Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, Pontiac introduced the Firebird in 1967 around the same time Mercury unleashed the Cougar and Chevrolet unveiled its Camaro, which shared the same F-body platform. In 1969, Pontiac came out with the Trans Am model which is essentially the Firebird with better performance options including a more powerful engine, tighter suspension, and more high-end interior options. The Firebird ultimately became Pontiac's sole performance car when the demise of the larger muscle cars like the GTO retired in the early 1970s. The Trans Am was sought-after from the start with limited production numbers of only a few thousand every year, until the mid-1970s when the 2nd Generation of the Firebird Trans Am really took off soaring.

The Firebird and its performance step up Trans Am model saw success through the years and survived the country's gas crises and the new emissions reforms to continue producing some of the most iconic muscle cars to this day. The 2nd generation showcased many similarities to the 1977 restyling of the Trans Am made famous by Smokey and the Bandit but saw a switch from a honeycomb grille to a crosshatch pattern. Pontiac also debuted a Special Edition model exclusive to the 1978 model year that featured their Y88 Special Gold Appearance Package much like the previous year's Y82 Black Appearance Package in reverse. A total of 93,341 Trans Am's were produced for 1978 including 8,666 Special Edition models.

Offered here is a Special Edition 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Y88 T-top Coupe adorned with code 50- Solar Gold exterior paint, Dark Gold pin striping & unique 5-color Phoenix hood decal; gold grill liners, nose emblem, tinted T-tops, Formula steering wheel with gold spokes, gold machined-turned aluminum instrument panel, Rally gauges, black taillamps, and gold 15x7” cast aluminum wheels with matching center caps. The 62N-coded interior features custom Camel Tan vinyl seating surfaces, gas & brake pedal trim, color matching door handle inserts, front & rear floor mats, and special edition interior trim accents. Sporting not only the Y88 Special Gold Appearance Package but also the W72 Performance Package which features the high-output 400ci V8 engine combining higher compression and performance camshaft leading to a total of 220 horsepower and 340 lbs-ft of torque! This numbers matching, WC-coded 400ci V8 engine is mated to its original Borg Warner T10 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission and 3.42 Posi-traction rear axle.

Other options and features include factory air conditioning, all tinted glass, F41 suspension, quick-ratio power steering, power front disc brakes, Delco AM/FM/Stereo 8-track player with rear speaker, and Space Saver spare tire. Of the 7,768 Special Edition W72 Trans Am models built for 1978, only 1,267 of them have a 4-speed manual transmission like this example! Originally sold new from Jarvis Motor Co. in Sikeston, Missouri where it would always stay close to home with only four Missouri owners throughout the years. Today, it now shows just 57,392 miles on the odometer with one former professional repaint. The sale includes its original owner's manual, warranty booklets, factory build sheet, PHS documentation, and an extra set of keys.

Upon purchase, the museum has replaced the interior seat upholstery & foams, console armrest, rear package tray, front door panels & armrests, rear side panels, rear seat hard covers, and T-top panel trim. Under the hood, the valve cover gaskets were replaced along with oil change, engine air filter, spark plugs & wires; new complete factory exhaust system with catalytic convertor supplied by Waldrons; rebuilt brake master cylinder, rear wheel cylinders & rear brake shoes; as well as 4 new Copper Cobra GT raised white letter radial tires measuring 245/60R15 were installed and the exterior & interior professionally detailed to bring this Special Edition Trans Am back to its original glory!

The Pontiac Trans Am is an iconic American muscle car as it is but this Special Edition model puts it above the rest with its unique color combination and options. Thank you for your interest in our rare Trans Am and please contact us directly for information or to schedule a time to come see it in person!