Recent Restoration? 1981 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Daytona Pace Car

While many enthusiasts focus on cars used as Pace Cars for the Indianapolis 500, those selected for the same honor at the Daytona 500 seem less readily recognized. Pontiac received the call in 1980 and 1981 with its Turbo Trans Am, and our feature car is one of the replicas produced for the second year. The seller is not forthcoming with specific information, but the suggestions are it may have undergone a recent restoration. Its presentation appears virtually faultless, and it has attracted considerable attention since it was listed here on eBay in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. Intense bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $31,900.

Pontiac was on a roll with the organizers of the Daytona 500, supplying Pace Cars for the annual event every year from 1972 until 2003. The Trans Am was accorded the honor on fifteen occasions during that period, with the Turbo Trans Am fulfilling the role in 1980 and 1981. Our feature car is from that second year, and faulting its presentation is virtually impossible. Its Cameo White paint shines beautifully, coating panels that are laser straight. The car wears the appropriate stickers and decals, which are in as-new condition. There is no evidence of rust, and no problems rate a mention amongst the sparse information supplied by the seller. That is where the question hangs over a possible recent restoration. It isn’t mentioned specifically, but a passing comment referencing $10,000 in paint suggests it has happened. The overall condition supports that, so the quote can be taken at face value. The plastic and glass look excellent, there is no evidence of leaks around the T-Top seals, and the car rolls on its beautiful color-coded 15″ Turbo wheels.

Pontiac entered the brave new world of turbocharging with the Trans Am in 1980, although it is worth noting that it wasn’t the first American marque to dip its toe into that water. It continued the program in 1981, which also marked the last year of Second Generation Firebird production. Its 301ci V8 received a Garrett TB305 turbocharger bolted to a Rochester Quadrajet carburetor. The impact of the upgrade was dramatic because while the normally-aspirated 301 produced 150hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque, the “hairdryer” pushed those figures to 200hp and 340 ft/lbs. That made it the most potent Trans Am available in 1981, although its performance was hampered slightly by the obligatory three-speed automatic transmission. Still, a ¼-mile ET of 16.2 seconds was considered pretty respectable in 1981. The seller is again sparing with their information, indicating it was recently fully serviced at a GM Dealership. They furnish no details on how well this classic runs or drives. The listing shows an odometer reading of 102,000 miles, which isn’t extraordinarily low. The lack of information is frustrating, but the visual indications suggest the news on the mechanical front should be positive.

One of the most profound differences between the 1980 and 1981 Turbo Trans Am Daytona Pace Cars reveals itself when we open the doors. The 1980 model received custom Oyster vinyl seats with hobnail inserts, which were distinctive and attractive. However, Pontiac raised the bar in 1981, equipping the Trans Am with custom Recaro seats trimmed in Black with Red cloth inserts. Seats from that manufacturer take comfort to a higher plain. If you have never nestled back into a Recaro, you have missed one of the motoring world’s great guilty pleasures. The comfort and support provided are easy to understate and easy to appreciate, especially when the car in question is pointed at a twisting ribbon of road. This Trans Am’s interior presentation is as impressive as the exterior. There are no signs of wear, abuse, damage, or other problems. I believe the marks visible on the outer edge of the front seats are from someone running over the cloth with a vacuum cleaner and aren’t genuine faults. There are also no aftermarket additions, which is crucial with a vehicle of this caliber. The 1981 Pace Car didn’t lack creature comforts, and this classic’s new owner will benefit from ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a rear defroster, a tilt wheel, and the ETR AM/FM radio/cassette with seek-and-scan features, a digital display, and a power antenna. The car comes with a selection of desirable documentation, including the original Window Sticker.

Pontiac is now nothing but a fading memory, a victim of product rationalization following the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. General Motors still owns the badge, but the chances of it staging a revival are virtually nil. That means cars like this 1981 Turbo Trans Am Daytona 500 Pace Car must carry the flame. It might seem antiquated by modern standards, but it stands as a testament to a time when Pontiac tried to inject excitement into a new car market drowning in a sea of mediocrity. The 1981 Pace Car is a rare breed because while the company produced 5,700 replicas to commemorate the 1980 Daytona 500, only 2,000 rolled off the line in 1981. The bidding on this Turbo has been frantic, and its condition suggests it could comfortably pass $50,000 before the hammer falls. Would you be interested in this gem at that price?