One of the best-looking models of the entire Firdbird and Camaro family tree is the third-generation Trans Am GTA. I realize that’s a bold statement, but as someone who is a child of the 80s, this car checks all the boxes in terms of what my adolescent self would have prioritized when car shopping. This 1987 GTA listed here on eBay is virtually untouched in terms of modifications but it does have some cosemetic flaws; still, as a driver, it’s hard to beat, but the opening bid of $8,000 may be scaring some potential bidders away.
It’s somewhat crazy to me that a car like this doesn’t command that sort of bidding action right out of the gate but the third-generation market is a funny one. Sure, low-mileage time capsules with three pedals and the right options will always be in demand, but there’s quite a gulf between those cars and nicely optioned drivers like this one. The looks are so killer, with those gold mesh wheels, the tinted taillight lens panel, and the subtle ground effects kit – who wouldn’t want this in their fleet?
The GTA was the top-level trim for the Trans Am range, and this one is equipped with a pair of nicely bolstered factory bucket seats. The T-top roof panel is a matter of personal taste, but there’s part of me that believes God intended for a third-generation Firebird or Camaro to have T-tops, structural rigidity be damned. The seller’s car shows some cosmetic flaws inside and out, with paint fading noted on the exterior and just some general wear-and-tear inside.
Mileage is listed as being a tick under 55,000 but the seller notes the odometer quit working a year ago; he estimates he’s added 3,000 miles since that happened. The headliner has also been removed and will need to be fixed by an upholstery shop, but he doesn’t say much about the engine or transmission and whether there are any outstanding needs of the mechanical kind. One would hope with an $8,000 opening bid that it’s a turnkey car, and the $12,000 Buy-It-Now seemingly suggests he is confident this GTA will be ready to drive when the next owner picks it up. Do you think the third-generation cars like this GTA are under-valued at the moment?
I’m a child of the 50’s, but always liked the GTA’s, subtle and restrained, before Pontiac went absolutely overboard with all the boy-racer plastic body panels stuck on every surface of their cars. The worst part of these cars was the super heavy urethane (I think) rear spoilers that warped due to exposure, but fiberglass repro’s are available. If I was closer I would probably have to see it with my trailer in tow…
Were is this thing???!
I had one, actually the first in Calhoun co. And the 4th I believe in Michigan. One of Correa being owned by a fisher body employee (gm).
I did order the digital dash to keep in time with Era. I enjoyed that car fully. And the dash was accurate to the point. I sold it while building our new home and wish I never would have. I tried finding it a few times but getting the state to track the Vin was a sticky subject.
The worst part of these cars was tune up and fuel pump replacement,if anybody been there you know.
I have a 89 IROC. Tune up consisted of changing plugs from the top and the bottom of the car. Actually had to build special tool for one of the plugs. Kind of a pain in the butt, street racing most my life. Working around headers and other things, just a pain but doable. Fuel pump is another matter. Do it right you drop the rear end among other things.
55,000 miles but the speedo quit working a year ago,bin at $12,000…I’d pay about $6000 with no supporting documentation,the pedals and the door cards will tell the real story,buyer beware.
For what it’s worth, stuck odometers are common on these cars. Even though the speedo is electronic, the odo is driven by a little electric motor and nylon gears.
14 k at 18 ? I m 53 and still have never spent more than 10 🤣 My son says I’m Jim Douglas “what have you got in the way of cheap honest transportation?” 🤣🤣
I was 18 years old and drooling over a GTA when car shopping in 1987, but I could only afford a Firebird Formula with my $14K budget.
No shame in a Formula
If its a stick shift Formula even better.
No shame is right! What 18-year-old had $14k to drop on a car in 1987?!
A friend of mine back then had a Formula 350. Great car, and it would scoot. The ladies liked it too.
Hey Vin, I did the exact same thing in 87. Bought a Formula cause I couldn’t afford a GTA. Still have it too!
“The T-top roof panel is a matter of personal taste, but there’s part of me that believes God intended for a third-generation Firebird or Camaro to have T-tops, structural rigidity be damned.”
One of the best lines I’ve seen on Barn Finds!
I agree, T-Tops are (almost) a must on a late ’70’s and up F-body. These are undervalued. Not a bad driving car but very lackluster performance to say the least
Although this is indeed a sharp looking GTA, it couldn’t even come CLOSE to the fire breathing beast the fourth and last generation of 2000-2002 Firebird Trans Am in both looks and power. But you like what you like and each to their own….
A 1989 Indy Pace Car I would say comes pretty close… low 13’s in the 1/4 and 150+ MPH out of the box was nothing to sneeze at… And that’s with a V6!
Really?
The 89 20th Anniversary T/A had it’s own variant of the Buick GNX engine, I believe, and they were fast.
Had new 87 GTA, (a dog), then a new 89 Trans Am Turbo, It was a beast and was a 12 second car when I got done with it.
The T/A essentially used a GN engine, with cylinder heads from a 3800 series Pontiac that allowed it to fit between the strut towers, and also provided better flow than the standard GN heads. Pistons were also different to work with the cylinder heads. The turbocharger (T3) was basically the same turbo used in the GNX, without the ceramic impeller. The intercooler was also similar to the GNX. The injectors (28 lb) were the same for the GN, GNX and T/A. Sort of a GNX with Pontiac heads… My very lightly modded GN ran in the 11:90’s around 115 in the 1/4. Amazing engines.
My 87 GTA ran 14.8 all day long.
With a little mods I got it down to 13.6 @ 104mph in the 1/4 mile. I had planned on doing more but put a ring on a finger instead 🙄. Wish I still had the car.
My first experience with one of these was in 1987 I signed up to join the Marines, fresh out of high school the recruiter drove a tan one and he took me to the military base for my physical where I was permanently disqualified from military service. Damn it ..He was sure proud of that car.
Love that rare color! That should sell quickly, they are great driving cars. Had a new 86 and 2 x 89 Turbo Trans Ams.
I had this exact same model. Loved it! Dumped my 86 IROC-Z to buy this at $16,500+/-. Then it was hit head on by an 88 year old uninsured driver who was on the wrong side of the road. Luckily I angled the hit so the driver side front end tool most of the impact. Glanced him off me and then was verbally assaulted by him for being in his way. Told me I wrecked his car (83 Caddy). Then he tried to sue me in court. He lost. I counter sued, but he had no insurance, so I footed the bill as did the insurance. Oh yeah, this was in NJ, so lucky me, my insurance went up 150%. Allstate, the good hands people! HA! All I got was a big middle finger!
I had a friend who let me take his ’87 Trans Am for a drive one summer day, with the T-tops off. It’s a very heavy car, that never lets you forget it when driving one.
About 600 lbs lighter than a new Charger or Challenger, and 350 less than new Camaro.
I can only comment on cars I have driven in the past. If I had to describe the driving characteristics of this car I drove in one word, it would be ‘ungainly’.
Someone sniped this one at the last second for $8,250.
I’m not sure if that’s a value or not, but a snipe win usually indicates that someone was looking for a bargain, or the seller bought their own car back.