Goodguys 2021 Street Machine of the Year Finalist – Jeff Kountz’s 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
Jeff Kountz always wanted a Trans Am. He’s been familiar with this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am since a friend bought it in 2000. It had traded hands and deteriorated a little by the time Jeff bought it in 2015, so he quickly decided a complete rebuild was in order. He connected with Alabama-based Metal Brothers and the result is the stunning street machine here.
New front and rear suspensions from Detroit Speed provided a great start for the rebuild, coupled with 13-inch Wilwood disc brakes, a 3.50:1-geared rearend, and 18×10- and 18×13-inch Forgeline wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber. Updated power comes from a Whipple-supercharged LS3 topped with Clayton Machine Works valve covers, breathing through Detroit Speed headers, and backed by a Bowler-prepped Tremec six-speed.
Jeff prefers the look of earlier Trans Am bodies, so the Metal Brothers team installed a ’70 front clip and rear section, giving the car a distinctive appearance when paired with the wrap-around ’79 rear window. The beautiful custom-mixed Axalta metallic green finish is paired with silver stripes and orange pinstripes. ProCar seats, Dakota Digital instruments, and Restomod AC are highlights inside.
“Since the car was recently finished, I am ready to start building memories with it and my lovely wife Teressa,” Jeff says. “We both love the car and are excited to be able to drive it.”
