A rare 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Y88 Gold Special Edition restomod pairs vintage muscle with 530-hp LS3 modern performance.
A 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Gold Special Edition, one of the brand’s most recognizable muscle cars, has been reborn as a restomod blending vintage style with modern performance.
Pontiac’s half-year-only RPO Y88 package, offered in 1978, created a striking “Gold Special Edition” marked by Solar Gold paint, gold-tinted T-tops, Camel Tan interior, and gold-accented trim. With just 8,666 examples built, the Y88 remains one of the most collectible Trans Ams of the era.
The example now on offer has been verified by Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) as a true Y88 and significantly upgraded under its classic skin. Power comes from a 530-horsepower LS3 V8, managed by a Holley Terminator X Max EFI system and paired to a T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission. According to its owner, the transformation has made the car drive like a modern Camaro, capable of 24 mpg on the highway while still delivering the raw performance muscle fans expect.
To handle the added power, the Trans Am has been fitted with UMI Performance Corner Max suspension, triple-adjustable Viking shocks, and subframe connectors. PowerStop C6 Z06 brakes with six-piston calipers and 345mm rotors bring modern stopping performance, while 18-inch BC Forged wheels wrapped in Falken RT660 tires provide grip.
Inside, the Camel Tan interior has been enhanced with Dakota Digital gauges, racing bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Bluetooth-enabled stereo with Kicker speakers. Vintage Air air conditioning and HID headlights add modern usability, while period details like the gold dash bezel preserve its heritage.
With more than 14,000 miles on its new powertrain, this restomod is a proven driver rather than a static showpiece. For enthusiasts seeking both rarity and modern muscle, this Y88 Gold Special Edition offers a compelling mix of history and horsepower. See it here.
