Some buyers will walk into a dealership with a strict budget in mind, driving away in a car that meets their basic needs. Others will throw caution to the wind, wielding their pen on the Order Form with gay abandon to create something genuinely special. This 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo Special Edition falls into the latter category, presenting superbly following a recent restoration. There is little to fault with its appearance or condition, helping to explain why it has generated interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Saint Charles, Illinois. Bidding sits below the reserve at $20,100 with time remaining for interested readers to stake their claim on this classic.
Pontiac was marking time when it released the 1981 Firebird range. Its replacement was waiting in the wings, and the company wasn’t prepared to spend a fortune on updates or styling changes. Instead, a few minor decal and exterior trim tweaks were the extent of the changes, and the Trans Am sales tally of 33,493 was the badge’s lowest since 1975. The first owner ordered this Pontiac in Starlight Black, ticking the box beside the Special Edition option that brought a T-Top into the equation. The seller confirms that this Trans Am underwent a recent restoration which included fresh paint and a new decal kit. The results justified the effort, with the car presenting beautifully. The paint holds a depth of color and shine that you could almost walk into. This paint shade is excellent for revealing panel imperfections, but this car is as straight as an arrow. There is no rust to cause sleepless nights, and the Gold “Turbo” wheels don’t simply look good, but perform a useful function. Pontiac drew on motorsport with these wheels, which are designed to draw cool air through the brakes for improved safety and braking efficiency.
One of the most profound changes to the Second Generation Trans Am occurred in 1980 when the company dropped its large engines from the options list. However, wishing to remain viewed as the performance arm of the General Motors empire, Pontiac added a 301ci turbocharged V8 to the mix. This motor continued in 1981, generating a respectable 200hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque. Many enthusiasts lamented the fact that this motor wasn’t available with a manual transmission, with a three-speed Hydramatic the only option. It is fair to think that with a good four-speed, the Trans Am Turbo would have been quite a weapon. The seller confirms that part of the restoration included pulling the engine and transmission to be serviced and detailed. The process fell short of a complete rebuild, but many parts were replaced to eliminate the possibility of fluid leaks or other problems. However, the brakes were renewed, as was the turbocharger center bearing and housing. There are no identified mechanical shortcomings, making this Trans Am a turnkey proposition.
I mentioned factory options, and the interior of this Trans Am is where we find most of them. They include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a remote trunk release, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, all of the courtesy lights that you could possibly want, and a Delco AM/FM radio/cassette player with a power booster for music you can feel. The original stereo has made way for an aftermarket sound system, but the factory unit is freshly rebuilt and can be refitted if the buyer prefers authenticity. The recent restoration included replacing the headliner, carpet, all of the speakers, and the heater core. The optional Medium Camel Tan velour trim is in exceptional condition, with no evidence of problems or wear. The plastic hasn’t suffered at the hands of UV rays, and the machine-turned items are in as-new condition.
So, what’s not to like about this 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo Special Edition? Its presentation is top-notch, it has avoided the rust issues that often plague these classics, and it is loaded with desirable factory options. It has only attracted twelve bids, but the Listing View and Watch List totals suggest that the action is far from over. Recent successful sales indicate that the sale price will probably be around three times the current high-bid figure. Is that thought enough for you to make a play for this Trans Am, or will you join me in dreaming about becoming its new owner?
Always a personal fave and fun part is there’s an aftermarket niche than still can cater to the intricacies of the turbo V-8
I recall in ”The Rockford’ Files” when James Garner had the front of the Firebird changed to the 1978 Firebird. He hated the looks of the ’81.
My older sister’s boyfriend at the time, had a new one of these the exact same as this back in the early 80’s. He was a real arrogant jerk but the car was cool lol.
I purchased a new 1981 turbo in 1982. The GM dealers that sold the most were allowed to contact key customers with an private showing of ordered TA’s that were brought out on car carrier from the east. The black and gold had a non turbo ( scratched up ). We bought the red on red and switched to snow flake rims. Not the fastest TA I ever owned, but the most fun to drive.
Bidding presently at 26.1K
K
This one is sweet!
Back in the early 80s my brother had a black turbo Trams Am and my sister a white ‘81, both in unique color/bird combos. Instead of the gold eagle he had the 5 color red eagle. I was young and didn’t have a license and only rode in the passenger seat a few times. I remember looking over the dash and when the turbo kicked in I imagined it to be the scream of the eagle on the hood. Not many in this color combo. My sisters non turbo white Trans Am instead of the blue or red eagle had the 5 color gold eagle with double pinstripe like the car in this ad. Also had the WS6 handling package and both cars had t-tops, no leaks. Both were great cars and our family enjoyed both.
Ended at $27,600.
Reserve Not Met.