Made for almost two decades, the Pontiac Sunbird filled a need for those folks who wanted a small car that was somewhat sporty and fun to drive American car in a couple of variations. This 1983 Pontiac Sunbird LE convertible looks like a nice example and the seller has it posted here on craigslist. It’s located in Duncannon, Pennsylvania and the seller is asking $6,500. Thanks to Roger for sending in this top-down tip!
There aren’t a lot of photos and some of them are cut off such as in the one above, but we can piece them together and see what looks like a very nice car. This isn’t a performance enthusiast’s Pontiac by any means, and with an automatic transmission, a lot of the fun of shifting your own gears is gone. But, for basic top-down driving in an eye-catching little car that is rarely seen on the roads today, this could make a fun graduation present for someone’s high-school student, or former high school student which is what a graduation present is for. But, I digress.
The Pontiac Sunbird was made for model years 1976 through 1994 but there was a two-year gap in production for the 1981 and 1982 model years. The first-generation cars were a variation of the Chevrolet Monza which itself was based on the Chevrolet Vega. This is a second-generation Sunbird which was made for the 1982 to 1988 model years, and technically it’s the first year of the second-gen cars using the Sunbird name. The 1982 cars were called the J2000. In 1983 such as with this car, the J was dropped and you can see Pontiac 2000 on the left side of the trunk lid and Sunbird on the right side.
Like a lot of craigslist ads – too many – there are no engine photos here, but this one should have the 1.8L inline-four with 84 hp. This car is loaded with AC, automatic, and power locks and power windows. The seller doesn’t mention the body condition or operating condition other than to say that it’s in super nice condition. I would have to agree. Have any of you owned a Pontiac Sunbird?
I had an ’89 SE, Blue and silver 2 tone, 5speed, fun car I miss it lol
I would love to have this! This is one of those under loved cars that time forgot.
I had a Sunbird convertible and it was profiled in the newspaper https://dennishouse.tv/2013/12/02/my-wheels-in-big-wheels/
Interesting read Dennis. I’m also a Buick fan having owned a 65 Special hard top and a 71 Skylark conv. I have a soft spot for J bodies also. A 91 Z24. The Sunbird always seemed like a step up from the Cavalier.
As for the feature car, I would want to knock a little off the asking price and maybe add some Pontiac alloy wheels. Nice car.
Not sure but is the OHC/FI engine was the 2.0 liter? (K engine letter suffixe)
I had a 1984 4 doors with the 1.8 and carb then a 1987 4 doors SE full loaded with the OFC/FI engine that was way better than the 1.8.
Anyway, real nice convertible!
1.8? My 82 Cavalier had a 3.1 fully loaded 4 dr owned by the wife of the dealer principal (I used it as my daily driver) great car – – – went like stink – – – solid and fun to drive.had it for 10 years and current owner still driving it but she’s getting pretty rusty.
This would be even more awesome with 3.1 but heck I’d buy it if I needed another special car – – kinda like our guy tools – – can never have enough eh?
Must have been an engine swap. The 3.1 didn’t exist until the late 1980s. All 1982 J cars used a wheezy 1.8L OHV 4-cylinder engine.
Great little looking convertible car
But
Lets face it , a boring drive , no power to accelarate
No power to stop
No handling
And
Way overpriced
You can get more bang for your buck !
Needs a Camaro style 4 spoke steering wheel and donate those horrendous hub caps to a Bronx tire repair shop and replace them with…well anything, and you have a decent ride to the beach or a first car for a high schooler if you can negotiate that price down a bit.
I was thinking the same thing about the steering wheel. It looks like a Buick Century steering wheel. I
Also didn’t think the 3.1 V6 was available until 1991?
They are saying rare,maybe, but l don’t think so,and even if that was the case that doesn’t mean value, price is a little high. My sister had one of these, her car was red on grey with a grey convertible top,fun,fun,fun, but not special sports, and,or musclecar by any means.
Ah, if money was no object, I wouldn’t object to the money. I’m holding out for an ’87 GT anyway.
I had an ’86 GT convertible for a while. It was turbocharged, but admittedly not running right.
It was the slowest p.o.s. I ever owned lol.
I was so glad when I was able to replace it. Had it been running right, it might have been kind of fun lol.
I paid $500 for mine & I did get my money’s worth out of transportation…very slow transportation lol.
I owned one of the 1983 Pontiac Sunbird convertibles. I believe that the total production was under 1,000 units. I ordered mine new from the dealer. The convertible was a conversion that was done by American Sunroof for General Motors Pontiac division. It took me nearly 8 months to get delivery. I placed my order before they were officially announced in March 1983 and took delivery in October 1983. My car was originally shipped to the dealer without being converted and had to be shipped back to American Sunroof to be converted.
looking to sell my 1983 pontiac 2000 convertible. has clear title but very rough shape. mostly for parts but car is complete. no keys. located in cuba, missouri
Its only value is thait it is located in cuba !oh , wait wrong cuba …
Wortless to most but there are still a few guys that apreciate the cheap topless ,
Good luck with your sale