The wife and I bought a 1977 T/A 4 spd , 35 years ago, and we still have the car. Has become part of the family. Nothing like them .

@slackerman9758

3 жыл бұрын

@Lance Wells Beware, for it bears the mark of the super chicken!

@deelaine1769

3 жыл бұрын

@rodsby red That was the 1st first car I bought in '77! My brother and I each bought one, and it had nothing to do with "Smokey and The Bandit!" 😏 The '77 was my favorite! Ended up collecting Corvettes, but nothing was ever as sweet as that 1st Trans Am!

@rodsbyred2846

3 жыл бұрын

@@deelaine1769Thanks for the comment. I was actually looking at a Corvette and when we checked on the insurance there was no way , you know 19 years old . Over the years I and the wife have owned 13 Trans Ams but have always keep and charished the first one. We now have a small collection of classic cars (8) which includes 2 Trans Ams.

@deelaine1769

3 жыл бұрын

@@rodsbyred2846 Wow, I'd love to hear what the 8 classic cars are, if you don't mind! We're (the hubby and I) are still trying to find the "sister" of our '70 454 Big Block Laguna Gray Vette, but she's our treasure now. A true Beaut! Ahh, the sweet sound and wind in my hair driving 100+mph with the T tops off, I could stay there forever! My bro & I are still competing for the most TAs and Vettes owned! 😊

@rodsbyred2846

3 жыл бұрын

@@deelaine1769 Sure. My pleasure, and not to brag. 51 F3 truck, 55 chevy gasser , 67 Gto hardtop. 67 Gto convertible , 67 Lemans pro street , 68 Tempest SW , 77 T/A, 93 T/A , oh yeah 2000 Vette also. Thx for your interest.

The bird on the hood is awesome, The car wouldn’t be the same without it

@steffyhobmann5037

3 жыл бұрын

"Screaming chicken"!

@kadenwegner2691

3 жыл бұрын

Its literally a fire-bird, like

@Dogboy1960

3 жыл бұрын

Not the same? You're right. It'd be better without it. Dorky and incredibly weak. The ultimate example of the whole stripe and sticker replacement for actual power that was just so very common in the late 1970s. This car is a low mileage time capsule so I'd leave it as is. How-ever give me a less perfect example to work with and bring back and I can see losing the bird stickers and installing a built 400 in keeping with the way Pontiac would have built this car if not for all the government mandated emission standards of the late 1970s. If that's not "green" enough for you the a more expensive LS E-Rod crate engine package might be the way to go. But either way I agree with Jay that bird sticker would go away for sure.

@mickeyaycock5363

3 жыл бұрын

@Beyond Your IQ aq11w W we are going to have to go back to the aware are re an are re a4rr and are a4rraaaaaeeer4 Ara around the earliest aaew

@joemcmahon8103

3 жыл бұрын

These cars have such a long nose it really does look weird without the decal on the hood. I bought my '78 at Barrett-Jackson a few years ago. Got a good deal I think, in part, because it was a non-chicken decal car and it kind of turns people off when they see that big blank hood with just the shaker sticking out of it. Needless to say, I couldn't take it anymore and have since had the decal put on the car.

T Tops, Screaming eagle decals, shaker hood scoop, flared arches and big rear spoiler. These late 70s Trans Ams didn't need customising! Truly iconic car.

@nunyabizness9955

Жыл бұрын

Its a pheonix not an eagle.

@martinharris5017

Жыл бұрын

@@nunyabizness9955 True, Firebird is another name for a Phoenix so that makes sense. Back in the 80's we called it the "Screaming Chicken" ;)

@jeffmurdock8321

3 ай бұрын

@@martinharris5017 Yup, the screaming chicken. A bit tacky then, but nostalgic now.

@viscountslappy5085

3 ай бұрын

Don't need customizing, just modernizing so they don't get rocked by a Honda Accord

@johnjacobjingleheimerschmi3857

2 ай бұрын

I had a Black on Black Velour '78. It ran like a scalded dog. Nothing sounds quite like a large displacement Pontiac V-8. My buddy had a Lucie Blue '72. 455H.O. 4 speed.

As a 20-year-old car guy, there was nothing more fulfilling that sitting behind that dash and looking at the shaker hood as you drove. It was something very special.

@bradleylovej

Жыл бұрын

I feel the same way about my 2000 Ws6. The rumble when it starts up, then looking out the windshield you see these two big muscular humps that gently vibrate, especially under acceleration. God I love Trans Ams.

@riadlo1

Жыл бұрын

Indeed it was, I really miss that view and that feeling!

@travismarshall1481

2 ай бұрын

I'm double your age at 40 and I'm thinking the same thing. FORD Falcon had the same thing in the 1970s and 2000s too. I about to Google their shakers

I liked this before I even started watching the video. RIP, Burt.

@amandahuginkiss4098

3 жыл бұрын

GM gave Burt a free car every year as a thank you for boosting their sales.....the deal was 1 free car / year for life but then when GM got a new president he quashed the deal.

