, mileage, or manufacturer are subject to cosmetic wear and mechanical failure. These understandings are essential to the realistic expectations of automobile ownership, and more so as concerns the fine materials and delicate tolerances of specialty, luxury, or high-performance cars. It is for this reason that I encourage a personal inspection prior to delivery to help ensure your satisfaction. 9. This 1978 Trans Am is sold "AS IS" and with no warranties expressed or implied. Please understand I am not a dealer, this Bandit is from my personal collection. I have disclosed this vehicle to the best of my ability. I do not want negative marks on my eBay account. I will answer all questions to the best of my knowledge. 10. Final or closing bid price does not include shipping, tax, title, or registration. It is the purchaser's responsibility to provide for any federal, state, or local taxes or shipping expenses resulting from the sale. 11. I will be glad to assist with shipping arrangements, but assume no responsibility for damages or delays incurred once a vehicle is in a shipper's custody. 12. Good luck, and thanks for looking.