The era of the second generation Trans Am was coming close to the end of the run. The formidable Pontiac 400 cubic inch engine was gone and the economy minded 301 cubic inch V8 engine was now the standard engine in the Trans Am with the option of a turbocharged model. This Fiero Bronze 1980 Trans Am is located in West Palm Beach, Florida and is being sold by a dealer who states that he or she is a a private collector and one of the largest classic car wholesalers in the US. This Trans Am is listed here on eBay with an optimistic Buy It Now Price of $29,000. The car is a bird delete Trans Am from the factory and there is a make an offer option in the listing. Many thanks to Mitchell G. for sending us this interesting car to review.
Pontiac offered three engine options for the 1980 Trans Am. The base engine in 1980 was the naturally aspirated Pontiac 301 cubic inch that was rated at 155 horsepower. In California, Trans Ams were built with the Chevrolet LG4 305 cubic inch V8 engine which was rated at 150 horsepower. The performance option was the turbocharged V8 engine that was designated LU8. The LU8 was equipped with a Garrett TB305 turbo and a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor. The turbo 4.9 liter engine was available only in the 1980-1981 Firebird Trans Am and Formula. It was rated at 210 horsepower in 1980 and 200 horsepower in 1981. There was no 4 speed option in 1980 and that would not return until 1981 when the optional Chevrolet 305 cubic inch V8 engine and 4 speed manual transmission were offered.
The interior of this car has the optional custom interior with cloth Hobnail fabric. As can be seen the seats are worn and the carpet is faded to a yellow. The car has air conditioning, tilt steering, cruise control and T-Tops. The seller lists the mileage at 89k miles. The ad states that the car runs and drives great and still sports its original paint. Code 80 Fiero Bronze was a one year only paint. The colors on the graphics changed slightly from 1979 but otherwise the cars are difficult to differentiate from 1979.
Another neat option of this car is that it is equipped with the WS6 Special Performance Handling package. This option included 4 wheel disc brakes, specially tuned shocks and a tighter steering box ratio. The car is said to be rust free and have a clean undercarriage. So is a clean, underpowered 1980 Trans Am with a worn interior and original paint worth $29k?
My favorite color Firebird, but I am a little biased.
I had a 1980 Turbo Trans Am, in exactly the same color, but it did not have the WS6 package.
The price is a bit spendy, but with a little work, this Trans Am would make a great addition to a collection.
Like the phrase goes, “They aren’t making these anymore !”
Maybe because we’ve always seen these so equipped, but it looks sad without the “Screaming Chicken” on the hood! Nice color, but paint looks a little suspect on the back of the spoiler. GLWTA!! :-)
No hood bird from the factory is not often seen on the later 2nd Gen Trans Ams but a common misconception about it is that it’s a “bird delete” car. Truth be told, the bird emblem was an OPTION that got checked most of the time on regular Trans Ams, but occasionally was left off due to customer order or sometimes dealer order. If you didn’t check the box for it, you simply got a Trans Am with all the other small decals. Seems like I remember from somewhere that it’s been estimated that probably 10% or less came this way from the factory.
A Trans Am with a 301 is not really a Trans Am.
Ha. 301 and 29,000.
Looks ok but I’m thinking 15k to 20k is more real.
I’ve had the 301s, the 305s the 403s and the 400, 4 speeds. I was only satisfied when I put a 427, 4 speed in a 78 TA. That was quite satisfying.
This car is Werth about $15000 tops. 301 week all the way around.