@scringe1

3 жыл бұрын

@@amandahuginkiss4098 I didn't know that. Interesting.

So a car transporter schlepped this Firebird 3,000 miles from Newport RI to Los Angeles so Jay Leno could present it to us. Thanks Jay and Audrain museum.

@AudrainMuseumNetwork

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I enjoyed your review of the 1979 Trans Am. My wife and I are the original owners of a 1978 TA with the ta 400 and loaded. It is still original with a new paint. It has 150,00 miles and still performs great with the shaker now open and straight dual exhaust. We bought theTA after we got married in 1977. We all have aged a little after 43 years together. 😎

@JimS870

2 жыл бұрын

4 speed???

@rajvinder89

Жыл бұрын

Cool!

@shahidnazir3597

Жыл бұрын

Blessings ya all

@sc2422

Жыл бұрын

I love that you are still together!

When I was a little kid THIS was the car I wanted more than any other. Pontiac meant excitement!

@ramongonzalez2112

2 жыл бұрын

T top, bird on hood, square quad headlights.👍My freshman year of HS.

@margaretbrill1794

Жыл бұрын

Ken loved that car too. Black man what a car! Pontiac 👍 why did GM get rid Pontiac anyway? Kept buick

At disco times, any guy who had a Trans-Am never left a club alone..

@deelaine1769

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, good one. BUT, as a female, the '77 TA was the 1st car I bought and Loved, I stayed away from any guy who just wanted to drive my car. It was my way of testing whether a guy wanted to date Me, or my car! 😬😂

@deelaine1769

3 жыл бұрын

P.S. Hated disco!

@ut2k4wikichici

3 жыл бұрын

@@deelaine1769 based boomummy

@wisdomseeker3362

3 жыл бұрын

@@deelaine1769 I would not have let _anyone_ drive it❗ With a Trans Am , you must be selfish. lol..you know! Anyway, who needs a guy when you have a '77 Trans Am ...right❓ Thank you for sharing with us. I love hearing these fantastic and rare stories from our past. 👓

@deelaine1769

3 жыл бұрын

@@BuzzLOLOL 😂😉👏🏼👏🏼🍃💗🍃

Memory lane. I don't recall Jay mentioning how much he liked a car as often as in this video. Thanks Jay.

@bigeegs95

3 жыл бұрын

Agree. I think what we're hearing in his voice is surprise. He didn't think he was going to like it as much as he ended up liking it.

@effinchad

3 жыл бұрын

Depite being from an era of restricted power and lower build quality, it's an icon. Sure he didn't care for the "chicken". Some don't. My mom had one when I was in elementary and middle school in the 80s. And getting picked up in that thing turned heads. Memory lane indeed.

@craigrobberts7673

3 жыл бұрын

I had one of these with an automatic and an Oldsmobile 403 ci. HP WAS Closer to 320.

I just took my Atlantis Blue '79 Trans Am 400/4-Speed/WS6 on a 500 mile road trip and you can't believe the number of waves, thumbs-ups and positive comments the car gets in public!

When I was a kid this was hands down my favorite car......and I think it still is...it's absolutely beautiful

Jay discovers something that we have known for 40 years. Trans Ams are very loved. Welcome to the party late Jay.

@meierb75

3 жыл бұрын

The first car I remember realistically wanting was a black 1989 GTA.

@Blaze-ing

3 жыл бұрын

@@meierb75 such a badass car

Finally Pontiac’s on Jay Leno’s Garage 👍 yes!!!

@Knox089

3 жыл бұрын

would be a good opportunity to feature the last Fiero built, which just sold for 90 grand.

@christiantrail5313

3 жыл бұрын

@@Knox089 one of my fav cars ever I’d love to see it

@billboyden4067

3 жыл бұрын

I had a 2M4. With all new struts, wheels & tires, tuneup, and radiator; a great little car. Then... reconfigured by a drunk. :(

That's a good looking car.

@incognito4rico

3 жыл бұрын

Eye candy.

@poolboyinla

3 жыл бұрын

It's just not as good looking as my 86 Trans Am.

@bashyamate2613

3 жыл бұрын

No one cares about ur trans am

@ka240torque

3 жыл бұрын

Really? Check out the '78 Trans Am

@gabthefisherman5030

3 жыл бұрын

@@poolboyinla everyone owning a post 1981 trans am wish they had a 1979 trans am. Stop lying to yourself

The 400 Pontiac engine used in the 78-79 Trans -Am's & Formulas was underrated. The engine was factory rated at 220 hp but the NHRA dynoed a stock W72 at 260 hp.

@blackericdenice

11 ай бұрын

That’s a lie.

@bongodave13

9 ай бұрын

@@blackericdenice Reported by multiple sources.

@blackericdenice

9 ай бұрын

@@bongodave13 That does not mean it's true.

@bongodave13

9 ай бұрын

@@blackericdenice Proof?

@blackericdenice

9 ай бұрын

@@bongodave13 Show me proof it had 260 hp.

