1979 Pontiac Trans Am - Discovering Atlantis... Over And Over Again

Backing every T/A 6.6 engine throughout the '79 model year was an 11-inch clutch disc and pressure-plate assembly, and a Borg-Warner Super T10 four-speed manual transmission with a First-gear ratio of 2.43:1. Because the WS6 Suspension Package was required with the W72 Performance Package that year, all Firebirds equipped with the T/A 6.6 received a 10-bolt rear axle filled with a 3.23:1 ratio gear set, and new-for-the-year J65 rear disc brakes on either end.

Inspiration Elation While not stellar in today's world, the T/A 6.6 engine was a stout performer in its day, and it left an impression on most anyone who came in contact with it. Ray Krob of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was bitten by the Trans Am performance bug when his neighbor gave him a ride in his new Starlight Black '79 Trans Am. "It had the 400 four-speed and the car was very fast for its time. The experience in my neighbor's car inspired me to purchase my own," he says.

Ray headed straight for Joe Coker Pontiac in Midwest City, Oklahoma, and on the lot sat a new Atlantis Blue '79 Trans Am complete with the 400 engine and four-speed manual trans. "I always liked blue, and this one grabbed me. I was told that it was damaged in transit, but had been repaired, and I couldn't tell. It looked great, had the engine and transmission I wanted, and it was well optioned, so I bought it," he adds.

The Trans Am was driven daily for the first three years, and accumulated around 18,000 miles on its odometer. "I drove it regularly early on, and it became a garage queen after that," recalls Ray. "I always enjoyed driving it and it was always a good car. Then I purchased a new Mustang Cobra in the late '90s. I didn't really drive the T/A and could use the garage space, so I decided to sell it."

Discovering A Dream There were guys like Ray who were old enough to purchase a new Trans Am, and then there were others who were too young to make such an acquisition, but always kept the dream alive. Frank Shead of Topeka, Kansas, is of the latter and he considers himself a true Trans Am fanatic. "I love Trans Ams," he says. "My house is filled with Trans Am memorabilia and die-cast models. I knew growing up that I'd own one someday."

While searching eBay in 1999, Frank happened across the auction for Ray's Atlantis Blue '79 Trans Am. "Light blue is my color and I always wanted a 400 four-speed. When this one popped up, I immediately fell in love with it. It had only 19,000 miles on it, was completely original, and was still in the possession of its first owner. I flew down to Oklahoma City, bought it, and drove it back to Topeka," he recalls.

Once home, Frank had to replace the Trans Am's original radiator because it leaked badly. "I added new Goodyear tires and replaced the original carpet with a reproduction from YearOne because it was worn in a couple of spots. The original paint had oxidized badly over the years, too, so I restored its luster using a good cleaner wax and polishing compound. It turned out great."

The Special Edition Trans Am's black-and-gold paint scheme was Frank's true love, and after a few years of owning the Atlantis Blue T/A, he decided that it was time for a change. "I found a freshly-restored Special Edition T/A for sale in Phoenix, so I regretfully decided to put the Atlantis Blue '79 on the market," he says.

Another Dream Fulfilled Steve Basgall of Hays, Kansas, was also old enough to be caught up in the late-'70s Trans Am mystique. "Trans Ams were the car to own back then and I've always been attracted to them. I was in high school when they were hitting showroom floors and I dreamed of owning a 400ci four-speed back then, but was too young," the 44-year-old parcel-service driver says.