1979 Pontiac Firebird Espirit – Sold?
November 29th Update: We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this car expired and with no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold. This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330
Despite its wild popularity in the late seventies, not everyone wanted to channel their inner Burt Reynolds driving the “look at me” styling of a Trans Am while paying higher insurance premiums. Instead, many others opted to channel their inner Jim Rockford by driving a much more understated Firebird Espirit such as the example originally listed in November 2020 on Craigslist in North Ridgefield, Ohio with only 60K original miles, factory air conditioning, and an asking price of $9,500. Researching this asking price against the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the private seller has their Firebird priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $9,350 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $14,050. Similarly, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool as a second data point confirms this private seller has their Firebird priced between the #3 “Good” estimate of $6,000 and the #2 “Excellent” estimate of $12,400.
By the late 1970s, the popularity of Pontiac’s Trans Am was at its peak, especially as Pontiac was making it well known that 1979 would be the last year for its performance WS6 400 cubic inch engine. The popularity of the Trans Am continues to overshadow other Firebird offering such as this W68 Red Bird Edition of the Espirit.
The Espirit was a more luxurious mid-level trim package for buyers who liked the styling of the Firebird but didn’t want the performance of a Formula or Trans Am. As such, Espirits came standard with the 250 cubic-inch straight-six, while optional was Pontiac’s 301 cubic inch V8 such as the one found in this example.
We came across this Chicago-market commercial for the 1979 Firebird that used a nearly identical car to the one we’re featuring here:
With only 60K original miles, based on the pictures provided this Firebird’s bright red cloth interior presents like new while the repainted exterior appears glossy despite several treated visible rust spots. Overall this Firebird appears to be a nice survivor Good luck with the purchase!
Here’s the seller’s description:
“1979 Firebird Esprit.
301 4.9 Litre 2bbl V8.
60,000 original miles.
It has an older repaint. The paint shines really nicely. There is some surface rust that was treated with rust stop. Also has some deep scratches on both sides of the vehicle. Also, a few door dings.
The underneath is very clean. The car was undercoated when new. The car was never driven in the winter.
The interior is very clean. Everything is original except for the am fm cassette radio.
All lights and gauges work. AC works as well.
The tires are a few years old and have plenty of tread on them.
A really nice example of a clean Firebird.
Contact me for further info.”
Do you have a Pontiac Espirit story you’d like to share? Comment below and let us know!
The interior does look good and the engine compartment cleaned up well. The rust could be a problem. I would expect to get the bodywork done soon if you are looking to keep the car.