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1981 Pontiac Trans Am: Recaro Edition

1981 Trans Am Recaro Edition

If there’s one thing that gets me more excited that limited-production paint jobs, it’s cars that come from the factory with Recaro seats. As I currently have a pair of Recaro Trophys that I plan to have refinished for installing in my old 5-Series project, I scan craigslist fairly often for spare bolsters, brackets and the like – which is how I came across this 1981 Trans Am Pace Car Recaro Edition here on craigslist in Atlanta for $8,000. That’s a hefty price for an unfinished project, but with only 2,000 Recaro editions made, it may not be far off from market value. The Recaro interior, along with the netted desirable headrests, is still in place and looks pretty decent, though better pictures would help. This car looks like it has needs, but seeing as it’s not the easiest variant to find, I’m sure a GM fan could justify the investment. Could you?

Comments

  1. Avatar redwagon

    Rare and I still don’t want it.

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  2. Avatar JW

    ditto !!!

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  3. Avatar Mike D

    he knows what it is worth, but it is in sad shape, the 4.9 engine had problems with the turbo . if he knows what it is worth, why didn’t he take better care of it? I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to cars, but I have never heard of this . It ” may” be worth the investment , as one doesn’t see even an 81 Trans Am without being a ” limited edition” if your thing is a 79-81 T/A .. go for it .. trying to flip it ???

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  4. Avatar hans daatselaar

    You can buy these all day long in very good condition for between 10-15 thousand dollars. Buy this dog for anything over $2,000 and your guaranteed a case of buyers remorse. Unless these cars were garaged and never driven in salt even decent looking examples will be hiding some rust.

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  5. Avatar DENIS

    Ain’t gonna happen…..period.

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  6. Avatar Todd Zuercher

    I’m a sucker for this style of Recaros too, Jeff. I have a set of the E20 Recaros in my early Bronco – love ’em!

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    • Avatar Jeff Staff

      Todd, excellent choice. I don’t know what it is about them. I’m going to spend an ungodly sum of money getting them recovered, but I just can’t imagine not using them.

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  7. Avatar dj

    Seller has been watching too much Mecum and Barrett Jackson. I’m with the other’s. $2000 all day long here and probably could a two for one special for that.

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  8. Avatar pontiactivisit

    There is one of these a stones throw down the street from me i could buy way cheaper than this. Like these a lot but the later turbo cars were problems when new. Would much rather have an earlier car.

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  9. Avatar BMW/Tundra Guy

    While Dallas GA is not IN Atlanta, nor could it be considered a “suburb”, it is close enough that I will be willing to go take a closer look if anyone is far enough off their rocker to truly entertain buying this. Just respond here, with your contact info, and I will touch base with you.

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  10. Avatar Menmojo

    Turbo trash can……….
    Hated them in 81 and still do.
    Crush this one and make them rarer……

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  11. Avatar Jeff Staff

    I always liked ’em from a superficial standpoint. The colormatched turbo-style wheels (always reminded me of Ronals), the Recaros, T-tops and aero bits just screamed 80s. And I like the 80s. ;-)

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  12. Avatar Mike Bailey

    When I bought my ’80 4.9L TA, next to it on the lot was an ’81 Recaro Edition Turbo T/A. The color was what I would call a midnight green, very dark almost black but with a green tint. The interior was the same greenish black and just beautiful. On the side it said Nascar Recaro. It was about a grand more than the one I bought but to this day I wish I had bought it and put it under glass because I have never seen another one like it.

    Like 0

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