- Seller: Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. (Contact)
- Location: Carleton Place, Ontario
- Mileage: 88,234 km Shown
- Chassis #: 1G2AW87H3BN110354
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Chevrolet Performance SP350/357 Deluxe Crate Engine
- Transmission: Automatic
With its bold styling, unmistakable T-top silhouette, and upgraded modern V8 under the hood, this 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is the perfect blend of late muscle car swagger and reliable performance. It’s being offered here on Barn Finds and is located in Carleton Place, Ontario with just over 88,000 kilometers (approximately 54,800 miles) on the odometer.
This Trans Am isn’t just a survivor, it’s a smartly updated driver. In 2021, the original powertrain was replaced with a professionally installed Chevrolet Performance SP350/357 Deluxe crate engine at Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC. That means you get the soul of a muscle car with the drivability and reliability of modern internals. The 357-horsepower small-block V8 is paired with an automatic transmission, making this Firebird as easy to drive as it is fun.
Outside, the car retains its factory appearance, with a timeless silver finish and those iconic Firebird decals still intact. T-tops let in the breeze and the light, allowing you to enjoy open-air cruising without sacrificing the classic roofline. The wheels appear stock, and the stance remains true to the car’s late-‘70s/early-‘80s glory days.
The interior is a preserved tan cockpit with all the right vintage cues. Analog gauges, a classic-style radio, and factory power windows complement a well-maintained cabin that’s as comfortable as it is nostalgic. There are no major modifications here, just a clean, honest layout that fits the car’s original personality.
These final-year second-gen Trans Ams are starting to gain traction in the collector world, especially when they’ve been upgraded under the hood while keeping the exterior and interior largely stock. With crate power, factory looks, and a clean presentation, this Pontiac hits that sweet spot between originality and performance.
Whether you’re into car shows, summer cruising, or weekend road trips with a touch of ‘80s flair, this T-top Firebird offers a lot of car for the money, and it’s ready to be enjoyed right now.
Silver finish? Sure looks black to me…
Why is it riding so high?
Yikes!
4 x wheel drive ?
That Trans Am sits crazy high.
That really stands out, the engineers got the stance right when they were new, especially the WS6 cars. It’s hard to screw it up so badly unless you were trying, maybe they swapped out the 15×8 and 15×10 Vectors right before it was listed it for sale.
Steve R
I believe replacement coil springs are now usually from overseas & are stiffer than stock & are only for cars with heavy ’70s a/c. &/or the small block is lighter in weight than the prev 400 or 403.
In back, this car probably has air shocks or white kyb shocks or spring shocks.
Not on this planet nor any other is this worth 48K!
I don’t even think Burt Reynolds would buy or drive that Trans Am.
The people who buy these , do not buy ones with a chevy engine .
48k for a 1981 T/A with a replacement Chevy crate motor? Does that make sense to anyone here? 48k would be very optimistic for a 1981 Turbo 301 in pristine condition.
Yeah, I agree. Despite the fact that the new Chevy engine is an improvement over the turbo, V8 engine, and I’m sure this is a great ride, it’s not worth that asking price. And the lift kit doesn’t help the situation!
Well 48,888 Canadian is 35821.95 U.S.
So, there’s that…
Well 48,888 Canadian is 35821.95 U.S.
So, there’s that…
I’ve always admired the firebirds, not many in Australia though, a side point question why has Adam Clarke not writing any articles, I enjoyed his inputs, if someone would shed some light it would be greatly appreciated
Adam has been dealing with some personal things but will be back soon!
Thanks for your reply
48K?? A mess under the hood. What other issues? Crate motor replacement. They couldn’t have cleaned up the hoses, firewall etc? AND its sits like a 4X4.
Almost all options EXCEPT a/c is highly unusual & rare! Car could be 1 of 1 !
I even see hood insulation which i thought was never an option on a t/a !