Claiming that any original classic that is over forty years old is in mint condition is a bold strategy. However, this 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo seems to have achieved that status. It has spent over thirty years in a private collection and has a genuine 3,500 miles on its odometer. Finding anything to criticize may prove impossible on a car set to find a new home. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on eBay in Valparaiso, Indiana. Bidding has raced to $30,100, which is below the reserve.

The seller is not particularly forthcoming on the history of this Trans Am beyond the fact it has spent decades in a collection. Its backstory could be fascinating, especially considering how few miles it had accumulated in the thirteen years before coming into their possession. The original owner ordered this gem in Cameo White, and the subtle stickers on both lower front fenders suggest this is 1-of-5,700 examples of the Indy Pace Car Edition. This fact doesn’t rate a mention, but we know this gem has never undergone any repairs or restoration. The lack of minor chips and marks across the prone exterior surfaces supports the claim, while the original steel is as straight as an arrow. The Pontiac left the dealership following a rustproofing treatment, meaning it is as solid as a rock. The tinted glass, including the T-Top panels, is in first-class condition. The Trans Am rolls on its original alloy wheels, proving that these items can fulfill both form and function. They aren’t just visually appealing but were designed to pump cooling air through the brakes for improved efficiency and safety. The seller indicates that the new tires are the only non-original items on a classic that could be considered a genuine time capsule.

Some motoring trends tend to fall in and out of favor, which was the case with turbocharging in the 1980s. It seemed to offer the best of both worlds, providing excellent engine power and performance when needed but surprising fuel economy when a driver was light with the right foot. Early cars featured systems that were quite “agricultural” in design and operation, and the technology only hit its stride with the adoption of fuel injection and electronic engine management systems. This Trans Am’s 301ci V8 benefits from forced induction technology to produce 210hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. That made it the most potent version offered in 1980, although the fact that buyers could only order the car with a three-speed automatic slightly undermined its performance. The journey down the ¼-mile takes 16.1 seconds, and while that figure looks pretty tame by modern standards, it is 1½ seconds faster than the next most potent version of the Trans Am. The seller indicates this classic has a genuine 3,500 miles on its odometer and that it is 100% mechanically original. It retains its original belts, hoses, and plugs, although it is unclear whether it is currently roadworthy. The seller seems approachable, making that a question worth asking.

The spotless presentation continues when we cast our eyes over this Pontiac’s interior. There is no evidence of any wear, deterioration, or signs of abuse on an interior finished in the correct Oyster cloth and vinyl of an Indy Pace Car Edition. With some surfaces covered in protective plastic, it would be fair to class it as being in as-new condition because it is immaculate and unmodified. The seller doesn’t provide any information about factory optional equipment. Still, the images confirm it features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a factory ETR AM/FM stereo radio/cassette player.

The 1980 Trans Am Turbo received mixed reviews when it came to market, with some praising its turbocharged powerplant and others unimpressed by its lack of refinement. However, they could be pretty low-stress vehicles if maintained appropriately. I have seen a few of these classics over the year, but I don’t remember recently chancing across one with such a low odometer reading. It seems to tick the boxes in the market, attracting thirty bids with plenty of time remaining in this auction. Recent history suggests it may need to top $65,000 before hitting the reserve, while a final sales figure of around $100,000 is conceivable. Do you think it will hit that mark?