Even in a down sales year in 1980, the Firebird was still benefitting from the exposure that the Pontiac got in the 1977 movie, Smokey and the Bandit. That flick helped generate interest in the Trans Am, giving it banner seasons in 1978 and 1979. More than half of Firebird production in 1980 was still the Trans Am, which this one could look like at first glance given the dark paint job. But it appears to be an ordinary Firebird that needs a little mechanical work and comes with some new sheet metal if you want to do something of a tribute car. Located in Pownal, Maine, this project is available here on craigslist for the cheap wheels price of $2,800. Another cool tip brought to us by Barn Finder Pat L.!

Second-generation Firebirds were nearing the end of the line as the 1981 model year would be the last before an all-new car would emerge. A decade is a long time for any car to go with only minimal changes year after year, yet Pontiac assembled 107,000 Firebirds in 1980. Assuming this is a base Firebird, nearly 30,000 copies were produced, and you could barely tell them apart from the 1979s without studying the VIN. A broadly produced Indianapolis Pace Car Edition would assist sales to commemorate Pontiac’s Turbo V8 being chosen to pace the Indy race that year.

This car could have had a couple of different engines when new, but it sports an Oldsmobile 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood now that comes with a 4-barrel carburetor. If surviving pollution control devices are at a minimal, this should be a peppy Pontiac. The car has 106,000 miles and has been treated to new front springs and shocks and mostly new brakes. It runs well, so in theory, you could drive it while you restore it.

The body has issues, and the dark blue (looks black) paint is past its prime. To help further along the project, the seller is enclosing new Trans Am front fenders, a front nose piece, a rear deck cover, and a set of factory wheels, along with some assorted parts. At today’s price, there seems to be a lot here for the money. If not, perhaps you could pull the drivetrain and part out everything that goes home with you.