Image of 1979 Pontiac Grand Am, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

Engine Specifications
Engine:	301 cu in (4.9 L) Pontiac V8, 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8, 400 cu in (6.6 L) Pontiac V8, 403 cu in (6.6 L) Oldsmobile V8
Displacement:	301-403 cu in
Horsepower:	150-185 hp (estimated)
Torque:	245-320 lb-ft (estimated)
Compression Ratio:	8.0:1 - 8.4:1 (estimated)
Ignition System:	Electronic ignition
Cooling System:	Liquid-cooled
Performance Specifications
0-60 Time:	9-11 seconds
1/4 Mile Time:	17-19 seconds
Top Speed:	105-115 mph
Transmission and Drive
Drive Type:	Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type:	3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual
Fuel and Efficiency
Fuel System Type:	Carburetor
MPG:	12-15 mpg
Dimensions and Brakes
Brakes:	Front disc, rear drum
Wheelbase:	108.1 inches
Weight:	3,500-3,800 lbs

1979 Pontiac Grand Am: A Forgotten Muscle Car Gem

The 1979 Pontiac Grand Am stands as a testament to the end of an era, a period piece from the twilight of the classic American muscle car. Born from the ambitious designs of General Motors' Pontiac division, this vehicle encapsulates a unique blend of performance and luxury that was emblematic of late 70s automotive trends. With a lineage that traces back to the early 70s, the Grand Am was Pontiac's answer to European sports sedans, offering American power with an attempt at more sophisticated handling and trim.

Amidst the backdrop of changing emissions regulations and a fuel crisis, the '79 Grand Am carved out its own niche. It was during this time that Pontiac decided to infuse some excitement into their lineup, resulting in a car that was not only powerful but also boasted a certain panache. One notable moment in its history is how it stood as a swan song for the classic V8 rear-wheel-drive configuration before the industry-wide shift to smaller engines and front-wheel drive setups.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1979 Pontiac Grand Am is characterized by its aggressive front end, featuring the iconic split grille and quad rectangular headlights that were signature design cues of Pontiac at the time. The body lines are long and muscular, with a hint of European flair in the slightly upturned rear deck lid, known colloquially as the "ducktail" spoiler.

Inside, occupants were greeted with an array of plush materials uncommon in many cars of its class. The cabin featured comfortable seating upholstered in either soft vinyl or optional velour, accented by woodgrain trim that exuded a sense of understated luxury. Technological features for its time included an available AM/FM stereo with cassette player and air conditioning – luxuries not universally standard at the time.

Color options ranged from understated earth tones to vibrant hues like Solar Gold and Cameo White. Among these, Starlight Black paired with red accents became a popular choice for those wanting to make a bold statement. The Grand Am was available in both coupe and sedan body styles, with the coupe being particularly sought after for its sportier appearance.

Historical Significance

The 1979 Grand Am's impact on automotive design may not have been revolutionary, but it represented an important evolutionary step for Pontiac. It combined performance elements with luxury features at a time when consumers were beginning to value comfort as much as speed. This blend set it apart from pure muscle cars and pointed towards future trends in automotive design where balance would become key.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the '79 Grand Am could be equipped with several engine options, including the robust 6.6-liter V8 which propelled it from 0-60 mph in respectable times for its era. While top speeds were not record-breaking due to detuning for emissions standards, they remained competitive within its class.

Handling was enhanced by Pontiac's Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS), which aimed to improve cornering stability and ride comfort over uneven surfaces. Drivers often remarked on the throaty rumble of the V8 engine – a sound synonymous with American muscle – and how it contributed to an exhilarating driving experience despite the car's size.

Ownership Experience

The Grand Am served various roles from being a daily driver to gracing car shows as a classic representation of late 70s style. Its reliability was typical of the era; while not without issues, ease of repair benefitted from commonality with other GM parts, making maintenance more manageable for owners.

Fun Facts

A lesser-known fact about this model is that it shared its platform with other GM mid-size cars like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick Century, yet it retained distinct styling cues that set it apart. Although not known for breaking speed records or dominating sales charts, it has appeared in various films and TV shows, adding to its pop culture credentials.

Collector's Information

Today, finding a 1979 Pontiac Grand Am can be somewhat challenging; production numbers weren't exceedingly high compared to other models of the time. Estimates suggest that fewer than 10,000 units were produced for this model year. As for value range, well-preserved examples can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition and originality – with numbers matching vehicles at the higher end of this spectrum.

Conclusion

The 1979 Pontiac Grand Am may not be the first car that comes to mind when one thinks of classic American muscle cars or luxury sedans; however, it stands as an intriguing blend of both worlds. Its significance lies in its embodiment of an automotive transition period – one foot in muscle heritage and one stepping towards future sophistication. For enthusiasts looking for something uniquely positioned between raw power and refined style, this Grand Am is certainly worth remembering.