Compared to a few of the earlier and later Pontiac Trans Am offerings, the MR MSE may not sound all that overwhelming by comparison.  However, by early to mid-eighties excitement standards, it provided a breath of fresh air to some of the performance doldrums the auto market was experiencing during the period.  The MSE stood for Motor Sports Edition, with the MR indicating the manufacturer, which was Mecham Racing, Inc.  Reader Philbo427 spotted this one here on Craigslist, which is number 145 out of a total of just 150 made in 1983, and we’d like to thank him for sending in the tip!  This cool T/A is in Tavares, Florida, with the owner looking to pocket $27,000 from the sale.

Mecham Racing was started by Dennis Mecham, who had previously been responsible for the DKM Macho T/A, which was a high-performance Trans Am modified by him and his brother during the late seventies.  Later, the MSE was made from 1982 to 1985, with production numbers declining each year, so these are fairly rare in the F-Body market.  The two-tone blue and silver body appears to be in excellent condition here, with the custom decals and special spoiler letting kids know this was no ordinary Trans Am.  Although we don’t get much ownership history, the seller says this one has been garage-kept, and by outward appearances, it seems to have led a relatively sheltered life.

Mecham retained the factory 305 as the entry engine for the MSE and kept it mostly stock, at least for starters.  However, upon arrival, buyers found additional components inside the back hatch area, known as the Git Kit.  If the owner desired, they could install those parts themselves, including an Edelbrock manifold, a Holley carburetor, Mallory ignition goodies, and a few other pieces that could be swapped.  Once everything was added, some sources indicate that horsepower was around 200, which sounded pretty satisfying for the time.  This one is reported to have covered only 43,000 miles, so there are probably still years of fun left to be had here, provided the future owner continues to give this car the high level of care it deserves.

Inside, this one’s well-equipped with the condition remaining strong, and what a treat to find the T-Tops above.  Other features include power windows, a tilt steering column, and a WS6 suspension system down below.  I get that many third-generation Firebirds aren’t always fan favorites, but the MSE got it right during a typically mundane period in automotive history, and I’m guessing this one won’t have any trouble finding a new place to call home.  What are your thoughts on the Pontiac Trans Am MSE, and the asking price of $27k for this 1983 model?