The “Fire Bird” on the hood is what gives the car its character! Without it well it’s just another Pontiac.

@steviedee71

3 жыл бұрын

I don’t get why some people don’t like the bird car looks naked without it

@jeromewlaker7464

3 жыл бұрын

Phoenix

@banjopete

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeromewlaker7464 ,Chicken.

@clintdavis9511

3 жыл бұрын

@@banjopete Hood Pheonix aka FireChicken.

@ronaldarchibald2506

3 жыл бұрын

I have owned multiple firebirds and maybe 5 trans ams. Remarkably i have never had one with the bird on hood. Even my buccaneer red 77 had bird delete option.

🎵East bound and down, loaded up and truckin'...🎵

@carcrashcompilation9459

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/m6F9ypOcppvIdrQ.html

@ryanj116

3 жыл бұрын

@@KS-xo3oh we got a long way to go...

@xavierbatista6201

3 жыл бұрын

We got a long way to go and a short time to get there

@CalTxDude

3 жыл бұрын

"He done good, didn't he Fred?!"

@patkaczmarek7362

3 жыл бұрын

@@xavierbatista6201 I'm east bound, just watch 'ole Bandit run.

Kudos to Jay for mentioning Jerry Reed. If you're unfamiliar with his work, search KZread and play anything he did. That guy was amazing!

@r3tr0actiongamer24

Ай бұрын

Hell of a college coach

In 79 this was the fastest American car. It ran a 14.61, and handled great for the time with the Ws6 and w72 options.

Back in the day, the golden ticket was a set of orders to Germany. Us Air Force guys would, upon receiving orders to Germany, order a Firebird with the decal option. Uncle Sam would ship the new car to our base in the European theater. After a few months, one would simply drive the car to any wealthy area in town park the Trans-Am in front of a coffee shop and wait: After some time had passed, you would find a business card and an inquiry note offering to purchase it. That decal had a certain attraction - perhaps due to its resemblance to the German Federal Eagle. The black edition was preferred, followed by the scarlet red.

@edwardhotchkiss9085

2 жыл бұрын

Toured Europe in 1971. Saw a gold firebird 400 ram air parked on the street. Had an idea that a friend would not buy into... wanted to do a upgraded bird to run on the Auto ban. Thought about trading classic american muscle for classic continental cars.

@edwardhotchkiss9085

2 жыл бұрын

The place I see where CB RADIO is used is at an asphalt plant. ( a form of traffic control?)

@edwardhotchkiss9085

Жыл бұрын

Saw a formula firebird in denmark(a beauty.)

@davidchicoine9209

Жыл бұрын

@@edwardhotchkiss9085 Good background info. Maybe that's why Revell model company in Germany came out with their new 1/8 scale '79 Firebird. It was an instant sale for me, even at 200 bucks.

No more Burt, Jerry, or Pontiac and I was 13 in 1979. This makes me feel nostalgic and old.

@pashakdescilly7517

3 жыл бұрын

Cue jokes about 'spring chickens'

@hensleyshobbies-doug7761

3 жыл бұрын

Sht you ain’t the only one! Viking6. Hell I was 19 when that bird came out.

@1962vid

3 жыл бұрын

I was 17 when it came out. Smokey & Bandit is still one of my favorite movies

@joeday4293

3 жыл бұрын

I was seven. I had the extremely cool honor of accompanying my uncle to Williams Pontiac in Dothan, Alabama to pick up his brand new 1979 Trans Am one Saturday morning. I dressed up for the occasion too, in a red shirt and a little cowboy hat like the Bandit, LOL. You may think you're cool, but you'll never be "cruising with your uncle in his new Trans Am blasting Boston and KISS" cool. 👍

@bobroberts2371

3 жыл бұрын

8,200 in 1979 is 29,844 in 2020

These cars really do come alive when you put some horsepower in them. I had a warmed up 455 in my 78. Thumb up to Jay for showing us this.

I love the 77-80 Trans Am’s! I know the government sucked the power out of them but they were fun cars that really did handle pretty good. Especially love the 4 speed ones.

You can definitely tell he enjoyed driving this car. I don't think I've ever heard him compliment a car so much!

@kingelvis7035

3 жыл бұрын

He should have read the car and driver review in the trunk. They were absolutely nuts about the car - particularly this version with the 220hp engine from '78 to early '79. They thought it was the equal of the corvette in about everything but price.

@BadBlonde-CarHistory

3 жыл бұрын

:)

@bernlin2000

Жыл бұрын

A fine example of "they don't make them like they use to". Nimble yet also looks like a car you definitely wouldn't want to crash into lol.

@ronconrad3507

Жыл бұрын

It's a 4 door P1

@25Soupy

Жыл бұрын

It's the surprise factor. The lower your exceptions the greater the surprise!

I was 10 years old. This was all I wanted in life.

@SuperTommyi

3 жыл бұрын

I was 18 and that is all I ever wanted

@joeday4293

3 жыл бұрын

I was five. See profile pic.

