Some enthusiasts will purchase a new classic, squirreling it away safely for years, hoping that its value will appreciate. Some vehicles achieve that goal, while others fall short of expectations. That is probably the case with this 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 Convertible. The original Window Sticker confirms that it has lost ground in real terms, despite clocking only 715 miles over the past twenty-three years. The odometer reading makes it unsurprising that it presents in as-new condition. This one-owner classic is destined for a new home, with the seller listing the Trans Am here on eBay in Canton, Illinois. Bidding sits below the reserve at $1,050. However, there is a BIN of $55,000 for those who view this potent drop-top as a must-have.

The 2002 model year marked the end of the line for Pontiac’s Firebird range. The Fourth Generation had graced showroom floors since 1993, but Pontiac elected to cease production amid falling sales. Pontiac offered buyers eight paint shades in 2002, and this one-owner Trans Am Convertible was ordered by the seller in Pewter Metallic. Its presentation is unsurprising because it has remained hidden away since Day One and has only clocked 715 miles. This has allowed it to avoid the chips and marks that typically accumulate with regular use, meaning that if Pontiac still existed, this Convertible would look at home on a showroom floor. The top fits tightly, there is no plastic deterioration, and the polished 17″ wheels look perfect.

Pontiac focused almost exclusively on outright performance when it released the original Trans Am. However, buyers could tick plenty of boxes on their Order Form to achieve a more comfortable, luxurious motoring experience. Customer expectations evolved, and the standard equipment inside this 2002 Convertible would have felt like something from science fiction in 1969. The Window Sticker lists air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power top, power mirrors, power seats, cruise control, leather trim, and an AM/FM radio/CD player with wheel-mounted controls as standard equipment. The seller selected a few extras, equipping this Trans Am with traction control and a Hurst shifter. Once again, finding anything deserving criticism is impossible, with the interior as spotless as the exterior. The Ebony leather is supple and inviting, the remaining trim and plastic are free from deterioration, and a set of Firebird mats protects the carpet.

If you ever doubted the performance credentials of this Trans Am, one glance at its specifications should allay those fears. It features the LS1 version of the 5.7-liter V8, a six-speed manual transmission, and the WS6 Package, which included the Ram Air system, upgraded suspension, a low-restriction dual exhaust, and a power steering cooler. Enormous four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock provide the stopping power, making this a “complete” driver’s package. Pontiac’s 2002 Sales Brochure quotes a power output of 325hp from the V8, and with the car tipping the scales at approximately 3,620 lbs, it should be a genuinely fast vehicle. The seller doesn’t mention a service history, evidence documenting the mileage claim, or whether this Trans Am is roadworthy. They confirm that the only non-original parts are the battery and the fuel pump, meaning that this classic rolls on its original tires. I would probably swap these for newer ones before tackling any long journeys or high-speed motoring, as the rubber may have hardened with age.

Financial considerations will almost always trump sentiment in the automotive world. Pontiac faced a tough decision at the dawn of the new Millennium. The company could either develop a replacement for its aging Firebird range or allow the badge to bow out gracefully. Pony car sales were slipping by the end of the 20th Century, and while Ford sold 133,637 Mustangs in 1999, Pontiac could only muster a tally of 36,209 Firebirds across all variants. The writing was on the wall, and the Firebird disappeared from showrooms before the end of 2002. If rarity is a key consideration in your classic search, the fact that this Trans Am is 1-of-71 Convertibles built in 2002, featuring Pewter paint, a manual transmission, and the WS6 pack, may help it to tick the boxes for you. It is also worth noting that the seller paid $36,760 for this classic in 2002, which equates to approximately $66,200 today. Their BIN figure is considerably less, demonstrating that this wasn’t a great long-term investment. However, with the market now treating these cars kindly, that situation could change. So, if you wish to own what could be the best 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 Convertible on the planet, it could be a click away with this beauty.