We always appreciate the input of our readers at Barn Finds because, without you, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. This includes providing feedback on our stories and spotting some wonderful classics we are privileged to write about. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for locating this stunning 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Y84 SE. It isn’t perfect, but a solid survivor ready to be enjoyed by a lucky new owner. It has no apparent needs, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Apopka, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $43,400, but plenty of time remains if you want to make a play for this survivor.

The 1981 model year marked the end of the line for the Second Generation Firebird, with a radically different car set to break cover for 1982. The impending change-over impacted sales significantly, with the total plunging by around 30% across the entire range. Buyers could still order an ’81 Trans Am SE, which is what this Pontiac’s original owner did. The seller emphasizes the originality of its Starlight Black paint, stating that while it shines beautifully, close inspection reveals marks and chips, as you might expect from a vehicle with more than four decades under its belt. It is a similar story with the decals, which show slight deterioration and physical damage. However, this Trans Am has avoided the common rust issues that often plague these vehicles, with the panels and underside looking spotless. The original owner splashed an additional $585 on a glass T-Top. Its seals are in good order, and the panels are as immaculate as every other piece of glass on this beauty. There are no signs of stains or physical damage on the Gold Snowflake wheels, and the overall impression is that the winning bidder could drive this classic as a survivor with total confidence.

This Trans Am’s interior graphically demonstrates the vital role documentation plays in verifying the originality of any classic. It features the correct gold badges and highlights on the machine-turned gauge fascia and shifter surround that are integral parts of the SE Package, but the Formula wheel appears to be a later addition without the correct gold spokes. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, and the seats sport spotless leather covers. However, the seller includes the Window Sticker, which confirms the original owner ordered this car with seats finished in velour. A previous owner made the change, and some readers will contend it undermines any suggestions the vehicle is a genuine survivor. Reversing the upgrade is possible, but I’m unsure how many people would willingly spend over $800 in such a situation. There are no further issues or modifications, with the car retaining its original ice-cold air conditioning, rear defogger, and AM/FM radio/cassette player.

I would love to say the Second Generation Trans Am went out with a bang, but tightening emission regulations and a lack of large-capacity engine options meant it departed with barely a mechanical whimper. This car features the numbers-matching 301ci V8, which sends 150hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Both figures are modest, and with this classic tipping the scales at 3,529 lbs, the ¼-mile ET of 18 seconds is unsurprising. Buyers could order a turbocharged version of the 301, which slashed the figure to 16.2 seconds. The acceptance rate for that option was surprisingly high, with 15,578 buyers (or 46.5%) spending the additional greenbacks. The engine bay presents exceptionally well for its age, suggesting its owners have treated it respectfully. It has a claimed 22,622 genuine miles on the clock, with the seller holding confirming documentation. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition where they could fly in and drive it home.

Pontiac produced 33,493 examples of the 1981 Trans Am as it closed the book on Second Generation Firebird production. Only 1,160 were a Y84 SE with a T-Top and the 301ci V8 under the hood. That doesn’t make it the rarest Trans Am from that year because only forty-one similar cars without the T-Top rolled off the line. However, it does represent a small percentage of the production total, which helps explain why this classic has attracted twenty bids with plenty of time remaining on the auction. Are you tempted to join the party, or will you sit back as an interested spectator?