We’ve recently seen a few low-mileage survivors cross our desks at Barn Finds, and this 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA is no exception. It presents beautifully, which isn’t surprising given its genuine 31,000 miles on the clock. It is an unmolested survivor, ready to roar with a new owner behind the wheel. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on eBay in Elkridge, Maryland. They set their BIN at $19,980 with the option to make an offer.
Pontiac introduced the GTA variant to the Third Generation Trans Am range in 1987, which remained available until 1992. Cosmetically, the package included additional badges and 16″ diamond-spoke aluminum wheels with Gold centers. This GTA presents superbly in Black with a glass T-Top. The seller says the bumpers and rear spoiler were repainted as part of a light cosmetic refresh, but potential buyers can still consider it a genuine survivor. There are no cosmetic paint or panel issues beyond a minor dent on the passenger-side front fender, and no evidence of rust. The refresh included replacing the T-Top seals and the hatch struts, so water leaks and the hatch falling on your head won’t be worries. The trim and glass look exceptional for a car of this vintage, and those beautiful wheels are spotless.
This GTA isn’t the most potent version, but it should still deliver respectable performance. It features the 305ci Tuned-Port Injection V8, a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and four-wheel power disc brakes. The WS6 package was integral to the GTA variant, providing larger sway bars, gas shocks, and a faster steering ratio. The 305 produced a factory-quoted 190hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque, although the power would have climbed to 215hp if the first owner had teamed the motor with the five-speed manual transmission. The GTA received plenty of recent TLC, with the seller installing a new alternator, mass airflow sensor, idle control sensor, and fuel tank and pump. The previous owner installed new shocks, a tie rod end, Pitman arm, and drag links. Potential buyers can consider the GTA a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs or shortcomings.
Trimmed in Gray and Black, the Trans Am’s interior looks extremely tidy. The seatcovers aren’t worn or stained, and the carpet looks clean. There are no signs of abuse, and no evidence of UV deterioration. The only apparent aftermarket addition surrounds the stereo, which features upgraded Kicker speakers for improved audio quality. Other interior features include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel.
The healthy listing statistics suggest people have spotted this 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA and like what they see. That is understandable: its appearance is impressive, and the odometer reading is far lower than you would typically expect for a classic of this vintage. Values have risen significantly during the last year. That brings us to a point to ponder. I discovered a successful auction for this Trans Am where the hammer fell almost exactly two years ago. It sold then for $15,500 and has accumulated 2,000 miles since. The BIN represents a substantial gain over that result, but it remains very realistic. If the seller will negotiate, a lower price could be within reach. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further?
Very nice GTA TA. From the pictures, it definitely presents as a very low miles car.
I definitely believe it would be worth the asking price, but it sounds like if you offered them 16 or 17 grand cash, they’d probably take it.
The seller accepted an offer on 9/11/26, but the deal was not completed.
Steve R
Possibly buyer didn’t follow though?
Clean Pontiac here. I remember these back in the early 1990’s at the Pontiac dealer in NJ that I worked at. I remember that the rims were off set and that a tire rotation involved rotating the tire off the rims because the front rims on the rear would rub on the brakes.
I think I was starting to get Trans Am fatigue with all th recent examples but this looks like an one I could get behind the wheel of. No Thunder Chicken on the hood, tasteful trim and with a suspension package tuned more for cutting corners. I would get seat covers to hide that mouse fur on the seats though.
Oooh, these look great in black. I think I’ve only ever seen them in white.
This body style has stood the test of time as well as the first years of the second generation Firebird. You Pontiac enthusiasts know the story about Herb Adams being instrumental in the handling prowess of the second generation Firebird Trans Am. He left GM before this generation came out, but he was involved in various street stock racing programs after he left. He told me that every generation had better structure and suspension than the previous ones, and the best way to make a great handling car is to start with a good one. Except for the t-tops that I’m not a fan of, this looks like a great car to turn into a restomod. I’d keep the automatic, swapping a ZF8 transmission with eight speeds and a number of aftermarket computer control shifting options that gives you full manual control with flip shift down shifts when you want. LS swaps are easy to do in these cars. For less money than a used C8 Corvette, you can have something that you can daily drive and take to the occasional track day if that’s your taste. And maybe the value won’t depreciate much over time.
A closer look at the listing states “GTA CLONE”
Sharp eye, I don’t think I would have noticed that. Might not make a difference to some, but it definitely brings the price down imo.
With the mileage and condition, I think it still tick$ the price up close to asking price
Hahaha, good eye. Yeah, that would be a big no for me. There’s PLENTY of nice real GTA’s out there.
The asking price is about what I paid for a new GTA in 1988. As far as I can tell this looks good but I did not see the WS6 suspension badge on the lower dash below the map pocket, passenger side. While this car was a looker and handled good it broke down a lot, especially the alternators, intake manifold gaskets, water pumps and drivers seat. Carrying spare parts for road trips were a must. And it does appear to be a clone, the original GTA came with a 350 ‘vette engine and a WS6 suspension.
nice T/A. the market is coming up on these especially if they are clean low milers.
This Pontiac looks really good. But after learning that it is a GTA clone I have completely lost interest !
Wow. It looks like a well cared for year old car. Still a great looking car forty years later. Gorgeous 😍
Listed as SOLD as of Sept. 17.