In 1981, it was the end of the road for Pontiac engines and the second generation Firebird. Pontiac introduced the 2nd generation in 1970 and it was a massive success due to its looks and performance. This 1981 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am is located in McCalla, Alabama and is listed for auction here on eBay. There are 4 days remaining in the listing and it is currently bid to $2,500. The AutoCheck title history report shows that the car has had 3 owners and the odometer shows 45k miles.

With the 400 cubic inch V8 being phased out in 1979, Pontiac introduced its first turbocharged V8 in 1981. It was available only in the 1980-1981 Firebird Trans Am and Formula and the turbocharged V8 engine was designated LU8 engine. The turbo 301 cubic inch V8 engine (4.9 liter) 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 were comparable on paper to prior years, the road tests showed the car was much slower.

The 1981 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am was selected in 1980 as the Indy 500 pace car and in 1981 for the Daytona 500. The Daytona 500 NASCAR pace car came with special paint, decals and interior. This included Recaro seats for the first time in a Trans Am. The pace car car was fully loaded including power windows, tilt steering, air conditioning, T-Tops and cruise control. All turbo 301 cubic inch V8 engines were backed by a GM Turbo 350 automatic transmission and a 3.08 rear gear. Pace cars were also equipped with the WS6 Performance Handling Package which included 4 wheel disc brakes, bigger sway bars, 15×8 wheels and improved power steering turning ratios.

Pontiac built 2,000 NASCAR pace cars in 1981. There is a company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin called TTA Performance that makes performance parts that perk these cars up and make them respectable and much more fun to drive. The car was purchased in Alabama and appears to have spent its life in the same state. The ad states there are some problems with the paint but the AC works and it looks good in the pictures.