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?
Nice tq number wow. With a steep rear gear ⚙️ these must feel pretty snappy.
The car is impressive but with being 43 years old and not having been driven 100 miles a year makes you wonder how many of the seals etc. are shot due to lack of use. This is one I’d pass on for that very reason.
missing cold air intake tube
You do not want to draw in hot under hood air into the carburetor. The turbo is going to be heating up the incoming air enough. And hot air gets you closer to detonation issues. The Turbo 4.9 had a special flexible intake hose connecting the oval air cleaner arm to the round fender duct. A replacement hose is no longer available. On the majority of turbo cars, this hose is missing. You can either get creative with your own set up or purchase a reproduction plastic adapter and flexible hose from the restoration places. This system was used on non-turbo Firebirds. The plastic adapter is not correct for the Turbo 4.9, but it is better than drawing in hot, under hood air.
Wow. Someone treated this as something special. In a way it is. For the same reason we had these cars in the first place is the reason we have this car. Big cars with big motors went out of style (certification). California set the pace and still does. Dictating what you can and cannot have. GM made an effort and came up with this low production example of underappreciated muscle. No, it’s not 400 hp with a 4.10 posi rear but it cleared all the hurdles and became a road car in the age of 55 mph. Every donut has a hole in the middle but the cake isn’t missing.
Incredibly beautifull. But with so low millage i’d be afraid that its gonna start leaking all over the place from dried up gaskets and seals. Many people critic the turbo 301 as not refined but it was a start. Remember the early turbo 3.8’s. If G.M. would not have pulled the plug on it when the 82 F bodies arrived and kept on devellopement that motor could have rivalled the turbo Grand Nationals.
We were fortunate enough to have one of these for a few months. Mom was waiting on her ordered new car and dad brought it home off the used lot. Wow, looking at the value, we should have kept it. Mom dug it, but her 82 Grand Prix was coming soon.
The pace cars like this one were really beautiful. They did a nice job with the colors. Being an early turbo, young me thought it suffered from turbo lag. I don’t know if that’s still a thing, or if turbos are even still a thing.
Anyway, great car. It’s one of the unfortunate dilemmas. Drive it and lower the value, plus sort every rubber piece, do a water pump, alternator, ac compressor etc. or let it sit and not enjoy it. I would drive it, but that’s me.
Jim, yeah, in an ’81 turbo you were feeling lag.
They do still make turbos, more so than ever before. My ’22 Bronco has a 300HP turbo 4 that I keep in Sport mode all of the time to make the throttle pedal more responsive.
I’ve owned lots of turbo cars over the years and they are always making them more responsive. Those 80’s turbos were terrible in comparison to what we have now, but still very fun in their day.
It might be the nicest one left. I hope that the new owner will continue to preserve it.
Reach a $100k?…Yeah whatever.with 43 yr old hoses and belts,soft brake lines i would not want to start putting miles on it w/o replacing all of it.whatever it sells for i’m sure it will be for more than it’s worth…with having the worst motor Pontiac ever made..
If this has bid to 30 Gs, this guy better grab the money and run before the bidder wakes up.