17,000 Original Miles
Manual Transmission
6.6L 400ci W72 V8
200 hp @ 3600 RPM*
325 lb/ft torque @ 2400 RPM*
Capable 0-60 MPH: 7.8 seconds
Top Speed: 132 mph
Sticker Price in 1977: $5,823.05
*Seller Asking:
$49,900
Fast Facts:
- Trans Ams came standard with a 400ci engine, but buyers could check off the W72 performance option (shown here) that included different cam timing, carb tuning, and smaller combustion chamber cylinder heads off the 350ci for higher compression (8.1: vs. 7.6:1). This gave owners around 20+ additional horsepower, and peak torque occurred 800 RPM later in the rev range
- In summary, the W72 400 was intended to take the place of the now defunct 455ci as the most potent engine offering on the Firebird. The price for this extra performance was only $50 over the base 400ci (L78)
- While any Trans Am could be ordered with the flaming bird hood decal (shown here), buyers had to choose option code Y82 (or Y81 w/out T-Tops) if they wanted the same iconic paint scheme used on “Smokey and the Bandit” cars. These were Special Edition models were patterned after the 1976 Pontiac Fiftieth Anniversary Limited Edition model and feature gold accents all throughout the car. According to the designer of this paint scheme (John Schinella), the colors were inspired by Lotus Formula 1 race cars wearing the black/gold John Player Special livery
- In terms of performance, what set the Trans Am apart the most from the Z28 Camaro was its handling. The Trans Am’s .80g skidpad grip blitzes the Z28’s .74g. It was the same story throughout the entire ’70s – the Trans Am was always the better handling car
- The previous year (1976) was the first year of the optional T-top roof, constructed by Hurst and initially referred to as the “Hurst Hatch”. Despite numerous complaints of water leaks, the Hurst Hatch proved to be a popular option – so much so that Pontiac decided to design and engineer their own T-tops through GM’s Fisher body division. These new T-tops, which can be identified by the larger glass panels, became available halfway through the 1978 MY
Key Model Year Changes:
- Major facelift with a front end. Too many changes to list! Key changes include:
- First year of the square quad headlights
- First year of the snowflake wheels
- First year of the W72 400ci engine option, designed to replace the 455ci option from the previous year
- First year of the Lombardy custom cloth seats (much more “grip” than the previous vinyl seats) as well as new Doeskin vinyl material
- Final year of the optional rear seat console
- …and more
Seller Notes:
- 17k original miles
- Factory 4spd and Hurst T-Tops
- PHS documented
- Matching numbers W72 400ci engine
- Factory black car with mostly original paint
- Paint still shines but has normal minor imperfections with age
- Still has the emissions equipment intact, including the original catalytic converter
- Passed CA smog in August 2021
- Currently has ’78 WS6 wheels w/ gold accent (new tires). Still have the original ’77 silver wheels
- Contact for more info
- CONTACT SELLER – Update: Seller’s Craigslist ad has been deleted (sold or removed from market)
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*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
Mileage Disclaimer: NOC has not confirmed if the mileage stated by the seller is true and accurate. It is up to the buyer to verify these claims. Vehicle history reports, service records stating mileage, and even inspections of odometer tampering are recommended.
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