@BUDS228

3 жыл бұрын

@Eugene Boucher never did

@Andy-ms9vi

3 жыл бұрын

I wrote an essay in fourth grade about what I would do in the future. I wrote that I would live in LA and be private investigator. Also that I would drive a Trans Am.

The TA video was very special to me because my father purchased the same 1979 black bandit for me as my high school graduation present! I'll never forget how I loved that automobile. Thanks for featuring it.

I watched two double unskibbable ads for this And it's worth it

The “cool, non-airbag steering wheel” 😂 love it

@joeday4293

3 жыл бұрын

Greatest American steering wheel ever? Greatest American steering wheel ever.

@WarriorsPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

Don't they look better?

@BadBlonde-CarHistory

3 жыл бұрын

LOL

@Mitchell.Samuels

3 жыл бұрын

Jay likes the old shitcans with no safety equipment,shifting gears with his head out the open window.

@jelicoe

3 жыл бұрын

@K M Even with the seat belt?

This car still looks really cool after all these years. Exceptional styling.

@drg5352

3 жыл бұрын

One of the few cars of the late 70's to really look great.

@drobson8004

3 жыл бұрын

They really are decent driving cars, they do handle surprisingly well. I was in my 1st police chase in one.

@drg5352

3 жыл бұрын

@@drobson8004 That sounds like a story right there... you weren't running block for some illegal Coors beer were you? :P

@drobson8004

3 жыл бұрын

@@drg5352 Nothing that cool bro'.

@dreyn7780

3 жыл бұрын

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This model began the decline into A TYPE OF sporty that wasn't appreciated and resulted in the brand dieing.

I had an '81 Turbo T/A and man, this one takes me back. I love these Trans Ams.

I was 12 when the '79 T/A was new & instantly fell in love😎 Beautiful car & love the silver & grey bird!

Good to see Jay validating the late 70s Trans Am.

@rightlanehog3151

3 жыл бұрын

It only took 41 years.

@r3tr0actiongamer24

Ай бұрын

@@rightlanehog3151 didn’t know Jay had his car show for 41 years. Guess you gotta complain about something

"No modifications nothing, just like the way it drove in 79". I love that too Jay. Amazing car

My 76 Trans Am is just as clean underneath. It has 86,000 well cared for miles and I love it! 400 Black on Black AT Posi

I'm 61 yrs old and in the late 70's I owned a 76 ta 50 anniversary special,loved it still have dreams about it

You can tell Leno was having fun, driving that Trans Am!!

@edwardgiugliano4925

3 жыл бұрын

It's the manual transmission. He was really liking that.

@tn18977

3 жыл бұрын

@@edwardgiugliano4925 it's sad that so many of these cars were sold with the automatic, but I have noticed that many of the survivors have the manual transmission

@turbinexman

3 жыл бұрын

@@edwardgiugliano4925 Agreed!!

@discerningmind

3 жыл бұрын

@Me. Me The L48 isn't to be hated. The L48 had max torque down lower in the RPM's so they were sweeter driving around town, country roads, and not enough road to make full use out of the L82.

@00nowhereman00

3 жыл бұрын

Car guys tend to make a big deal out of horsepower. But what's more fun than driving everywhere with the pedal to the floor ? And not having to worry about it blowing up when you do ?

The redline is actually 5000 rpm on the Pontiac L/78 W72 (TA 6.6) motor. The orange area begins at 4500 .

@alliwishis2652

3 жыл бұрын

@ oohh somebody's jealous

@sabrehawk-427

3 жыл бұрын

Yes the orange just tells you to be ready to grab another gear

@brianforster2613

3 жыл бұрын

Yes Jay missed that this is the Pontiac engine, which was available with the 4 SP only, automatics were equipped with the 403 Okds engine

@User0000000000000004

2 жыл бұрын

So it's not virtually 5000 rpm? Or theoretically 5000 rpm? You absolutely sure?

10 k really just 4 the footage of u & tony at daytona in the last trans am made in 2002.... & u said u guy's brought ' em all out all the trans am's way cool & u were saying u were working on a ' 66 trans am spirit wooooooooo love to see & hear some of the back story's of u finding ' em & buying & getting them on your trailor & back to where ever u do the work on all the rides ( no matter what's all wrong w/ ' em when u get ' em................... i member way back in the day's.......... U HONESTLY SHOWED US ALL U FINDING EM & GETTING THEM LOAD'D UP & SOME OF THE BACK STORY'S ON THE RIDES................................ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY DID U STOP DOING THAT SORT OF THING'S......................??????????????????????????????

These cars need no explanation! Love to see them getting driven as they should!

This has always been one of the best looking muscle cars to ever come out of America!

@BadBlonde-CarHistory

3 жыл бұрын

Quite a looker

@senatorjosephmccarthy2720

3 жыл бұрын

Yep!

@johndrake2729

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah.

@stephenmanion3418

3 жыл бұрын

i agree.!!!!!!!!

@stephenmanion3418

3 жыл бұрын

@@Qbnsizzle no class

The Screaming Chicken is the best part of owning a Firebird !

