Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
"1979 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
One of the most well known television cars in history was, in fact, a Firebird Esprit. Or was it? As Hagerty puts it, ""Rockford drove what appeared to be a stock looking Pontiac Firebird Esprit, finished in glowing Solar Gold, replete with whitewall tires. Garner once explained that ""Rockford would have probably rather had a Trans Am, but realistically couldn't afford it.'"". Truth be told, in order to retain the ability to perform tire screeching chases, producers dressed down a Pontiac Formula so it would fit the modest lifestyle of the trailer home dwelling private investigator.�
For consignment, a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Esprit showing 11,525 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This Poncho has a numbers matching drivetrain and although we were not able to verify the mileage based on the title, all indicators point to a low mileage car.� Read on and see the photos, and if you can, see it in person!
Exterior
Just like Jim RockFord's, this Esprit starts off with Solar Gold, and in 1979, color coverage includes body matching Endura bumper covers, the nose especially streamlined and seamless compared to previous years. This car retains the 15-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels with the original OEM white wall tires, and is augmented by wheel flares shared by the Trans Am. The screaming eagle decal is on the hood with a center strength fold filling the space where a shaker hood scoop would go and the bird makes its way to the C-pillars while the epic three piece spoiler is added out back. This car makes no false claims and Firebird ESPRIT is still displayed by fender emblems with no Trans Am written anywhere. The silver lined red tail lights are a Firebird cue as well as the T/A would have smoked lenses. The body and paint are very good with imperfections noted to include some flex cracks in the Endura, some scuffs down low, various blemishes, mismatched color hues, orange peel, and divots.�
Interior
Mottled Camel vinyl covers most of the door panels in standard Firebird style while a carpeted strip covers the kick panel and map pockets and both doors are in great shape. The Camel hobnail cloth seats are also in fantastic condition including both the buckets up front and 2+2 in back. The T-spoked tilt steering wheel, while not the sporty model of the T/A, is in beautiful condition and dressed in various shades of brown plastic. A spun aluminum faceplate covers the instrument cluster which other than a clock replacing a tach, does not vary much from its hi-po cousin. The AM/FM radio is still in place framed in soft tan plastic that looks great and spills down onto the center console where the shifter lives in a black plastic base with a touch of patina on its silver painted trim. The carpet is clean and plush and the perforated headliner is intact but shows some indentations. Black carpet covers the trunk which houses a spare and jack.�
Drivetrain
A factory clean engine bay awaits and houses the numbers matching 301ci V8 rated at 135 horsepower, fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor and mated to the numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the 10 bolt rear axle with 2.41 gears. Power brakes were provided at the factory and are configured as front discs and rear drum.��
Undercarriage
Down here where the rubber meets the road, all is well. Surface rust is pervasive but simply a result of the passage of time rather than runs in the rain. The belly pans look coated and clean, the oil and transmission pans only show a film, and the knuckles are clear. The subframe has hit a few high spots in the road and there's some general dampness up front, but otherwise the bottom is clean. A single exhaust runs through an original equipment muffler, then exits via a straight chrome tip out back. Suspension is standard coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.��
Drive-Ability
We're going to take it easy on the 46 year old tires, but that doesn't impact the well running V8. Automatic shifts are smooth and the interior is clean and comfortable. All of the functions available to the driver operate as they should and we glide this gold bird back to the mall. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.�
We use the term time capsule sparingly around here especially with so many cars restored to ""better than new"". But this one really does feel like 1979, for someone who wanted a Trans Am but didn't want to pay the extra money nor incur the insurance costs. And speaking of price, this car comes with the window sticker and is a true piece of Pontiac history!
2T87Y9N114118
2-Pontiac
T-Firebird Esprit
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
Y-301ci 2bbl 135hp V8
9-1979
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
114118-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
79-1979
10C-3rd Week October
2FS87-Firebird Hardtop Sport Coupe
N040098-Norwood Body #
628-Camel Hobnail Cloth
50L 50U-Solar Gold
A51-Bucket Seats
A21-Power Windows
W67-Esprit Package
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
"
| Year: | 1979 |
| Make: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Firebird |
| Mileage: | 11525 |
| Exterior Color: | Solar Gold |
| Interior Color: | Camel |
| Trim: | Esprit |
| Body: | coupe |
| Stock: | 7519 |
| Engine Size: | Gasoline |
| Transmission: | 3 Speed Automatic |
| Vin: | 2T87Y9N114118 |
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Classic Auto Mall is a world class consignment house located in southeastern Pennsylvania with indoor showroom space for up to 1,000collectable and special interest vehicles offered for sale. We are conveniently located just west of Philadelphia. This one of a kind building is climate controlled and security monitored and is the ultimate destination for classic and specialty car lovers. The building is located right on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with terrific frontage and exposure. Additionally, this one of a kind building houses one of the finest barn findcollections in the world with over 400 vehicles on display. The facility and grounds have plenty of room for indoor and outdoor automotive related events, car shows, car club meets, ride and drives and more.
Classic Auto Mall by the Numbers:
This wonderful facility started life as a clothing outlet mall in 1985 and then evolved into a furniture outlet mall until it closed its doors in 2011. There is a 188 room Holiday Inn with a walk-thru entrance attached to the facility that has a full-service restaurant, lounge, meeting facilities and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel just underwent a $3,000,000 renovation.
With an abundance of car collectors, car clubs and racetracks located within a short distance, this fantastic facility is ideally situated.
Our consignment program has classic car lovers excited to have a facility like this to store and offer their prized possessions for sale. We market vehicles worldwide and get top dollar for your one special car or your entire collection!
Please contact us further to discuss your needs.
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