Neither Pontiac or Chevrolet built a factory convertible for the second generation of the Firebird or Camaro. However, there were some aftermarket conversions and this appears to be one of them. It is located in near San Mateo, California just south of San Francisco. The 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am convertible is listed for sale here on Craigslist for $24,000. Beside missing the wheel center caps, some missing decals and the some paint chips, the car looks presentable. The last convertible Turbo Trans Am we featured on Barn Finds was on June 10, 2022, with a maroon 1981 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am. Many thanks to TJ for finding this rare Trans Am.
Pontiac introduced the LU8 turbo V8 engine in 1980. It was available only in the 1980-1981 Firebird Trans Am and Formula. The naturally aspirated 301 cubic inch V8 engine (4.9 liter) was the base engine in the Trans Am and was rated at 155 horsepower with a 4 barrel carburetor. The optional turbo 301 cubic inch V8 engine was rated at 210 horsepower in 1980 and 200 horsepower in 1981. The LU8 was equipped with a Garrett TB305 turbo and a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor. While the horsepower and and torque looked decent on paper, the road tests showed the car was much slower turning 16 to 17 second quarter mile times.
The seller states that this car needs new door panels for its oyster interior. The ad says the floors were replaced and the car was painted 8 years ago. It’s possible that the top leaked prior to the seller’s ownership and rusted out the floor pans. The seller states that he has always stored the car inside.
With the 15×8 aluminum wheels, this car looks like it was optioned with the WS6 handling package. In 1979, Car & Driver ranked the WS6 equipped Trans Am as the best handling US manufactured car. If you want this car to perform as good as it looks, it would be smart to ship it directly to TTA Performance in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I have owned two cars that were upgraded by Joe Rinaldi at TTA Performance and, not only are they reliable, they are much more fun to drive.
I am such a HUGE fan of this era Trans Am, I even had a 79 Y84, but this car looks AWFUL as a convertible.
Yup. You’re right John. looks just as bad today as it did yesterday.
The top cover looks like the collar on the Elvis jumpsuit.
Thanks for the photos!
I remember seeing one of these on Feebay once. The guy parted it down and was selling what was left of the body. He started the sale @ $399. I mean thing would be considered a body of white it was so parted down. It was a very solid tub. In fact I considered buying it. There are very many rusted beyond a restoration. Was my thoughts at the time. I believe he listed it several times with no takers. Not sure what happened to it.
I get it. GM made this same body for a yawning 12 years. Sharing it with two different brands.I don’t think a coach built ragtop is a horrible idea. I think a targa would look more the part
I had a neighbor that had a 82 Z28 that was a ragtop conversation. His uncle had bought it and a new Transam when they came out and had both made into convertible. It was nicely done. Unfortunately somebody stole it from right under his bedroom window and never seen again! 😕 We always wondered where it went!
Knew a local guy that bought a new 85 ragtop. Was not a good looking guy at all 300 lbs. Was a slob……um could be any of us…Not judging.
Lived in a house trailer. Car obviously was more than he could afford till one night it caught fire in his one car garage. One way to pay it off. Sell it to the insurance company!
Lovely looking car. I’ve seen lots of 1970s Pontiac Firebirds, but never a convertible. It’s too damn bad.
Wow – talk about a small world! I was sitting behind one of these yesterday at a stoplight. I didn’t recall a second gen Trans-Am convertible, and your write up confirmed it.
And I agree with the earlier post- it is not that attractive. The proportions look all out of whack… but to each their own!
Do you remember the term ” cowl flex”?
Pepperidge Farms does!
Hideous convertible!
Would be better with a black top and different wheels.
Better, yes, but it is still and forever ugly.
Gosh darn that thing is beautiful! The way the top stows is just hideous.