Listed here on craigslist, this 1983 Pontiac Trans Am Daytona 500 Pace Car Edition is a rare and remarkably original example of one of the most collectible third-generation Firebirds ever produced. The seller says it’s been in the same family since new, originally purchased by the seller’s uncle and later passed down in 1998. That kind of ownership history alone is impressive, but what really sets this one apart is how unmolested and authentic it remains after more than forty years. Thanks for the tip Curvette!
Pontiac only built about 2,500 of these Pace Car Edition Trans Ams for North America, and the seller notes this one is 1 of just 27 that were modified for sale in Canada, with only 8 delivered to British Columbia. It was originally sold at Dueck on Marine and has stayed local ever since. Under the hood is the 5.0-liter Crossfire Injection V8 paired with an automatic transmission, while the WS6 suspension package gives it the handling and road feel expected of a performance Firebird.
Inside, the car features its rare factory Recaro leather and suede seats, one of the most sought-after interior options of the early 1980s Trans Ams. The seller says it’s about 98% original and still comes with its embossed floor mats, T-top storage bag, and a folder of service records documenting its life. That level of completeness makes it a standout for collectors who value originality over restoration.
With about 237,000 kilometers, this Trans Am isn’t a low-mileage garage queen, but it’s clearly been cared for. The seller notes that it’s always been garage kept and still runs, stops, and drives, though it could use some front-end work. Recent engine repairs have already been completed, and it recently made a trip to Whistler and back without issue, a good sign of ongoing mechanical health.
The 1983 Pace Car Edition is a model steeped in history. Built to commemorate Pontiac’s role as the official pace car for the Daytona 500, it combined flashy styling with upgraded features and performance tuning that set it apart from the standard Trans Am lineup. Finding one this complete, and with a known family history, is becoming increasingly rare.
It’s hard not to appreciate a survivor like this. Whether restored to its former glory or preserved as an honest, original driver, this Trans Am represents one of Pontiac’s most memorable chapters in the muscle car timeline.
Would you keep this survivor just as it is, or give it the full Daytona pace car restoration treatment?
Those have got to be the UGLIEST wheels ever made. I would run white steel trailer wagon wheels before I put those trashy things on my car.
Are they factory wheels?
No.
Steve R
They complement the ill-fitting rear window louvers on this bird quite nicely, don’t you think? Agree, those wheels are awful
It definitely needs the stock wheels put back on.
Love the looks of these but definitely need the stock wheels
Amen to that. They look out of place on it.
I bought one new with a 5 speed. It was a lot of fun to drive. The stock wheels were good looking. They were an almost solid dish painted white. I wish i still had it.
Wow everybody beat me to the wheels, I was gonna say, if they tried really really hard they might be able to find some wheels that suck worse….
Enough people have piled on about the rims, so I’ll be one more!
If you can find the painted ones, that’s my choice, otherwise, some period correct aluminum ones.
Other than that, about 147,000 miles on this. Amazing interior for that much driving. Good overall look; maybe someone clean the engine compartment.
Those wheels are hideous,a set of Centerlines wouldn’t look bad. This car needs just a little TLC to bring it up to the next level. GLWTA
Something else I just noticed is the cb radio antenna on the left rear quarter panel. I don’t see a wire coming out of the gap between the hatch or quarter in the picture, so if a hole was drilled for the antenna, replacing the hatch or possibly the quarter panel is a huge pita for the buyer unless you can live with it or the buyer is C.W. McCall. 10-4.
As much as I love Firebirds, (70-73 particularly) this just looks like a Camaro with ugly wheels. It might drive nice. But I have to see it before getting in.
When I was stationed at Ft. Hood in the late 80’s my buddy had one of these exact cars. We had gone out and had a wild night in Austin, (or was it Waco?), anyway, were hauling ass down the back roads of Ft. Hood trying to make morning formation on time. The sun hadn’t come up yet and we were flying off the face of the earth when out of no where there was a cow standing broadside in the middle of the road.
SCREEEECH!!! My boy almost brought his Trans Am to a complete stop, but not quite. He barely hit the cow but he hit it hard enough to tip the cow over onto his hood.
The pop-up headlights were brutally rolled back onto the hood with a sickening “crunch”. When the cow got up and scampered off the headlights flopped down into the closed position. They were still shining but shining straight down. We tried to get them back into driving position but the stupid cow broke the motors so they kept flopping back down. Having a burst of inspiration I stomped two soda cans flat and used them to wedge the headlights in place good enough to get back to the battery just in time for morning PT formation.
Good times.