While we could spend all day and half the night arguing the merits and detriments of special edition automobiles, one fact is indisputable: these cars are usually exceptionally well preserved. Anniversary cars, special editions of all manner, and pace cars continue to pop up in fantastic shape with very few miles on them. Take for example this 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Indy Pace Car for sale on Craigslist in Island Park, New York. Flashy and well-kept, this turbocharged Pontiac comes with a good bit of memorabilia in addition to the industrial strength screaming chicken on the hood. Is the $43,500 asking price on target for an original Trans Am with just 19,788 miles? Thanks to Frank TA for the turbocharged tip!
As cars of the seventies and eighties become more collectible, a couple of factors are at play if you want one of these vehicles. Right now, the cost of restoration parts is considerable. Depending on the car, you may not have a lot of options for plastic trim, electrical parts, and anything else that is not financially rewarding for an aftermarket supplier to produce. Add to that the complexity of these cars. They are an order of magnitude more challenging to restore than a car of the fifties or sixties. Thus, when looking at a car to purchase, you have to determine if you have the time, finances, talent, and room to complete a restoration. Even if you can, can you get the parts?
If you are reconsidering a restoration of your favorite ride from back in the day, then perhaps you should consider buying the best example available of your favorite car. While second-generation Trans Ams are wildly popular, most everyone wants a Bandit Trans Am. We all want to be like our hero. However, throughout the production of these cars, Pontiac produced a plethora of distinctive Trans Ams for you to consider. The car featured here is a 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Indy Pace Car. This all-original, garage-kept Trans Am has just 19,788 miles on it.
The seller tells us that this car has been in their possession for over 20 years. The mileage is documented, and the vehicle is free of rust. For a car that lives far above the snow belt, that is notable. It has also made it all these years without any paint and/or bodywork. Considering that rust absolutely feasts on Trans Ams of this era and that an all-over paint job by a reputable shop is fast approaching five figures, not having to experience all of this misery is worth a lot in the long run.
A look inside reveals that the entire interior has been pampered as well. The combination of vinyl and cloth seats shows little wear, especially on the driver’s seat bolster. This is where you always see stuffing popping out, as the car is low, and most posteriors are drug across rather than plopped into the center. We are told that everything works as it should. The pictures reveal a large amount of memorabilia from both the Indy 500 that year and items specific to this car, and all of this will go with the car when it sells. The seller has also had the car signed by George Barris and Burt Reynolds.
This Trans Am, described by the seller as a “turnkey car,” is powered by a 4.9L V8 that had a turbocharger attached to it from the factory. These engines didn’t last long in production, and they quickly gained the reputation of being a slug. A lot of things were going on at the time. Emissions standards were choking off the power in once awesome engines. Also, GM was trying to whittle down the ridiculous number of different engines across the company. Everyone had their favorite engine from their chosen division, but the sheer number of parts required to support this was onerous. Finally, Pontiac was also moving towards using the small block Chevrolet V-8 in the 1982 restyling. In a stop-gap measure, the Pontiac 301 was turbocharged to make up for the loss of the 400 cubic inch V-8. It will move this car along fine but don’t expect to blow the doors off your neighbor’s Buick Regal Grand National.
In all, this is a very nice car with a lofty price. Is it worth it? Well, how much do you want a second-generation Trans Am? You have to weigh the car’s condition against what it would take to get a lesser car to this level of perfection. Only you can make that determination, but it would be nice to just put the key in the ignition and drive away.
Do you think it is worth it in the end to buy a perfect car at a high price or spend time and money on a bargain car? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Good to see that this owner, and others like him, are now getting the payoff they’ve been hoping for, for storing nice cars like this for 20, 30 even 40 years. I couldn’t keep a nice turnkey car for that long and not rack up the miles.
I suppose if you want it because it’s rare. Still way too expensive IMHO. Plenty of inexpensive 4 bangers today that would smoke it from a stoplight or anyplace else. There are lots of classics I’d want but not this.
This car looks great. What a color combination. An eyecatcher at any car show. Trans Ams are just cool and this is one of the rarest of all. What a good nice find
Nice T/A > Originally designed to run on synthetic oil and premium unleaded but GM Mandated all vehicles to run on regular unleaded – it hurt the 301 Turbo performance – tuning etc. – Quote from the 301 Turbo Engineer – if allowed to develop with intercooler fuel injection etc. it would have left those 87 GN’s in the dust :)
Not saying it isn’t true, but that’s a really strong statement! I’ve never heard that claim before. Who was the engineer?
Jim Lyons was the Chief Engineer for the 301 Turbo program and when they were tested at Milford proving grounds etc. they ran strong on premium unleaded etc. set up that way but lost some of it when they had to be detuned for running on regular unleaded . For being faster than the 87 GN’s if allowed to develop with intercooler Fuel injection etc. that was my statement :)
My friend had one followed all GM suggestions from day one it was a dog, turbo never did work correctly choosing when and if to respond. Was constantly in dealer shop
My high school biology teacher bought one brand new and he had a lot of problems with it. I remember him telling the class one day that his catalytic converter started on fire on the way to school that morning. He was a pretty colorful single guy with the coolest car in the parking lot!
My brother-in-law had 1980 Turbo T/A. One of his complaints was that he never knew when the turbo would kick in. Sometimes it would go into boost mode at a very bad time, like on a hairpin turn. That’s not good.
He also was happier with his 1976 T/A with the 400, automatic slug setup. He liked the torque of the 400 better.
Then there was the cost of it eating a turbo charger.
That being said, this is an extremely nice example that you won’t need to invest any additional money on. I think it is probably worth the price of admission for the person who wants to enjoy the hobby and attend car shows and other automotive events.
14 photos and not one picture under the hood? .. These cars were made at the height of the malaise era. They were not the best performing TAs. I think the ask is a little high, but if it were mine and I’d been saving it for 40 years, I’d probably want as much.
Coworker had one & with my 79 304 V8 CJ5, I beat him in a short jaunt, he was so p____ed off & I laughed for days after, true story!
spend the money and buy them ready to go and tweak to your liking you will be much better off!
Blow the doors off a 87GNx really? OK.
Yes set up the same way the 301 Turbo V8 Would – GN’s and GNX’s were just V6’s – one 301 Turbo V8 Formula runs low 12’s in NHRA Stock strict rules no fuel injection intercooler etc. makes 400 rwhp :)
Good stuff 455RAIV it’s always good to get a sound anilergy Especially from someone that knows racing dynamics. Thanks
Analogy sorry spelling a little off today.
This would make a good museum entry – a piece of motoring history.
As an investment, not so much. Can’t see it ever being worth much. And, you can’t drive it.