One Owner: 1981 Pontiac Trans Am

With the long production run and popularity of the second-generation Pontiac Trans Am, there’s certainly no shortage of choices for potential buyers in the marketplace at any given time.  However, finding one that’s still with its original owner and has only 9,875 miles on the odometer is noteworthy and bound to excite most F-Body enthusiasts.  This 1981 Pontiac Trans Am is one such example, and more than half those miles were put on during just the first year.  With a non-negotiable price of $35,000, this one can be found here on eBay in North Collins, New York, and we’d like to thank Barn Finds reader T.J. for spotting this beautiful Pontiac and sending us the tip!

While black is perhaps the most sought-after color for a T/A nearer the end of this era, the Light Blue Metallic here is a classy choice, and it also works well on the Firebird body.  Not surprisingly, this one still has its original paint, and having been stored inside has undoubtedly helped to preserve the exterior.  Although the owner has put fewer than 5,000 miles on this car over the last 43 years, he did add a few custom touches early on, such as pinstriping, a rear window louver, and flares behind the wheelwells.  A few minor dings and scrapes are noted, but they are all reported to have occurred during the decades while the car was stored in the owner’s garage.

By 1981, Trans Am buyers were down to three V8 engine choices, with big block availability now in the rearview mirror.  Two variants of the 301 were available, including a turbocharged unit, plus the Chevrolet-sourced 305.  This one features the latter, with one notable upgrade being the addition of an electronic kit from Proto that makes the hood scoop functional.  Fortunately, a BorgWarner 4-speed manual transmission is also present, but note that the seller suggests buying a new set of tires before driving this car more than 25 MPH.  The wheels are still wearing their original skins, and although they still hold air, it’s probably not safe to operate this Pontiac at higher speeds until these are replaced.

The interior still looks good at 45 years old, and while it’s mostly stock, the seller mentions that an upgraded stereo was installed in 1984, though it’s no longer working.  An aftermarket T-handle shifter knob was also added, but the original component is included in the sale.  It’s worth mentioning that the owner states he listed this car a few years ago for $45,000 with no takers, and feels that the current $10,000 price reduction is the lowest he’s willing to go.  What are your thoughts on this 1981 Pontiac Trans Am?  Is thirty-five grand a reasonable price here?