Pontiac Trans Am, Black, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $25,995.

Pontiac seemed to be the last automaker to get the news that the horsepower wars were over. This 1978 Trans Am is proof enough. Still packing the Pontiac 400 cubic inch V8 that made early Trans Ams so special, it managed to crank out 220 horsepower and was wrapped in the all-black package made famous on the big screen by Burt Reynolds. Today, these cars are seeing a strong surge in values, no doubt driven by nostalgia as buyers finally find the disposable income to buy the cars of their childhood dreams. This is an extremely nice Starlight Black example that combines strong originality with some restored components to deliver an awful lot of car for the money. Bodywork is very straight, which is critical in a black car, and gaps are good all around. Even the deck lid spoiler fits well, something that was hard to get right, even when the cars were new. The unmistakable gold firebird decal on the hood was the car's defining styling element, and it is in excellent shape, as are the rest of the decals which show no signs of flaking, checking or peeling.

Black was the interior of choice with your all-black Trans Am, and it looks simply amazing in this car. The seats are supple and comfortable, and there are no splits or tears anywhere in the interior-remarkable. Door panels are also excellent, and the carpets are undamaged by the sun or wear. The original gauges are all fully functional, and live inside a dashboard dressed up by Pontiac's traditional engine-turned panel which remains bright. An AM/FM stereo radio with 8 Track, A/C, and a console round out the impressive list of equipment in this Trans Am, and it's all in excellent operating condition. As a non-T-top car, the structure is stiffer and more rigid, and the interior is largely free of the squeaks and rattles that often plague the open cars.

In 1978, the 400 was making 180 horsepower, and the L78 could be paired with either the 4-speed manual or automatic transmission, as in this car. The numbers-matching engine has been coated in Pontiac Turquoise paint and still carries its original chrome valve covers and shaker-style hood scoop. The rest of the engine bay is exceptionally clean, and there are no signs of rust or accident repairs. It also features a new power brake booster and master cylinder, fresh hoses and belts, and new seals on the hood scoop itself. The 3-speed automatic shifts cleanly, and the Trans Am was proof that Americans were starting to discover handling in addition to simple brute horsepower. With a rumbling dual exhaust and those gorgeous gold snowflake wheels, this is still a car that gets respect on the streets, even 35 years later. Legends are like that.

Check your price books and you'll find that this car is a screaming bargain. Give us a call today and we'll be happy to tell you all about it.