The 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a classic American muscle car from the second generation of the Firebird lineup, known for its performance, styling, and cultural significance. The Firebird was the base model with the Trans AM being the Firebird performance model which was a specialty package beginning in 1969. Mid-1976 brought a Limited Edition Trans Am, which set the style for the incredibly popular Trans Ams to follow.
The Trams AM was essentially the same model but with better performance options, stronger suspension system and a more powerful engine.
The Pontiac Firebird and the Trams Am’s are very popular American automobiles built by Pontiac from 1967 to 2002. The Firebird went through four generations and was in production for thirty-five years.
Pontiac’s Pony Car Offering
The Pontiac Firebird was introduced in February 1967 as Pontiac’s answer to the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro,. The Firebird actually came out about six months after the Camaro and became quickly popular with pony car buyers. When the Pontiac Firebird debuted, the model had what is called a coke-bottle-like design. This design was also shared by it’s corporate cousin, the Chevy Camaro.
1979 Firebird Styling
For 1977 the Firebirds were again restyled with a dramatic new front end with quad headlights set into a new grille design. The ’77 to ’78 is often referred to as the “Batmobile” style, referring the aggressive front end. The hood was updated with new sheet metal making it more flat (better for bird decals). The restyling included a new grille and quad headlights.
Beginning mid-year all Trans Am tail lamp bezels were painted black rather than the body color bezels. This black treatment had been very successful on the Formula Appearance Package since 1976.
A new custom interior including new seats was brought forth for 1978. Replaced were the horse-collar style seats and plastic door panel lowers. This new interior was modern and featured a pillow back seat design. These seats were available in Doeskin Vinyl or Lombardy cloth in several colors.
The Black Special Edition Trans Am received two designations for 1978. Y82 for those built in the Norwood OH plant and Y84 for those built in the Van Nuys CA plant. All Black Special Editions had Hatch Roofs standard that year.
1978 Pontiac Firebird Specifications
Three engine options were available with the 1978 Firebird. The base model had a 250 cubic inch Inline Six with 155 HP. Also two V-8’s including a 400 cubic inch V-8 that delivered 180 HP and the W72 400 V-8 that put out 220 HP. The 400 cubic inch V-8 was the standard engine on the Trans AM. While the 1978 Trans AM essentially had the same engines as the 1977 models, the horsepower increased.
Available transmissions included a Turbohydramatic 350 three-speed automatic or a four-speed manual.
Brakes are front disc and rear drums.
The 78 Trans Am has a 108.2 inch wheelbase. Overall length 196.8 inches. Weight about 3,600 lbs.
Total 1978 Pontiac Production were 900, 370 vehicles. Total 1978 Firebird production were 137,275 vehicles. 1978 Trans Am production totaled 72,000 units. The 1978 Trans Am’s popularity carried over to the revised 1979 model, which peaked Trans Am sales at more than 117,000.
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1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
Reference material includes…Pontiac Muscle Car Performance Book by author Pete McCarthey…Firebird Red Book by Peter C. Sessler…Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide.
The Trans Am was considered one of Pontiac’s most important models and the late 1970’s Trans Am’s are receiving growing new popularity today. Some will even say that the 1977-1981 Trans Am’s are the hottest collector cars on the planet.
Today, excellent well maintained examples are sought after by collectors, with prices varying based on condition. Generally you may see asking prices for these models in the $50,000 to $100,000 plus range depending on degree of restoration, age of restoration and engine type.
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