Original Paint, Original Engine: 1977 Trans Am Runs, Drives, Impresses

The new model year received new styling changes, including a new hood (including on the Trans Am), square headlights, and new color combinations.

It paid off. Pontiac sold more than 155K Firebirds, with the Trans Am getting close to 69K shipped units.

The engine lineup was updated, too. The carmaker dropped the 455, and the base L78 400 was now rated at 180 horsepower. It was offered as the standard choice on the Trans Am, while Formula buyers could order it as an option.

The new W72 400 was a perfect replacement for the 455, joining the lineup with 200 horsepower. It was available for the Trans Am and the Formula.

The W72 engine option eventually made its way to over 25,000 Trans Ams, with the standard L78 still accounting for the lion's share on this model year. Most W72s were installed on the non-SE model, but nearly 6,500 customers ordered the engine for their T-Top SE (Y82) Trans Am.

The Trans Am in these pictures rolled off the assembly lines with the base 400 under the hood, but the good news is the same unit is still in charge of putting the wheels in motion. The original unit "runs pretty well," according to eBay seller mopar6930, and it now comes with a new fuel pump.

The Trans Am is mostly original, still wearing the paint sprayed by Pontiac before it left the factory. It shows its age and exhibits the typical scratches, and I'm sure the next owner will go for a full respray, especially if they are interested in a tip-top Trans Am.

The interior is also original and shows signs of wear, but nothing seems to be missing. The buyer will also receive a series of new parts, including a carpet kit and a headliner. It's a nice way to breathe new life into the Trans Am's interior, paving the way for a potential restoration.

However, the Trans Am isn't by any means a rough project. It only requires minor TLC and a full respray, though you can always give it a full tune-up, retain the patina, and enjoy the 400 roar occasionally. You won't find any concerning rust, and the undercarriage looks clean, likely as the car spent most of the nights inside.

The bidding for the Trans Am is underway, but the top offer only reached $1,725. It can't unlock the reserve, so fingers crossed for the bidding to go significantly higher in the five remaining days. You can find the car in Las Vegas if you want to see it in person before committing to a purchase.