It’s hard for me to fathom that 1985 model autos are four decades old now, and even more difficult to wrap my head around the fact that I’m already at the six-decade mark. I’m guessing the owner of this ‘85 Pontiac Trans Am is also wondering where all that time has gone, since purchasing this one brand new in the mid-eighties. Unfortunately, he’s also older now and dealing with some health issues, so the family is reluctantly having to put his T/A up for sale. They’re hoping it finds a good home, so if you’re ready to continue giving this one the kind of love it’s been shown for the past 40 years, this beautiful black and gold F-Body can be found here on Craigslist. It’s located in Milpitas, California, about 10 miles north of San Jose, and has an asking price of $19,500.
T.J., thank you for sending us the tip here! The good news under the hood is two-fold, beginning with the drivetrain only having 28,000 actual miles on it. During the past year, this car has been driven very little, but the family says everything has always been well-maintained and remains in sound condition. More positive news is this one’s equipped with the tuned-port injection engine option, a 305 offering 205 horsepower, the highest number you could get in any Firebird for the ‘85 model. The second letter “F” in the VIN confirms this is how the Trans Am came from the factory, with this motor corporately known as the LB9.
The exterior is not only said to be all stock but also all original, just as it came from the dealership when new. Most mid-eighties paint quality wasn’t typically up to today’s standards, so for a black car with this much age to still present this well seems to vouch for the level of care this one’s received. The seller says it’s been kept in a garage most of the time, and while a few dings and blemishes are mentioned, there’s nothing outside that would make me want to do anything other than preserve the finish the way it is.
Everything appears just as I would hope a car with this sort of mileage would look like inside, with the seller describing the interior condition as near perfect. It’s also nice to see this one’s fairly loaded for the period, with cruise control, a tilt steering column, power windows, and a power driver’s seat among the accessories found here. That Stereo with a cassette player and EQ was a rocking sound system back in the day, and probably still sounds good! Considering the overall condition, low mileage, and one-owner status, I’m finding the asking price for this 1985 Pontiac Trans Am reasonable. What are your thoughts on this one?
This was absolutely somebodys baby, thats for sure. I was thinking about what Mike said, and it’s true, its hard to believe 1985 was 40 years ago. A young individual in their early 30s who would have bought this is now in their 70s, potentially. The paint looks fantastic, especially if its not resprayed, black is a tough color to keep nice without any spider webs etc. This Trans Am is very well optioned too. Definitely a top contender if you’re in the market for one.
Driveinstile said it. Nice Bird. Under 3300lbs, 3.27 gears std.
Mullet and Marlboros sold separately
Nice car, you wouldn’t think it would be a big deal to replace the hood struts.
Dang, sweet car, just not enough pedals for me.
Only problem on the 3rd gen’s with a stick is they didn’t leave enough room around the pedals for your feet and mine aren’t all that big. I don’t think, however the LB9 engine came with anything but an automatic but it had the most horsepower.
It’s amazing the rear Aero Wing is in one piece. They are made of a thin vinyl (I think) over closed cell foam and have a tendency to dry out and break all to pieces with no way to fix them when they do. I bought a silver over grey 85 LB9 T/A optioned out like this one with the “pedestal” type spoiler even though this type was cooler and it was an excellent car. I was exactly 30 years old but lacking the mullet. This owner was smarter than I and took a pass on the T-tops. Engine horsepower doesn’t sound like much nowadays but having to know I got a trooper friend to clock me at about 2:00 AM and wide open 144 mph. About 14k out the door with 8 miles on it.
Probably the best 85 TA on the planet. I detail cars professionally and have since 1977. Black is next to impossible to keep looking this good after 40 years. No matter how careful you are with washing, waxing, etc, you will get swirls and holograms. And remember, paint in 1985, wasn’t so great at GM. I know, I worked on them new. Beautiful car, better looking than any garbage being built today that look like bricks. Miss the 80s.