@alelectric2767

3 жыл бұрын

🤘

@BadBlonde-CarHistory

3 жыл бұрын

LOLOL

@J_Braz_

3 жыл бұрын

If I had one I would install a rooster crow horn

@cdizzle99z

3 жыл бұрын

Phoenix is a lot cooler than a chicken

@mercury0214

3 жыл бұрын

@Natural Creature no it’s a chicken

A lot of things I would go back and redo in those days if I could do it again. Not the car though. I had the 79 Trans Am when I turned 18 & with it made enough memories for a lifetime.

When I was about 8, my uncle had this car. He pulled the 6.6 and dropped a 454 big block in it. Man... 2 solid black lines with thick white smoke. First time he took me for a ride, he popped the t tops and put a $100 bill on the dash and said if you can grab it, it's yours. That moment, the roar of the motor pounding in my chest and being unable to peel myself from the seat, an 8 year old kid fell in love with American muscle, specially, Trans ams.

The dream car of every Italian kid I knew growing up in New Jersey!

@GregGrude

3 жыл бұрын

Until the IROC and Montecarlo SS took hold in the 80’s

@mercoid

3 жыл бұрын

One of the ultimate Guido cars... When your family owns the local pizza joint

@aitortilla5128

3 жыл бұрын

As opposed to the dream of every Italian Kid growing up in Italy who were dreaming about Ferraris.

@raffaelenegroni5888

3 жыл бұрын

And also a dream car for some Italian kids back then in Italy

@gilliansapounakis8921

3 жыл бұрын

In Toronto greeks had the Trans Ams and the Italians had the camaros.

The Decal on the hood is what makes it ICONIC ...... Im surprised Jay Doesn't like it.

@paulb4uk

3 жыл бұрын

very true i love it .

@CoachatCole

3 жыл бұрын

True! That’s the spirit of the era.

@thedon9670

3 жыл бұрын

Thats what I was thinking too.

@jeffrogerswolff

3 жыл бұрын

Jay's taste is different than the average man. Jay has $400 million in the bank.... that will change a person

@victorolmos2627

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffrogerswolff that’s true

Beautiful. One of my favourite cars of all time. Nothing beats that stock paint job and guaranteed to be badass.

It’s funny to watch Jay. The man owns hundreds of cars and he gets in a 79 Pontiac and he lights up like a 15-year-old it’s hilarious and I love it.

That design still looks great even today!👍💪

@elbecko7969

3 жыл бұрын

It really does

I had one new in 1979. I want this one! I also want to be 40 years younger, but...

@LaurieWilliams-lk8fc

3 жыл бұрын

That's easy. Just say that you identify as 40 years younger, then every time anyone says you're not bring out the hate speech accusation.

@robedmund9948

3 жыл бұрын

Worked on my college roommate's Trans AM. What a PITA to work on! Especially under a carport in the winter! Fun to drive, though.

i had a 79 TA just like that one, but with the beige interior, and the Olds 403 & automatic. i loved that car, it did everything well, and looked great. miss it to this day, and was so proud to get it. the girls loved it too.

@sc2422

Жыл бұрын

Mine came through black and gold with a hard top. 1-owner 1979 car. Not much is stock in it though.

The Flaming Chicken makes the car what it is. It is iconic just as much as the car is. A beautiful automobile.

Forget the tonight show, this is Jay Leno’s true calling. I like all the non rehearsed adlibbing. This was one of the cars the cool guys drove.

@glennbeadshaw727

2 жыл бұрын

I know some people who were totally not cool but drove the car because they needed the appearance

Larry The Cable Guy says in his hometown if you own a Trans Am with T Tops you're considered to be royalty,,,

@MassiveBig

3 жыл бұрын

And if the T Tops weatherstrip doesn't leak when it rains you are a god.

@joeday4293

3 жыл бұрын

If you want to hear one of my very favorite stories that involves a Trans Am with t-tops, you've got to listen to comedian Vic Henley tell "The Klan Story," about him and his high school buddies pranking some Klansmen in a silver T/A with the tops out: m.kzread.info/dash/bejne/rGp3utB_mcjZgqQ.html

@whotfisdarko5879

3 жыл бұрын

then call me lawrence of arabia

@BadBlonde-CarHistory

3 жыл бұрын

LOL

@rodguitarezz3482

3 жыл бұрын

@@joeday4293 Thanks for the link; it was great. Vic reminds me of the late Jay Hickman's humor,,

Don't forget the Rockford Files Garner always had his gold edition that he did his 180s in. Although I hear it had souped up suspension.

@jpc123voice

2 жыл бұрын

Rocky Balboa had one too.

i had one just like that, god i loved that car!!! miss it every day since then. mine had the 403 olds engine and automatic, as a calif. car.

Guys we just seen a man fall in love with a vehicle, give it six months he’s gonna buy one , I could tell by the look in his eyes

@blairbrown4812

3 жыл бұрын

6 months? Odds are, he bought one as soon as they wrapped! He certainly can afford it....

