Testarossa Wannabe: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA Turborossa

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This Ferrari Testarossa replica is one of those creations that some admirers will probably fall in love with, while others would probably have preferred that the 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA which was unbodied to make this happen had been left intact, as it was a highlight of the third-generation of Firebirds.  Paul Wilkins of Spector Automotive is responsible for what you see here, as he’s the mastermind behind the “Turborossa”, which is basically a set of body panels styled like the famed Italian beauty.  Apparently, the folks at Ferrari were none too pleased, as they allegedly put a stop to this but not before several of these oddities got on the road.  I’m not sure what happened exactly, whether it was as simple as a cease-and-desist order or something more threatening, but it must have been successful as these are few and far between nowadays.

The seller includes some good photos, but the video he provides gives more detailed information about the car, which is said to have lived much of its life at a casino in Laughlin, Nevada.  Although the owner says the car needs a good cleaning and buffing due to the amount of time it’s been sitting, the panel fit appears to be surprisingly good for a build of this type.  The big-and-little Weld wheels give this one a mean stance and the tires they’re wearing are said to be in good condition, plus a suspension package has been added as well.  Eddie Van Halen would have been proud to know that a VH logo emblem is also prominently displayed on the rear hatch.

Under the hood is a 350 engine of the L98 variety, one of those powerplants that’s great for low-end torque.  The seller mentions the windshield is cracked, which he says is a common problem due to the torque these motors can produce, but it’s not in an area that adversely affects the driver’s vision.  Everything looks to be in good order in the bay, and with only 36,000 miles, there may be some decent life left for the next owner to enjoy.

Most of the interior is just stock components from the 1989 Trans Am, with a few add-ons such as the wood trim and of course the steering wheel.  The inside is described in the video as immaculate, and it does seem to remain in near pristine condition, with even the leather seats looking way younger than their age of 35 years.  This one’s bound to turn some heads, so if you’re ready to be driving a 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA in Testarossa clothing, the car is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and can be seen here on eBay.  The seller is hoping for $30,000, as that’s where his buy-it-now price has been set.  What are your thoughts on this “Turborossa”?

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Comments

  1. Joe Haska

    It is interesting ,but it has no special meaning for me.

    Like 1
  2. Joe Haska

    It is interesting ,but it has no special meaning for me. I think If I drove it around I would feel like a goof,

    Like 2
  3. Cam W.

    I was in the film/TV picture car business for 20+ years. Cars for film are often thoughtfully selected, or “cast” like actors. I can see the car here being used for a character in a Saturday Night Fever retro disco film. Some picture cars were cool to drive or deliver to set in person. I would send this one on a flatbed. I agree with Joe Haska.

    Like 1
  4. Frank Sumatra

    Las Vegas is the perfect place for this car. For all the wrong reasons.

    Like 1
  5. Frank Sumatra

    A perfect car for Las Vegas.

    Like 0
  6. Howie

    What is in Vegas should stay in Vegas.

    Like 2
  7. Danno

    For a front-engined muscle car, that’s about as close as you can get to a Testarossa body. In truth, though, I think I prefer the ’89 Trans Am GTA body over a real Testatrossa, anyway.

    Like 2
  8. Sonny Crockett

    Cue the Miami Vice theme song and get my white suit.

    Like 0
  9. jnard90 jnard90Member

    What a joke.

    Like 0
  10. Brian Goss

    Toque from theses engines during this time of production doesnt crack windshields

    Like 0
  11. Rumpledoorskin

    The Trans-Am pulls off the look better than the Fierarri.

    Like 1
  12. Mike

    An almost guaranteed Radwood class winner right there.

    Like 0
  13. Tom71MustangsMember

    I’m not so sure that Eddie Van Halen would be proud.

    Like 0

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