Special editions from GM normally aren’t the most interesting cars in the world (or even all that rare). However, this 15th Anniversary Edition Trans Am is actually somewhat intriguing, mostly because it is 1-of-500 cars made with the manual transmission. They also featured a Recaro interior and functional ram air, although this example here on eBay is lacking an engine to suck in that cool oxygen.
The 15th Anniversary cars featured a paint scheme that was a call-back to the blue-and-white combo of the 1969 models. In addition, only 1,500 were made, which makes it fairly limited production by GM standards. The Trans Am also came with the WS6 handling package, wich gave drivers some bigger sway bars, 16×8 wheels, heavy-duty shocks, and disc brakes front and rear. There was also an anniversary-edition aero kit included, which this car appears to retain. As you can see, the interior will need a fair amount of work.
Fortunately, the Recaro seats appear to be in decent shape – surprising, considering how rough everything else appears to be. The seller has already removed the manual transmission and posted it in a separate auction, so make sure the car comes with the 5-speed (it is said to be included, but still…) as it’s the key feature making this car the limited-production model that it is. The motor is long gone, which is a shame since it was the injected L69 305 that made decent power for the time.
Other custom touches include the striping across the taillamps and the color-coded wheels. There’s a fair amount of surface rust on the doors, but the seller is including two white doors in the sale. Glass appears good and the rest of the Trans Am looks solid – and the seller also mentions that despite the missing engine, all related engine-bay attachments and accessories are included. Is this limited-edition example worth finding an engine for, or is it a parts car?
It always surprises me how some folks just hate their cars. Go out and buy a nice car and let this happen to it ? ? ? A few years ago I bought a flat black Lexus LS430. It wasn’t painted flat black it was the owner who would never wash the poor car. Plus park it under trees most of it’s life. Paid cash for the Lexus new but never could wash it A few months after I purchased the car I managed to get the paint looking glossy , tinted the windows and put nice chrome Lexus wheels on it. The previous owner noticed the car in a parking lot and mentioned to me how much she missed it. ? ? ?
No thanks, the one to look for had the conversion to the GNX motor, the 3.8 turbo they scoot!
He wants $1,500 for a body that is not in even good condition.
Why bother with this car?
Ya.. fit for the claws IMO
I may be very wrong here but I think it was a 4.3L from the Cyclone. Great car though.
Buick 3.8L
For what it’s worth, the L69 was not injected. It had a 4-barrel Rochester carburetor.
After the maligned Crossfire vanished during 1983, you could not get an injected V-8 in an F-body until 1985, when the LB9 TPI motor made its debut.
He says “I have…” about the engine parts and transmission. Not that they’re included. I would want to clarify that first.
Not worth anything right now. Maybe in 20 years? Still doubtful
Before 85 all f bodys had one sided glavenized steel quarters and would rot from inside out….after they fixed that…love em tho
Unfortunately, Pontiac by this time was being led by the bean counters that didn’t even have an automotive background. The result was cladding, painted wheels and no teeth in their bite – just cosmetic fluff to move metal. And GM wondered how Pontiac died. They stopped being a leader – and followers always lose their way…
I am all in on Ford! What I want to know is why is it that most Trans Am’s that I have seen are rust buckets? This one doesn’t look to bad, but I see a lot of them sitting in driveways where I live and they are all rusted out!
Single sided galvanized steel was used until 86…they especially the quarters rotted from the inside out…later ones were much better…
Looks to be two different ads here, unless I’m really confused (and it happens a lot more frequently lately!) I’m not sure why, but that second ad, for the “5-speed transmission – 1 of 500” appears to be the same vehicle as in this ad. There also seems to be a second 15th Anniversary T/A parked behind it, so maybe that one got the 305 that was taken out of this one? All the pieces you’d need to fix this one up are available from places like YearOne, and it makes you wonder how many of those 500 are still out there!
1 of what?? This thing needs alot of love! I am sure parts are out there and half the fun of building one is in the hunt but this shouldn’t be happening with a “limited production” “collector car”. Dadgummit, take care of these cars!
Not sure on this one ,l know chevy made different optioned cars in the 80’s,so people do your research and check this out. Books A Million others ,and or use offer a book or books that will have production numbers for these types of cars.Also check this out online. One thing l know is from about 89-90 lroc-z cars had a special type of engine,that provided race proven technology, that became a total sleeper street car.lf you can get both car’ in the deal ,go for it.
why doe this look like a flood car? and if its that rare why did it end up in this kind of shape?
WOW!!! That car in mint condition would fetch a lot. That was different and unique kind of car in its time. Today it would definitely stand out. If I had the know how and a garage this would be a great project for me.
I have a buick rendezvous sitting on blocks,no drive train,
low miles,great resto project! great patina. in fact our local earl schieb
does a patina clear coat for only $29.99!
Sadly, this is a parts car. You’d be money ahead to buy one in great shape. It would cost you way too much to piece this back together and then you’d have a car that isn’t worth your investment.
Who lets a 1 of 500 rot like this and motorless to boot! Upside down ROI to pour bucks into. Part it out.
I am interested. I’ve always wanted projects like this bring it. So happy everyone hates this car that’s good. Because more for me!!!!! Where do I make an offer.
Dump an engine and trans into it make it safe and run it!!!!
These are cool cars. I have one of the 500 that I’m trying to sell… Too many projects. Too bad they let this one go to poop. Makes mine worth more. Lol.