@ssfouryou

3 жыл бұрын

@@blairbrown4812 He probably bought that one lol

@malcolmtudor8039

3 жыл бұрын

He's not the first.

@dustingammon9858

3 жыл бұрын

@@malcolmtudor8039 he definitely won’t be the last either lol

@slickstretch6391

3 жыл бұрын

Didn't he say he's already restoring one?

Jay looks cool driving in the Trans Am.

@bryceweston8916

3 жыл бұрын

Jay looks cool driving anything. He is just plain cool.

The best, most fun, the handling and that surge of power! I still miss that 79’ Trans Am all these years later. Thank you Jay for the memories I thought of watching this. (I knew you would love it!)

During the end of 70s...Trans-Am and Corvette were the dream of young people..

I had a 76. It was a real slug. But after I removed the catalytic converter, installed true dual exhaust, and got the timing recurved, it became a monster. It was a completely different car. Loved that car

@BuzzLOLOL

2 жыл бұрын

It still needed decent pistons and a cam...

@opera93

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, the 1976 TA BLACK/ Gold really got me: ordering my 1977 TA/ SE HURST HATCH ( which were problematic, seeping into bidy, etc),.. Hop ups were easy, etc.

@mercmarc

Жыл бұрын

@BuzzLOLOL The weak link was the connecting rods particularly the bolts. If you wanted to rev to 6K often better upgrade.

Our family had a 1978, the last year of the "good" front end (IMHO) thanks, Jay, for the memories....

@vk2aafhamradio

3 жыл бұрын

Very much agreed, I don't like the 4 bucket rubbernose at all. '77 & '78 were slick looking.

@justjeepin

3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree. They used the 77 in the first movie, the 79 in the second and the ugly 83 in the third movie that was just bad all around.

@charleshenson4183

3 жыл бұрын

79-81 was the sexiest Trans Am's ever,with 77-78 2nd & 72 era 3rd.

@natew8882

3 жыл бұрын

Actually the cars used in the first movie were 1976 models with the 455. 76 was the last year for the 455. General Motors supplied them with 1977 noses to make them look like the new 77 model. Little-known trivia....

@jamesnoble8205

3 жыл бұрын

@@justjeepin SATB 2 had a 1980 Turbo T/A that had to be modded with nitrous by the film crew to get any performance out of it. I actually really liked the '83 third gen used in Bandit 3

Had a ‘79 Trans Am in California and loved it. Then moved back to MA and had kids and that was that.

When I push my car to 160kmh/100mph I want it to say with Leno's voice. "ONE HUNDRED MILES AN HOUR!"

Nice to see the denim making a comeback

@Ladco77

3 жыл бұрын

Jay always wears denim shirts and jeans for the garage episodes. He explained once that it makes things easier if they're filming over multiple days that they don't have to worry about the outfit changing from one scene to the next.

@888johnmac

3 жыл бұрын

@@Ladco77 .. for the last 6 months or so , it's been dark blue coveralls / overalls / boiler-suit .. but as Jay has said it's not about him

@ruthlesslyuninfluencedbyin2525

3 жыл бұрын

Too bad that his supposed funniness never even made an appearance.

@ruthlesslyuninfluencedbyin2525

3 жыл бұрын

@David Ruff It never appeared.

@ruthlesslyuninfluencedbyin2525

3 жыл бұрын

@David Ruff I'm talking about Leno's supposed funniness.

"Lose the chicken"???? That's crazy talk!!! LOL

@redgreen6436

3 жыл бұрын

Why do some people call it a chicken?It looks nothing like a chicken.

@LilHoss

3 жыл бұрын

@@redgreen6436 I don't know, it is supposed to be a "Fire Bird" I guess...

@GerryDincher

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. The bird is part of the appeal.

@hensleyshobbies-doug7761

3 жыл бұрын

Fire”Chicken” is what I always heard them called way back in the day!

@GTR0419

3 жыл бұрын

Crazy Shaker hood?

My '79 L78-W72, WS6 is in the garage with a little over 48K on the odometer. Ordered it on Black Friday 1978, got it delivered May '79. Drove it for 3 full years than sporadically. During that time it saw action at auto crosses and a few runs down the strip. Mods started with a cam, then headers and dual exhaust, then an engine rebuild with more performance enrichments, a few drag and auto crosses, then more car shows...then a full new interior and exterior refinish. Also made one long cross country 2,600 mile cruise with my wife. TA is now only for car shows.

I bought one of these in 1992 to experience it & it was fun. I'm a slow driver but we still had fun in it. I'll never forget my friend collapsing in the dirt when he saw it. So silly. 😁

Grew up in Norwood Ohio, where the Firebirds and Camaro’s were manufactured. I remember seeing acres and acres of these beautiful cars parked around the plant. Also railroad transport cars filled with them. As kids, my best friend and I would stand outside the security fence and stare at all these beautiful cars, great memories. Later I bought a brand new 1975 Camaro, had it for 26 years, awesome car.

