Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015.
This Y88 Gold Special Edition was a one-year release and includes all the great three-letter model codes of the era: W72 6.6-liter V8, Y88 trim and WS6 Performance Pack. The gold leaf paint and glass T-Tops are a special accent, while the 16,000 original miles make this one barely broken in – 35 years later.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Y88 SE Gold Edition
Lot R204// Kissimmee 2015 //Jan 16-25
1978 Pontiac Trans Am SE
6.6L, 4-Speed, Y88 Gold Special Edition
Because it was produced for only one year, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE Gold Edition of 1978 is today considered a prime ‘70s-era collector Trans Am. One of the rarest versions of the second-generation Trans Am, the Gold Edition combined all the most popular features offered in 1978, most notably the optional W72 6.6L engine rated at 220 horsepower, factory 4-speed manual transmission, Radial Tuned Suspension and the WS6 Performance Package, which added a larger sway bar, quick-ratio steering box and special aluminum wheels with larger GR70-15 radial tires. The Gold Edition’s one-year-only exclusivity was also a feature of its unique appearance that incorporated Anniversary Solar Gold paint complemented with matching painted headlight opening trim, painted “Snowflake” wheels and contrasting pinstriping. Easily identified by its Y88 production code, this outstanding example was once part of the highly touted Milt Robson Collection, once one of the largest private collections of classic muscle cars in the world. It is one of very few equipped with the Hurst-shifted factory 4-speed, a rarity in late ‘70s performance iron. It also incorporates power steering and brakes, factory air conditioning, glass T-Top roof panels, tinted windshield and an AM/FM radio. During Robson’s ownership, the car was given a single repaint and its interior was restored with very rare NOS Camel Tan velour material. Now showing a remarkably low 15,619 miles, it is well documented with the original build sheet, window sticker, PHS documentation and the dealer invoice from Wallace Motor Company in Salisbury, North Carolina, showing its original MSRP of $8,654. This combination of rarity, factory equipment, low mileage and documented provenance make this one of the most desirable Trans Ams in the model’s history. | |
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.
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