I've been offered a straight trade. A nicely optioned trans am for my base 68. Both cars are solid, rust free survivors. Mkt values seem to be on par.
Thoughts?

78 really wasnt much for the Ta was it? I am not really up on them, but i thought those were performance lacking years...(78,79,80 etc.)

wish I had a 78 W72 WS6 TA
the W72 is a 220 hp upgrade from the 180 hp 400

While the rest of the world seems to be enamored with the so called Bandit era cars I ain't one of them. From 77 on up I thought they were cheesy.
IMO, the real TA ended in 73, although the front styling was "ok" up to 76. Beyond that they are no match against a 1st gen as far as styling,
But, it's all in what you want if money and value isn't the issue.

You can't beat how they handle. I picked up a beater 79 Formula 301 2bbl for my son a few years back and it was a blast to drive. It was going to get a 400 transplant until he wrapped it around a tree in an ice storm. I really liked that car.

Keep the 68

Make sure you drive the '68 before testing the 2nd Gen. It's going to feel bloated in comparison.

However, that is a very desirable 2nd Gen T/A.

Not a good trade here in Cali(or anywhere else). 68 is smog exempt. Not so for the 78.

I tend to lump the 2nd Gen TAs into 3 categories, 70-73, 74-76 and 77 and up. I personally like the look of the 70-73 TAs (and Formulas for that matter). I do not like the look of the second group (74-76) whereas the 3rd group is a little better (but not much). I tend to think the 2nd and 3rd groups are too over the top. The screaming chicken does nothing for me, in fact if I ever repainted one, I would never put that decal back on. From a performance and handling perspective (68 350 FB stock to 78 TA stock) the 78 TA will will get the edge, put the feel is completely different. It feels heavy and bloated to me, like driving a 1980s Impala. So while they handle better, it doesn't feel like it. I personnaly wouldn't consider the trade, but if you like that look, go for it.

Thanks for your input Everyone!

I finally decided not to do it. I agree with the handling, Ive had two Z28s 80 and 81. Both handled fairly well. But my firebird has a big hotchkis sway bar on it, and a tight ratio steering box, so it pretty much matches the WS6 package.

In the end, I have never really been super enamored with the side profile of these later 2nd gen models. That stretched out look does not do it for me. The stance of my Firebird blows the TA away.

This stance is what made me decide.

He also offered me $13,500 for the Firebird. I will not sell it at that price, I have looked around a lot, and there isn't anything that can compare. Not here in Eastern Canada at least...

But, what a nice factory package that W72 WS6 4speed combo is! And rare. I will eventually put a TKO 500 in mine and then NOTHING will be able to temp me any more!

I think you made the right choice, you have a very sharp looking car that you don't see all that often. The other item that wasn't discussed is you know what you currently have. Purchasing any car that is 35+ years old is opening up a new mystery box.

Thanks. The guy selling has been very transparent and honest, he has owned the car for 31 years. Here it is if anyone is curious. The screaming chicken has been hand painted. http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles...QAdIdZ577224607

Don't get me wrong, the car sounds very nice. If you like the look, they really are cool cars especially with the 4 speeds. The 1978 TA I drove belonged to a buddy of mine in college. Interestingly enough, his dad owned a 1979 TA with 4 speed (never got to drive that car and probably for good reason). His dad's 1979 TA was specially ordered without any decals. Let me tell you, that solid blue 1979 TA was a sharp looking car.

I did that ONCE! On my wife's '78 TA. What a giant PITA! Not bad cars actually, but I prefer the looks of the late '60's and early 70's.

You made the right move. Please keep in mind that this is just MY opinion but there NO frigging way that a late 70's T/A is comparable to a 1st Gen Bird or any Musclecar for that matter.

I do realize that the late 70's T/A's are rising in price and popularity but I still don't think they come close to the early cars.

I've seen several late 70's T/A's at local cruise nights and I also see a lot of people glance over them on their way to check out a Chevelle, GTO, or Road Runner.

Plus the 1st Gen Birds are really unique. I take my car to lots of local cruises and shows and you simply NEVER see a 1st Gen Bird. Sure you see tons of Chevelles, Camaro's, and Mustangs but never any 1st Gen Birds. There's one local cruise night in particular that my buddies and I go to. It's a pretty big one and usually draws between 3-500 cars. My 68 firebird is the ONLY 1st Gen Bird I have ever seen there.