Third-generation Camaros and Firebirds are finally gaining their collector due after a couple long decades of mullet jokes and owner abuse. When the last of the third gens were introduced for 1992, however, they were getting a little long in the tooth, and people were anxiously awaiting the arrival of what turned out to be the last-generation Firebird. Sales unfortunately dropped for 1993; does that prove that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone?
There were only 25,180 Firebirds sold in 1992, and from the information I can find, under a thousand were Trans Ams. The last two model years got a styling revision, offering a new nose that was a lateral move at best, along with new taillights and rear bumper.
The standard engine was a 305, but this example has the last of the Tuned Port 350s, which was replaced by the LT1 in ’93. Still, the Tuned Port offered 240 horsepower and 340 ft./lbs. of torque, respectable numbers 30 years ago. Unfortunately, the 350 was only offered with a four-speed automatic, as the five speed was apparently not up to the task of transmitting the 350’s extra torque over the 305.
The ad for this Trans Am claims that it is a one-owner car whose owner passed away in 2023; it was apparently a 25th anniversary present when it was new. Although the language in the ad suggests that the car has either 59,000 or 78,000 miles, the only real flaw mentioned is some fading clear coat on the rear spoiler, which is not uncommon on ’90s General Motors products.
The interior looks remarkably clean for a third-generation F-Body, and the ad suggests that the back seat looks as if it’s never been used.
With a rust-free body, low miles (whichever mileage is correct), and few flaws, this Trans Am would be a fun driver and perhaps a good investment. The styling has aged well and ’80s and ’90s cars are rising in popularity every day. It’s currently for sale on Craigslist for $7500; thanks as always to TJ for the tip.
Gee if only GM engineers could beef up a 5 spd. transmission. They must not have taken that class.
You got an auto with the 350 because you’d break the puny 7.5 inch differential bang shifting the 5 speed.
What all the 3rd gen F bodies desperately need is sub frame connectors. I welded a set into my ’89 and made a world of difference.
I wonder what rear the ’82 camaro got – with the 4 cyl motor.
Mandatory Hydramatic autoloader for the 350 helped the Mustang 5.0 sales alot probably.
Never cared for the look of that slanted gear shifter.
So I had an 87 GTA 350 auto.One of the first 4 sold in Michigan. Anyway, a friend of mine shortly after bought an IROC. I know he had a 5 speed, but I think he got a 350 in that.. I could be wrong. (🤷)
If it’s condition is as stated in the ad someone will get a good car for the money. These are near or at the bottom of their deprecation curve, now is a good time to act.
Steve R
Mullets are coming back into style again too.
If that’s the case the late-70’s F-body’s and IROC’s should skyrocket.
Steve R
Never really cared for the schnoz on these, preferred the flatter design of the 1990 models.
Danno, I absolutely agree. I prefer Firebirds over Camaros, but the front end on this model was just weird looking. I am sure it is aerodynamic, but it just doesn’t look very good.
I’ve always had a preference throughout the run of F-bodies. I felt the camaro had the best looks from 70-73, the firebird until 81 (tied with the 78-81 camaro though for those years), the camaro for the 2nd gen run, and the firebird from 98-02.
The 3rd generation are still good looking cars and a nice transition from the 2nd generation.
Cheaper than the white probe listed !
Plenty of love for the probe but not for this beauty?
I have had a few of these , they are great cars and this one looks to be a beauty,
Yes , a bit underpowered and auto but with a very distinct look
I guess I missed it somewhere along the way. I got Bakersfield but what state? Good looking car, may take a shot at it if it’s close to me, Cincinnati.