[Formulabruce]

I saw an '80 Formula with a factory 3.8 V6 last year for sale with Docs.
In 81 its lists formulas as v-8 Formula, but it seems 80 you could legit get one. I am NOT an expert but I saw one looks bone stock and was one owner
by the Late 70's a base Forumla was a sticker kit, hood and a rear anti- sway bay.

[funkybird]

Originally Posted by muscle_collector

as a generation gets to where they have disposable income they all want what was the "dream" car of their youth causing prices to rise and as they get older and lose interest they fall in value.

Absolutely agree thats whats happening here.

Low volume cars will always appeal to collectors & investors

But a lot of folks just want to relive their youth and dont care a hoot about originality or production numbers. Besides, when did you last see ANY 2nd gen car other than at a show? Even the later models which sold by the bucketful are now really very OLD - most are already scrapped or trashed - so theyre 'relatively' scarce

Values are all about what the buyer is prepared to pay on the day. This months Hemmings Muscle Machines showed an auction result for a 73 SD car - average price $160K - which 'only' hauled in around $120k if I recall.

If I was a collector and not a driver, I would be looking to find mint Subaru Imprezza from the 90s while the prices are still low

I think the boat has just sailed on 2nd gens. Just glad I have mine!

[roundportponchos]

I had a fair share of these cars in high school, and college, late eighties and 90s, they were plentiful. I remember trying to sell a 77 silver Ta, had 20k some miles, faded paint, but still had orig tires,,,
Got like 2500$, had a 77 stick, 28k miles, mint, got from orig owner, sold for 3700..
Fast forward to now, 2 yrs, I got bug, to get a 78 WS6, W72, stick, non ac.. got ok from bank for loan, looked alot, figured better to find nice car, being costs of resto. .
Found this 78, 33k mile, near perfect one, some guys that are into the earlier cars, said way too much,,, but I got it.. the guy who had it, he was a really nice guy, and was meticulous on car.
I think, based on paying for a paint job, etc, I was further ahead than buying a project, I think these stick cars, will continue to go up, bandit or not

[skunkwerks]

FYI on Prices for 77-81 Birds.
Only Two seem to be going anywhere. Always seems to be the rarest stuff.
See if you agree.

[HO Kenny]

Roundportponchos.
That looks sweet.

I thought when they came out, that the 77, 78 kind of reflected the image or feel of the 70-73 cars. With a w72 and a 4 sp. the potential of the performance as well.

Just like the 69 z28 there will be more SE's "bandits" than what the factory made. Many clones have been made to feed the "bandit" demand. I keep waiting for that fad to end. It will be 40 years soon so I don't think it will end any time soon.

I really liked the y88. But it doesn't get the same dollar as a bandit. So if I were to restore one is it worth it?

[Norwood]

Eric that's a very sweet looking ride. One thing though, is the suspension original?

[71GP76TA]

Originally Posted by roundportponchos

I had a fair share of these cars in high school, and college, late eighties and 90s, they were plentiful. I remember trying to sell a 77 silver Ta, had 20k some miles, faded paint, but still had orig tires,,,
Got like 2500$, had a 77 stick, 28k miles, mint, got from orig owner, sold for 3700..
Fast forward to now, 2 yrs, I got bug, to get a 78 WS6, W72, stick, non ac.. got ok from bank for loan, looked alot, figured better to find nice car, being costs of resto. .
Found this 78, 33k mile, near perfect one, some guys that are into the earlier cars, said way too much,,, but I got it.. the guy who had it, he was a really nice guy, and was meticulous on car.
I think, based on paying for a paint job, etc, I was further ahead than buying a project, I think these stick cars, will continue to go up, bandit or not

Used to have a twin to that car. Paid $1200 for it in 1998.. it was a pretty nice car... W-72 4 speed.... the good old days...

[skunkwerks]

One more to look at.
Funny how a 1970 TA Ram 4 out performed the stock market and gold prices. So did a couple of other cars.

[skunkwerks]

Originally Posted by Norwood

Eric that's a very sweet looking ride. One thing though, is the suspension original?

Was thinking the same thing myself. Hi water suspension for the 33K mile car.

Eric whats up with that?