“what the hell is the world coming to?!” Sheriff B.T. Justice

@pigybak

3 жыл бұрын

@Jimmy Lundberg, 10-4!!!

@aaronlopez3585

3 жыл бұрын

Most profound question.

@joelasss8229

3 жыл бұрын

There is Noo way Nooooo way you came from my loins

@keonjenkins1852

3 жыл бұрын

Give me a Diablo Sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I’m in a goddamn hurry!

@BadBlonde-CarHistory

3 жыл бұрын

10-4

We just bought a 79 trans am with 58000 original miles. She runs and drives perfect just needs better paint. We still have the original window sticker too! I love it.

Given his exposure to a gauntlet of cars, Jay could be jaded by now. That's why it sure is interesting how many times Jay spontaneously says how much he likes this car.

The car many of us lusted after in high school. The profile of this still makes my heart pitter patter a little. Cheers from Chattanooga.

@tpike32

2 жыл бұрын

That was my car in high school

The Rockford Files also gave the Firebird a lot of exposure.

@macgto

3 жыл бұрын

Side note: James Garner did not like the 79 restyle of the front fascia, so he kept the 78 model until the series ended in 1981. Also, the cars used in the series were actually Firebird Formulas, "dressed down" to look like an Esprit. The Sierra Gold paint was also a custom mixed, non factory color so the producers could maintain continuity from season to season.

@Torsee

3 жыл бұрын

Loved those J turns! I do those with my Lawn Tractor 😂

@mercoid

3 жыл бұрын

@@macgto ....I remember an episode of Rockford in which he’s telling a valet to get his “Tan Firebird”.

@macgto

3 жыл бұрын

@@mercoid I'm sure in a generic sense, Sierra Gold could be considered "tan"

@jjs777fzr

3 жыл бұрын

And the Rockford J turn.

My dream car never realized. Beautiful, thanks for showing us.

I sure hope you're alright Jay, this is the first video I've watched since you got burned, SO get better and in your own time, we'll be here whenever you get back!!!

I am amazed it took Jay this long to drive a Trans Am.

@mrbubetube

3 жыл бұрын

ya, I second that

@BadBlonde-CarHistory

3 жыл бұрын

LOL

@leefinch5053

3 жыл бұрын

The bird scared him!

@alliwishis2652

3 жыл бұрын

That car and car like it is extremely rare to get today

@boboh2000

3 жыл бұрын

He had a 2002 WS6, dark blue or black

The trans am is and will always be my favorite car of all time!

@BuzzLOLOL

3 жыл бұрын

I still have my '87 Trans Am GTA in black... i.pinimg.com/originals/0a/6e/92/0a6e925d76ea7b8a50b40ef04eb7a4b5.jpg

@User0000000000000004

2 жыл бұрын

No it isn't.

@TheSpooty123

2 жыл бұрын

@@User0000000000000004 Get back in your DeLorean, Marty 🤣

I had a 1971 with the 455 HO. My favorite of any vehicle I've ever had. I had swapped over a WS6 package from a 1979, so it had the upgraded suspension parts and the 2.3 turn steering box, which made it so much fun to drive. The flatter rear window, Ralley II wheels without the chrome trime, Cameo white with the single blue stripe all combined to make what I think was the best looking for all the TA's. The speedometer went to 160 for a good reason, but it started to lif and get squirrelly over 120 or so.

@stephenflowers8516

Жыл бұрын

70 through 72 Blue with white stripe is definitely the best looking and performing T/A of second generation. In my opinion when they changed the body style for 3rd generation they destroyed the T/A.

This brings tears to my eyes Uncle Jay! Thank you for this 😎🍻🍺

Now Jay needs to get ahold of a 1973 SD-455 and see how loud a chicken can REALLY scream.

@dwood82574

3 жыл бұрын

Correct. Then he will figure out Pontiac did build higher horsepower engines than chevy

@quincee3376

3 жыл бұрын

OMG. My dream car! 73 with the 455 Super Duty!!

@NVRAMboi

3 жыл бұрын

Good post. I mistakenly thought it was '73 and '74. John Kraman (being a 'Pontiac Guy') loves to talk about how impressive that engine is and how the Pontiac engineers refused to fold in the new emissions/unleaded fuel era.

@joeday4293

3 жыл бұрын

@@NVRAMboi The SD was available in '73 and '74. I only said 1973 because it's a better looking car, LOL. It's actually kind of amazing (and a bit insulting) how even nowadays with million-dollar muscle cars crossing the auction block, the Pontiac SD-455 *still* doesn't get its due. Not only is it a truly beastly engine - it fully deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the 426 Hemi, 428 Cobra Jet, L88 427, etc. - it came out in 1973, by which time Detroit, the feds, and the insurance companies conspired to kill all horsepower. Not only is it a legendary and fantastic power plant, it is absolutely a miracle that they actually got it into showrooms during that time, even in such small numbers - less than 1500 units over two model years. Factory rated at "290 horsepower" (coughcoughahemsnickerHAHAHAHA)

@joeday4293

3 жыл бұрын

@@quincee3376 One please, Brewster green with saddle interior, and make it snappy. 👏

Now you just need a young Sally Field hopping around inside the car. ;)

@pennywise8182

3 жыл бұрын

Sally still looks pretty good now.

