It is often said that it is better to go out with a bang, and that is undoubtedly true of the Pontiac Trans Am. The 2002 model year marked the end of the line for the badge, and this Trans Am SLP Firehawk was an appropriate way to draw the curtain on Pontiac’s iconic pony car. This is a rare classic with a genuine 23,900 miles showing on its odometer. It is an unmolested and rare survivor, and the only thing it appears to need is a new home. The seller listed the Firehawk here on eBay in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Thirty-five bids have pushed the price to $25,100, which is below the reserve.
When Pontiac launched its Fourth Generation Firebird range for the 1993 model year, few people knew that it would prove to be the last. Market forces had reduced sales within the pony car sector, and economic rationalism eventually forced the company’s hand. This 2002 Trans Am is no ordinary car, but is a rare and desirable SLP Firehawk version. Only 1,501 of these cars ever saw the light of day, and the fact that this is 1-of-34 ordered in Arctic white increases its rarity. Faulting its presentation is challenging, with the overall condition suggesting it has always been treated respectfully. The paint shines nicely, the panels are laser-straight, and, unsurprisingly, there are no rust issues. The glass and removable roof panels are in excellent order, while the 17″ alloy wheels are in as-new condition. However, the hood scoop hints that there is something special hiding below this Trans Am’s hood.
Pontiac was playing for keeps with the SLP Firehawk, with power and torque figures that were extremely impressive by the standards of the day. The 5.7-liter LS1 V8 churns out 345hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. The driver controls the shifting via a six-speed manual transmission, while the Firehawk package brought brake and suspension upgrades that created a “total” package. Was it fast? The SLP Firehawk spoke where the rubber meets the road, storming the ¼-mile in 13.5 seconds on its way to 170mph. You can buy faster domestic models today, but those numbers made the SLP Firehawk a vehicle to be reckoned with in 2002. The seller states that this Trans Am has a genuine 23,900 miles showing on its odometer, and with documented Service Records dating back to Day One, that mileage is confirmed. The deal also includes the Dealership paperwork, Window Sticker, and other documentation that add to the appeal and future value. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey proposition that needs nothing.
The SLP Firehawk package may have focused on performance, but this car loses nothing in the comfort stakes. The winning bidder receives dual airbags, air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, seats, mirrors and antenna, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio/12-disc CD changer with wheel-mounted controls. The condition of the interior is all you would expect from a cherished classic, with no wear on the Black leather trim, no modifications, and plastic that has avoided physical and UV damage.
If you owned a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am SLP Firehawk, this is the view that many people received. These were genuinely potent classics when they rolled off the showroom floor, and their performance figures remain competitive today. Pontiac was rationalizing its product range as the new century dawned, fighting to stave off closure. The Trans Am was one of the victims, but only delayed the inevitable end of a once mighty marque. The bidding history suggests that this survivor should find a new home, but are you tempted to make it yours?
Top of the class here. Pontiac rocket 🚀
If you added some steeper gears. These are unbelievably quick. And w that 6th gear… why not.
Should have been Buick that was dropped instead of ponchos, but because china liked Buicks….SAD
The official reason was that “Buicks sell well in China”, and that may have been a factor, although it wouldn’t have been without precedent for them to have an “international brand only” (as Opel and Vauxhall were for decades). But I’ve always suspected that there was more to it than that, although even after all of these years no one has ever admitted to it.
My theory is that the respective divisions’ position in GM’s corporate history was a big factor. Pontiac was the only “companion” make to outlive its parent make (Oakland), so its history only dated back to the 1920s. Buick, however, was where it all started. Buick was the automaker that Billy Durant bought first, making it the foundation of General Motors. As he acquired other makes, and the various component manufacturers that became GM as they vertically integrated, they were rolled into his Buick-based General Motors Corporation, and I’m convinced that was a factor that management considered when forced to cut some makes.
this car has the Ls1 5.7 (345ci) that started 1998 in the 4th gen camaro,firebird and the corvette some where in 2000 they made the Ls1/ls6 block with more crankcase venting and some other changes still called the Ls1 did you know this is a all aluminum block with aluminum heads 6 bolt mains with the crank reset up into block, level with the oil pan rail, do your own research, what I’m saying here there’s more to this package then meet the eye.
No sale with a high bid of $31,200 with 56 bids. This is a really nice car, with plenty of documentation, plus it’s a 6spd manual. The seller was wise to hold out for a better price.
Steve R