Finding an affordable classic worthy of parking in your driveway or garage can seem like a never-ending battle, with many requiring significant work before gracing our streets. This 1984 Pontiac Trans Am could represent the ideal solution. It isn’t perfect, but it is a rust-free survivor in mechanical good health. The new owner could enjoy it immediately while formulating plans for its future. The Trans Am is listed here on eBay in Clifton Park, New York. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $6,100, and if it remains within that region, it could be an affordable option.
The Third Generation Trans Am, like its cousin, the Camaro, caused a sensation when unveiled. It was unlike anything before, with a sleek body and a heavily raked windshield. These were practical features as General Motors sought to counter lost engine performance resulting from emission regulations with advanced aerodynamics and a dramatic weight reduction program. This one presents acceptably for a driver-grade classic in Black with Gold striping and decals. The paint holds a good shine, with the seller assessing it as a 6/10. They feel a polish may improve that score and would be a cheap strategy to undertake before considering a repaint. The gold shows damage, particularly on the lower front spoiler. However, the listing suggests replacement stripes and decals are included, helping the car’s cause. The original owner added rust treatment and undercoat at the dealership, keeping it rust-free and structurally sound. The distinctive alloy wheels look good for their age, and there are no apparent glass issues.
The drivetrain configuration and available power confirm Pontiac faced more work before its V8s would provide anything beyond modest power outputs. This car features a 305ci powerplant that sends 150hp to the back wheels via a rebuilt four-speed automatic transmission with a shift kit. This classic would have covered the ¼-mile in 16.7 seconds when shiny and new, which is hardly earth-shattering. However, it is worth noting that an auto-equipped 1981 Trans Am with the same power output took 18 seconds for the journey. The secret to the improvement largely rested in the weight loss program. While the ’81 Trans Am tipped the scales at 3,529 lbs, this one should only weigh 3,128 lbs. Weight is always the enemy of performance, and this car demonstrates that. Aerodynamics are also a key consideration, with this car capable of nudging 131mph but the earlier model struggling to 116mph. The gains were incremental, but they were heading in the right direction. The seller recently rebuilt this Trans Am’s carburetor and replaced the rear muffler. It runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The Trans Am’s interior presents acceptably for a driver-grade classic, with no faults or flaws requiring immediate attention. The upholstered surfaces are generally pretty good, although there is a tear on the passenger-side rear seat base. It doesn’t look repairable, leaving the winning bidder with choices to make. The cheapest solution would be fitting a high-quality slip cover to hide the problem, with enthusiasts on a budget probably selecting that option. Replacing the rear seat cover is the next most expensive path, although that would introduce a color inconsistency compared to the front covers. That leaves replacing the lot as the ultimate solution. High-quality cover sets in the correct material and color are available, retailing for around $640. That is a reasonable investment but one that should reap long-term benefits. The dash has a couple of minor cracks, and the finish on the wheel spokes is chipping. The air conditioning doesn’t blow cold, but there are no clues as to why. The factory radio/cassette player is intact, although the seller includes a Sony Bluetooth unit for those seeking a more modern touch.
The Third Generation Trans Am is a vehicle that polarizes opinion. While many enthusiasts appreciate the effort General Motors made to address engine performance loss through advanced aerodynamics and weight shedding, others never warmed to its looks. Early examples are among cars from this era that remained ignored for years, but values are climbing above the market average. They remain affordable, but if the current trend continues, they will be less so with each passing day. If you’ve always dreamed of owning one of these classics, is this one you would pursue further?
it didn’t occur to me how some people could not appreciate how great looking this car is until the fourth Gen Firebird showed up and I still can’t warm up to it. I guess it’s the same for people a little older than be that fell in love with the 60’s/70’s Firebirds first.
The 4th Gen had the quintessential 1990s jellybean shape. It’s a matter of taste but I think it looks bloated, particularly the 1998-02 “catfish” Camaros. Ugh. The 3rd Gen is a much better looking car, IMO.
Anyway, the L69 was the way to go in ’84. As good as a 305 could get. Drove and rode in several back in the day and it was pretty impressive for its time. I’d personally hold out for one of those.
Wish I had extra money. I’d snatch this up and make it my daily driver! I miss seeing this generation of firebird and iroc’s on the road as daily drivers. Now I see them at car shows and that’s it. This firebird has a very reasonable price. What is sad are the people who take this at this price, clean it up then triple the price and offer to resell again. It’s the point these people don’t care about enjoying the car, it’s about profit for them. Makes it hard for those that have limited funds to jump into the era of such cars. Yeah I know. I expect backlash for that comment and guess what. I don’t care about ur comment defending urself. So shut up, don’t wanna hear it.
The fresh air intake makes this appear to be an L69 305 with 190 hp. That makes this an outstanding buy at that level.
Correct jwzg if its the h.o 305 its a dandy for 84′
190hp 240ft/lbs , 3.42 ⚙️ in the rear. 700R4 trans and 3200 lbs. Great cruiser.
Yup, good eye! A friend bought a new Z/28 with the carbuteted HO engine and a 5 speed. Quicker than you’d think, especially for the early to mid ‘80s
The Tach only red lines at 5K
L-69 redlines at 6K
It is not an L69. It has an H as the 8th digit of the VIN. That is the LG4. If it was an L69 t would have a G in that spot. I believe all the 1984s had the functional hood scoop.
Do not see the cold air intake often on these – I like it and hopefully it is the L69.
The performance didn’t match the looks. I always loved the looks of these. A co-worker at a prior job got one new when it came out and everyone swooned over it. Knight Rider made it even more popular. Still looks good.
This one also states it has the WS6 suspension package. The photo of the hood does not show the “5.0 HO” badging, so this one’s 150 HP. I see no notes about the mileage. Price should go to around 8-9K for this example.
Weirdly enough, after a little research, I noted that the functional turbo hood was standard with the LG4 and optional with the L69. Not sure about why this was, but you find out something new every day.
Put me in the “love it” column on these. I think the 3rd-gen Firebird, particularly the early ones w/out ground effects, are one of GM’s most beautiful designs. As cars age often the cleaner, simpler, earlier cars become more desirable. Everyone knocks the performance, but it’s a 40-year old car at this point. Any minivan would smoke most cars of the era. It’s perfectly adequate for daily driving is so inclined but I think these are just awesome if considered more a GT car than a sports car.
More show than go but I love this show!
I have an 84 H.O. 305 with the 5 speed 3.73 diff. runs decent
I wonder if development thought of making the rear hatch glass a lot smaller
with metal over the trunk area – would not hurt visibility outward, would keep interior cooler, & hide items in trunk area.