I've owned this car from about 1988 until I sold it on eBay in 2003. My dad bought it for me, and with a lot of help from some high school friends (including Terry Worick, now owner of Absolute Body and Paint) we restored it. We stripped all the paint, replaced the rusted rear quarter panels with aftermarket F-car patch panels we MIG welded in, fixed some small dents, and primered. The final coat of paint was done by a professional. We installed new carpet and a new headliner and had the front seats reupholstered at a shop in Hastings.
Despite many miles, the car was still peppy and reliable. More important, it was an excellent highway car. Driving it long distances was a pure pleasure. I've never owned a car that was more fun to drive, with the possible exception of my 1992 Saturn SL2.
In about 1991 the car was involved in an accident. The car ran off the road and into a deep ditch. It landed on its front and back bumpers, and the entire car was sort of bent in the middle. I took it in for an estimate at the time, and the body shops I talked to said it would cost more to straighten the frame than to simply buy another 1977 Firebird with a straight body. The car still drove just fine, but I had trouble opening and closing one of the doors, and one window had a big gap that caused a lot of wind noise at highway speeds.
I hadn't driven the car since about 1995, but it ran fine when I parked it, and my brother Patrick was able to start it up after it sold on eBay.
By the way, this is the car featured in the movie Smokey and the Bandit. However, I've heard it said that all the 1977 Trans Ams actually used in filming the movie were equipped with California emissions, including the Oldsmobile 403 CID V-8. Mine had the 400 CID Pontiac V-8. However, to the best of my knowledge, it did not have the optional (and more powerful) "T/A 6.6" V-8.
I sold this car on eBay in October 2002; the item number was 1863300267. The buyer planed to use it as a parts car.
Thanking about this car, remembering how great it was to drive, I've suffered a little seller's remorse. Maybe someday when I've got more time and money I can buy another. In the mean time, my 2002 Saturn is a fun car.
Some basic facts:
400 CID Pontiac V-8
Turbo Hydra Matic 350 automatic transmission
RTS (Radial Tuned Suspension)
Pontiac "Snowflake" alloy wheels
Original hood and Shaker scoop, unmodified
Dash in good condition
The center console is mostly in good condition, but there are some small (apparent) cigarette burns in front of the shifter. When I was driving the car I set a drink holder over them. (I believe the drink holder was still with the car.)
Originally came with "Screaming Chicken" Phoenix decal on hood
VIN: 2w87z7ni59327
Power windows, brakes, steering
Factory cruise control and air conditioning
Side vents and spoiler were present on the car when I sold it
