Topic: 1979 value T/A verses 1978 T/A

[6.6blackwizrd]

Being new to the ownership of a 1979 trans am or any T/A period.  I got into a heated discusion of values of 79 trans ams verseses  a 1978.  I personally like the look of the 79, but my buddy who supposedly is a pontiac guru told me that 79's are not as diserible.  Many because people dont like the looks of the front end.  I really dont care about the value of the cars I was just wondering, and  if that is true why did they sell so many?  I realize performance options come into play but im talking about the cozmetics of the car.

[ta collector]

i have both a 78 and a 79 i like the looks of both as far as value i think alot has to do with the engines most 79s had the olds engine like mine and most of the 78s had pontiac engines so people say they are worth more because of the pontiac engines in the 78s and i think the reason they sold more 79s is everyone knew it was going to be the last year for 6.6 liter engines,that is what i think hopefully other members will have some more insight on this but a good question.

[w72transamowner]

You know, I'm not sure being the last year for the 6.6 litre (400 or 403) had that much to do with the sales figures, because you need to remember that 1979 was also the Camaro's best sales year; GM sold a boat load of F-bodies that year compared to the competition and then it slowly went down from there.

So, value comparison?  I'd have to say the 78 has a "slight" edge just because there were so many 79's sold (with most of them equipped with the Olds 403 vice the Pontiac 400).

[WarbirdTA]

Depends on what 1979 Trans Am you are talking about.
Look at the 10th Anniversary Trans Ams.
7500 made, and they sell for big bucks, including the 403 Olds version.
And don't forget the 1979 Special Editions, during 1978, alot were gold, and had paint problems.

My take,

George 

[milly]

It depends on how the car is equiped and what a person is willing to pay for either car.

I would think that any '79 400/4-speed car would be worth more than a '78 400/4-speed car, if equiped the same. Not as many 400/4-speed cars built in '79 as in '78.

[O'Neall]

Aside from the TATA cars (which are truly a unique animal) I'd have to say that the 78s in general are worth a bit more... and it has a lot to do with the prevelance of the 403 in the 79s no doubt.  Now if you take two super low mile T/As, one a 78 one a 79, both 400/4spd WS6 cars... it's a toss up.  Both will pull good bucks.  But if you're just talking regular run of the mill T/As, the 78s, I think, are worth more by virtue of the fact that they're far more likely to have a Pontiac engine... and, let's face it, the Bandit looking nose adds to it too.  To the general public, the 77-78 nose is what people think of when you say "Trans Am".  That carries with it some value that translates into $$$.

[rad400]

I would have to go with the 79 its hard to beat the 400/4sp and WS6 option, and add the TATA option.

[TransAmGuy]

1978's are by far the most valuable.  I base that on the fact that I own a '78.

[Rick]

1978's are by far the most valuable.  I base that on the fact that I own a '78.

The preceding was an absolutely unbiased opinion.  If needed, a notarized statement to that effect is available upon request.

[TransAmGuy]

1978's are by far the most valuable.  I base that on the fact that I own a '78.

The preceding was an absolutely unbiased opinion.  If needed, a notarized statement to that effect is available upon request.

Plus, if you read it on the internet, it MUST be true............

[Rick]

Yep -- that's proof positive beyond question!

[Z1]

Is it just me but ..it seems to be very difficult to find a 77 or 78 with low mileage that is in the same unrestored shape as a 79 to me they are most always rusted .
Im just saying it seems the 79 must have had some sort of rust treatment or better metal.

[Z1]

Ok i thought i might disagree with everyone but i thought i would do some research first...  77,78,79 all with air and 400

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1977&m=1143&d=5107&c=7&o=35605~35606&vi=84348&z=64055&da=1

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1978&m=1143&d=5107&c=7&o=35595~35599&vi=84381&z=64055&da=1


http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1979&m=1143&d=5107&c=7&o=35583~35585&vi=84414&z=64055&da=1

[Z1]

Ok here is a 78 SE   versus the 79 aniversaay  both with air, 400 and tops

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1979&m=1143&d=5107&c=7&o=35583~35585~35588&vi=84415&z=64055&da=1

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1978&m=1143&d=5107&c=7&o=35595~35599~35601&vi=84382&z=64055&da=1

[Z1]

Im talking to myself again