@blairbrown4812

3 жыл бұрын

Or driving said car.

@heartlandfarmer2720

3 жыл бұрын

Sally looked really good when she was bending over and reaching into the back seat!

@davidsimmons9763

3 жыл бұрын

Frog

@discerningmind

3 жыл бұрын

What's she wearin' now?

Thank you again for another great video! Love it!

Jay, I was raised in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, the headquarters of GM Canada. There were multiple manufacturing plants open when I lived there, including the North plant at Adelaide Ave and Ritson Rd. Today, things have changed a hell of a lot, but in the late 1970's when Smoky and the Bandit was 100% in the Zeitgeist, you wouldn't believe how many Pontiac Trans AMs there were in the road. I'm talking about aftermarket modifications and track stripping tuned cars! I could lay down on my bed, listening to the light-to-light races; and just about identify the vehicles that I heard ripping down Bond Street, or King Street. Even the motorcycles at that time put me to sleep.

41 years old, but it still turns heads a great iconic American motor ,r.i.p Burt Reynolds

That car is just a beautiful. Reminds me of the 70's

@SuperTommyi

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it does

@jamesnoble8205

3 жыл бұрын

That's why that gen of Trans Ams are sometimes referred to as "disco mobiles"

I like how Jay actually knows cars. Thanks for another great video

Jay, I beg to differ. I owned back in 1974 a Trans Am SD 455. advertised HP was 375. Dynoded at over 500HP. Never ever lost a street race with it. First thing I did when I purchased it , was had the chicken removed from the hood.🐔

"The last time I saw legs like that they had a message tied to 'em." - The Bandit

@robedmund9948

3 жыл бұрын

Cue Bandit's laugh!!

If I remember correctly, the 1979 TA was GM's fastest car in their stable that year, even beating the Corvette.

@truckerkevthepaidtourist

3 жыл бұрын

and 79 it doesn't say much those things were so smogged and bogged to the hilt it wasn't even funny. but one thing Pontiac always had just like Buick they did have torque

I've had my baby for almost 35 years and it rocks!! 🤘

Beautiful Firebird, excellent curb appeal, great performance for the era. Very classy and the graphics are a must, totally makes the car for visual impact.

Brings me back to the 80’s. 👍🏼 Burt Reynolds was my favorite.

@carcrashcompilation9459

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/m6F9ypOcppvIdrQ.html

@kevin-vt7dw

3 жыл бұрын

Loni ripped Burts heart and soul right out of him

@rpdobbler

3 жыл бұрын

Nice Piper cub in your avatar sir! My pops had a J3 for almost 20 years!

@lukespack

3 жыл бұрын

Hee Haw too?

@phillm156

3 жыл бұрын

Only if I can bring the money I’ve made.

Thanks Jay. In 1979 I was 15 so this was the car ALL the cool guys had. Brought back a lot of great memories. Thanks.

4:18 I had a '79 ... my speedo went up to 240 kph (150 mph), and I had it right round there once. It was a CKD Belgian built example for the US Air Force base at Upper Heyford (UK). It still had the staggered rear shocks that were a throwback idea to stop axle wind-up when they had single leaf springs back in 1967 ... they later beefed up the rear springs but the staggered shockers stayed even for the new body shapes. The worst design feature on these was the windscreen water was routed down the A pillars, along the sills (rockers) and out of a drain hole ahead of the rear wheels. This would get clogged with mud and eventually rot out the sills and wheel arches. This idea was lauded as an anti-rust feature whereby running water would not promote rust through condensation .... yeah right. Apart from the blocked outlet issues, those that unwittingly jacked up the rear of their car (as they did in the 70's), that water would just sit in the front of the sill and start rotting there.

Jay, thank you sooo much!!! ❤

I worked for a company called Hood Ind. here in Bakersfield between 1978-1979 and we made interior panels for GM cars. We made the T-Top and regular interior headliners for all the Camaros and Firebirds being assembled at the Van Nuys GM assembly plant.

I love jay having his finger in the shot the hole time , just like my dad when I ask him to film

@charlesmatte9385

3 жыл бұрын

Jay the to 69 camaro came in a 39

@BadBlonde-CarHistory

3 жыл бұрын

HAHAHAH!

The chicken on the hood is what makes it iconic Jay

82 Trans Am is one of my dream cars.

@User0000000000000004

2 жыл бұрын

The Knight Rider car? Why don't you try a few years later, the 1988 GTA? That's the one I always loved because it was the first one that went fast. Those GTA Firebirds from 1988 and 1989 with the LT1 looked like the Knight Rider car but they had all the fancy gold trimmings from the earlier T/A cars and they were fast! I doubt you could find a clean example today for under $30k.