Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.This isn't just any second-gen Firebird Trans Am – it's packing Pontiac's 400ci W72 V8, hooked up to a four-speed manual, and showing 65,000 miles on the clock. The original Chesterfield Brown paint is long gone, swapped for a bold red respray. You get a Safe-T-Track limited-slip diff, 17-inch Snowflake-style alloys, aftermarket front coilovers, and that classic Camel Tan vinyl inside. Right now, it's up for grabs, with bidding ending on August 26, 2026.1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerWhat It's Worth Right NowClassic.com pegs the average second-gen Trans Am at $41,717, but the numbers are all over the map. Out of 187 sales, the average is $44,240, with a wild spread from a bargain-basement $2,000 all the way up to a jaw-dropping $228,000. That's $8.3 million worth of Firebirds changing hands.AdvertisementAdvertisementPrices are all over the place, depending on how original, clean, or rare your Trans Am is. One 1978 with 57,000 miles is asking $46,800, while a modded example with 77,000 miles is listed at $34,900. These are just asking prices, though – what people actually pay can be a different story.1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerThis Trans Am isn't a time-capsule survivor – it's been tweaked and has 65,000 miles, which is more than some of the garage queens out there. But with the 400ci W72 V8, four-speed manual, limited-slip diff, and a stack of paperwork, it's got plenty going for it. Based on what's out there, you're probably looking at a $35,000 to $45,000 car if everything checks out under the skin. That $4,000 bid? Just the opening salvo.Condition and DetailsThis Trans Am started life at Searles Pontiac-Cadillac in Missoula, Montana, then bounced around Washington and California before landing with its current owner in 2024. It rolled out of the factory in Chesterfield Brown, but somewhere along the way, someone decided red was more its speed. The car still rocks all the classic Trans Am cues: rear spoiler, shaker hood with Firebird graphics, and quad headlights. Paint protection film went on the rocker panels and splash guards earlier this year.1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerPop the hood and you'll find the original 400ci W72 V8 with a four-barrel carb, sending power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual and a Safe-T-Track limited-slip diff. Up front, it's got Aldan American Phantom Series coilovers, while the rear sticks with leaf springs and aftermarket shocks. Brakes are power-assisted discs up front, drums out back, and the dual exhaust exits just ahead of the fuel tank.1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerInside, it's all Camel Tan vinyl – front buckets, rear seats, and door panels. You get an engine-turned dash, heater, crank windows, and a Delco-GM AM radio with an eight-track player for your vintage tunes. The odometer reads 65,000 miles, with just 200 added by the current owner. The driver's seat has some torn upholstery, so it's not perfect. Recent work includes a new starter, air filter, distributor cap and rotor, ignition wires, and spark plugs, plus a fresh battery. Heads up: the seller says it's a little grumpy at idle until it warms up.1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe OfferSpecificationDetailMakePontiacModelFirebird Trans AmYear1978Mileage65,000 miles shownEngine400ci W72 V8TransmissionFour-speed manualDrive typeRear-wheel driveDifferentialSafe-T-Track limited-slipExterior colorRed, repaintedInterior colorCamel Tan vinylLocationSherwood, OregonAuction endingAugust 26, 2026Interested in this Pontiac Firebird Trans Am? View the listing here.What Makes the Firebird Trans Am UniqueThe second-generation Firebird Trans Am has a recognizable place in Pontiac's muscle-car history, combining the long, low proportions of the Firebird with the Trans Am's shaker hood, graphics, spoilers, and performance-oriented equipment. This example is particularly interesting because it pairs the 400ci W72 V8 with the relatively uncommon four-speed manual transmission and a Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential.1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmBring a TrailerIt is also not being presented as a concours-original car. The red repaint, aftermarket suspension components, larger 17-inch wheels, and other changes give it more of a driver-oriented character. For someone interested in using a second-generation Trans Am rather than simply preserving one, that distinction may make this particular car worth considering, especially with the 400ci engine and four-speed still in place.Final ThoughtsThis 1978 Trans Am lands in a sweet spot for classic car fans. It's not a low-mileage unicorn, and it's been tweaked and repainted, but the W72 400ci V8, four-speed manual, limited-slip diff, and unmistakable Trans Am looks make it a solid pick for enthusiasts. You also get the window sticker, factory docs, service records, and an Oregon title to sweeten the deal.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat $4,000 bid is just the opening act, so don't expect it to stay there, especially with recent Trans Ams asking $35,000 to $47,000. The real questions: How does the W72 run once it's warmed up? Does the suspension upgrade make it a better drive? And how much TLC does the interior need? If you're after a four-speed, big-block second-gen Trans Am, this one's worth keeping an eye on as the auction heats up.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.