Nice color on exterior. Baby blue gut not my fave.

[bruwster]

Good topic what's the consensus on the 76 50 th Anniversary Trans Ams ?
Last year for the single headlights and 455/ 4- spd 1st year for the black/gold paint scheme and was the actual year car with the 77 nos clip and snowflake wheels added to be used in the Smoky and the Bandit movie?

[71GP76TA]

Originally Posted by bruwster

Good topic what's the consensus on the 76 50 th Anniversary Trans Ams ?
Last year for the single headlights and 455/ 4- spd 1st year for the black/gold paint scheme and was the actual year car with the 77 nos clip and snowflake wheels added to be used in the Smoky and the Bandit movie?

I'd rather have a black/gold '76 over a '77+. I like the round headlights and the curvy hood.. and "455" plastered on the big scoop... '77 screams... "I wanna be just like Burt"

[2manyT/A'S]

Originally Posted by HO Kenny

Roundportponchos.


I really liked the y88. But it doesn't get the same dollar as a bandit. So if I were to restore one is it worth it?

Y88's are an "aquired" taste....just like FINE dry red wine......

Bandits are like BEER....EVERYBODY likes them.......and they seem to have become "bellybuttons" lately...

Don't get me wrong......I still like my black 78...and 81 Y84........but a W72 stick Y88 is the BEST S/E of ALL....in MY book....and they are still affordable compared to 77/78 real bandit T/A's.....Just ask BWB..........

If you are going to restore one....a ws6 W72 is the one to do....

I had a base engine/auto full load Y88 for sale a few years ago....and 85% of the people that came to look at it were going to paint it black...

[roundportponchos]

Yes, rear leafs, never out, he may of put in new fronts coils not
sure, all floors, under side orig, just cleaned, exh was changed


UOTE=Norwood;5367748]Eric that's a very sweet looking ride. One thing though, is the suspension original?[/QUOTE]

[roundportponchos]

Originally Posted by 71GP76TA

Used to have a twin to that car. Paid $1200 for it in 1998.. it was a pretty nice car... W-72 4 speed.... the good old days...

Sounds, cheap 1200, even in 98, for a mint lo mile 4spd

[roundportponchos]

Not sure on high water thing, but rear leafs, gas tank orig, he probably replaced the shocks, they are delco, though

[roundportponchos]

Canadian, came with km speedo

[AkCamaro]

Originally Posted by bruwster

Good topic what's the consensus on the 76 50 th Anniversary Trans Ams ?
Last year for the single headlights and 455/ 4- spd 1st year for the black/gold paint scheme and was the actual year car with the 77 nos clip and snowflake wheels added to be used in the Smoky and the Bandit movie?

Hey Bruce! glad ta see ya on here. I didn't realize that new car ya picked up was a 4 speed.
I'm looking forward to seeing it.

[71GP76TA]

Originally Posted by roundportponchos

Sounds, cheap 1200, even in 98, for a mint lo mile 4spd

It wasn't as nice as your car....but was the same color combo and was a W-72 4 speed. It needed a clutch and some carb work when I bought it. It had pretty nice paint and interior.... The previous owner had it up for sale for a while and kept dropping the price.... I offered $1200 and he took it. I sold it 6 months later for $3,000 after I rebuilt the carb and threw a clutch in it.

[skunkwerks]

Originally Posted by roundportponchos

Not sure on high water thing, but rear leafs, gas tank orig, he probably replaced the shocks, they are delco, though

Eric, Looks like it has flood water wader springs on. Just looks too high for a stock 33K car. Just bustin on you a little.

Just saying something on suspension has been changed.

[bird72]

In the late 80's and early 90's I had two 78 Trans am's both with WS6, 4 Speed, & W72. Almost same option cars, AC, tilt, PW, custom interiors. One was black on red vinyl. The other was brown on tan cloth. In retrospect, the brown on tan with gold graphics would be the one I would pick to have again now. It was stunning. The black was the bandit look and the crowd favorite probably..... the red interior was like TOO red, everything was that flaming red. It was a visual though.



These WS6 cars will outhandle any 70-73 I must admit. Tightest second gen steering box you could get from GM.......