The Pontiac Sunbird never quite captured the hearts of enthusiasts like its sibling the Cavalier Z24 did. However, for a time Pontiac offered a turbocharged four-cylinder in a decent package known as the Sunbird GT. But before you get your hopes up that this clean Sunbird GT convertible here on eBay could be a sporting convertible, let this serve as a reminder that GM sometimes played fast and loose with vehicle nomenclature – because this is a non-turbo Sunbird GT! It’s also listed with a Buy-It-Now of just $3,400 and the option to submit a best offer.
That’s right: if you wanted the turbocharged mill, the back of your Sunbird will need to have the words “Turbo GT” emblazoned across the rear lid. A Sunbird GT could have a turbo, but there were also turbo-delete models running around like this one. I’d argue this is a fairly rare car these days, not that it’s necessarily a good thing given the modest output of the naturally-aspirated four cylinder motor. This car benefits from a fairly recent paintjob, which is more than we can say for the 911 in the background.
The interior looks better than expected for a 1980s GM product with over 150,000 miles on the clock. The seller notes there is a crack on the dash but that the seats remain in good condition. The original GM radio is included, along with the aftermarket unit that’s been swapped in. The automatic further ensures your progress will be slow, but perhaps the car’s condition indicates the 96 b.h.p. on board never tempted any prior owners to go stoplight to stoplight with a droptop Cavalier of the same vintage.
Finding survivor-grade variants of 1980s GM econoboxes is easier said than done, but this Sunbird GT appears to have lead a gentle existence up until now. The engine bay, like the interior, looks better than its mileage would suggest, which is why the recent repaint is a bit of a question mark. For the asking price, however, this seems like the perfect accessory for a beach community where Miatas are played out and Mustangs seem too raucous.
As Lutz would pop off to the press years later, Pontiac was a “damaged brand”.
I would buy this in a second. A 1987 Sunbird SE was the first new car I ever bought and it is almost impossible to find one for sale.
My first car was a baby blue 1993 Sunbird Se. It was in immaculate shape when I inherited it from my parents, and still pretty decent when I sold it a few years later. I used to call it the gutless wonder.
My sister had a turbo one…my 93 was n/a….night and day difference….but put the top down….radio up….always made me smile….
Being the former owner of an even more rare ’87 Sunbird GT Hatchback (1 of 415 built) I can attest to how rare the old GT’s are these days. Mine was totaled by the new owner just months after I sold it.
I was just in the local salvage yard and there on the “fluid drain” hoist sat a 1987 Sunbird Turbo GT convertible 5-speed black and tan. It came to the yard because the prior owner couldnt find a replacement 4 cyl since the one in it was blown. Great survivor condition tho but alas…it’s destined for the parts yard soon. :(
Be glad they add so much turbo lag, although that side give you time to prepare for the torque steer though
Actually the turbo lag was dependent on the transmission choice. When I worked for Pontiac I ordered a Black Turbo GT 5-speed coupe very similar to this one. The Turbo’s had a louvered hood. With the manual gearbox lag was nonexistent. As for torque steer the manual did not exhibit it. I think they had equal lenght half sharts. That little car suprised a lot of people.
It was my feeling that the injected turbo 1.8 should have been avaiable in the Fiero. That would have been a hoot!
My hatchback was a non-turbo with manual shift. It was loads of fun to drive!
I had this car. Bought it from the floor of the coliseum where the Omaha Auto Show was. Loved the look and didn’t even drive it. Too bad. What a pooch! Very slow car despite very sexy looks. Would never buy another.
If the car is excellent underneath I will say a good buy for a cheap summer car.I always thought they were a decent little car and rarely do I see one on the road today.
I had a GT, without the turbo, for 13 years. Awesome little car!! Practically drove itself. Easy to maintain. I would have kept it, but lived by the sea for awhile, and the salt air was hard on it. Sold it, rather than see it die in a shed. Guy who bought it blew the engine within a few days. No respect. Loved that car!!
Got a 91Sunbird convertible and I love it. Only problem is I need to replace the top and the guy I hired to do it took off the original and didn’t put the new one on. No idea what he did with the hardware to install the new one. Any one know where I can get it?
I had the 87 GT Turbo Convertible 2nd owner had it for 5 years and went to a lot of car shows never seen another one anywhere like it. Sold it with 280 thousand miles on it.