Tony Primo found this interesting listing for a 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Pace Car here on Craigslist. For automotive historians, 1981 represents a bittersweet milestone in Detroit history. It marked the definitive end of the legendary second-generation GM F-body platform—a eleven-year run that survived fuel crises, insurance hikes, and strict emission mandates. To give this legendary era a fitting send-off, Pontiac partnered with NASCAR to create a limited-edition car that relied on high-tech engineering and bold, modern aesthetics. A highly intriguing example of this final-year collectible has surfaced for sale in the Royal Palm Beach area of West Palm Beach, Florida. Offered at $24,900, this 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am “NASCAR Pace Car” represents a compelling opportunity to acquire a rare, partially restored piece of motorsport history.
The original interior on this car looks amazing and in line with the reported mileage. Visually, the Y85 Pace Car remains one of the most striking F-bodies ever built. It was finished in a unique two-tone paint scheme featuring a Cameo White body contrasted by a dark charcoal-to-black T-top roof section and hood center. The look was completed by specialized red-and-grey “NASCAR Pace Car” door decals and a unique, hollow-design beautiful hood graphic. Inside, the Pace Car featured an incredibly futuristic cabin, boasting standard Recaro bucket seats—notably the only reclining seats ever offered in a second-generation Trans Am—trimmed in custom black-and-red cloth. The cockpit was further accented by matching red carpeting, embroidered firebird door panels, and a red-lit digital radio cluster. Under the hood of the Y85 Pace Car sat the final, true Pontiac-built V8 engine: the turbocharged 301 cubic-inch (4.9L) LU8 V8. Utilizing a sophisticated Garrett wastegate system and a hood-mounted three-stage boost indicator, this high-tech engine produced 200 horsepower and a muscular 340 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,000 RPM, paired exclusively with a three-speed automatic transmission.
The South Florida listing showcases an ambitious project that is remarkably close to crossing the finish line. Boasting an odometer reading of 65,000 miles and a completely rust-free chassis, the vehicle has benefited from a massive mechanical overhaul. According to the seller, over $20,000 has been recently invested under the sheet metal, resulting in a brand-new, factory-correct engine, a rebuilt transmission, and an entirely fresh, “every-nut-and-bolt” detailed undercarriage. While the body wears an older single repaint that presents exceptionally well, the car is positioned as a finishing project: the newly installed engine still requires its vacuum routing lines to be hooked up alongside “a few other things” before it is fully road-ready. Historically, the 1981 model year saw a major contraction in Firebird sales as buyers anticipated the upcoming third-generation redesign. Pontiac produced a total of 70,899 Firebirds in 1981, with the Trans Am variant accounting for 33,493 units. Amidst this declining volume, the Y85 NASCAR Edition Daytona Pace Car was a highly exclusive jewel, with production strictly capped at just 2,000 units. Designed to commemorate the Trans Am’s official pacing duties at the 1981 Daytona 500, the Y85 package transformed the car into an instant collector’s item.
For collectors tracking final-year second-generation Trans Ams, this Royal Palm Beach project car might possibly represent a smart buy. At $24,900, it offers a highly desirable, limited-run NASCAR edition with the most expensive structural and mechanical restoration work already completed. All Y85 Pace Cars were fully loaded and this car has the original wheels and WS6 performance suspension. I remember riding in one of these cars new and it was the best handling car of the early 1980’s. Is this car for you?
Great car, great price. I’d snatch it up in a heartbeat if was in a position to have another fun toy.
Agreed on all counts. Turbo T/A’s are the overlooked bargain of the Firebird performance variants.