Pontiac’s Trans Am GTA was the top dog of the Firebird lineup in the late 1980s, combining style, technology, and performance into one of the most memorable F-bodies of the decade. Now, a rare 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA has popped up for sale here on craigslist in Tucson, Arizonae. It’s not perfect, but it represents an affordable way into a genuine GTA project.
This example is powered by the desirable 5.7-liter V8, which was the biggest and most powerful option available at the time. Backing it up is an automatic transmission, though the seller notes that while the engine is strong, the gearbox is having trouble shifting into third gear and will need a rebuild. For many enthusiasts, that’s just another project item, and considering the modest asking price, there’s room in the budget to address it.
The GTA was more than just an engine option. Pontiac gave the car a full package of upgrades that included suspension tweaks, special badging, and subtle styling touches that separated it from the standard Firebird and Trans Am. This car also comes with the T-top roof, another period-correct feature that makes cruising on a warm Arizona evening even more appealing.
The body is described as very solid, which isn’t surprising for a car that’s lived its life in Arizona. Unlike many northern examples, rust isn’t a major concern here, giving any future owner a far better foundation to work from. Paint and cosmetics will need attention, but that’s the sort of work most Trans Am fans expect from a car that’s been on the road for over three decades. The odometer shows 160,000 miles, a reminder that this was a car built to be driven, not just stored away.
Inside, the GTA models were typically well-equipped, and while details on this one’s interior condition aren’t included, the presence of air conditioning is a bonus, though like many older systems, it may require servicing to be fully functional again. Still, the bones are here: the right drivetrain, the right edition, and the right location for a restoration-friendly project.
At $3,500, it’s hard to ignore the appeal. Third-gen Firebirds are gaining interest in the collector market, and the GTA represents the top-tier model of its time. For someone willing to invest in a transmission rebuild and cosmetic refresh, this Trans Am could easily become both a head-turner and a weekend cruiser once again.
Would you restore this GTA back to factory specs, or build it into a modernized restomod with today’s performance upgrades?
I saw this one on Fast Finds. Nice tip Tony Primo!
The 5.7 GTAs could keep up to my bone stock 89 LX on the street if I recall. Real nice cars and always seemed loaded w luxury inside too.
Still have my ’89 LX 5.0, 5 SPD, it was always a bit quicker. I like these T/A’s a lot though and would not hesitate to hand over the $3500 to take it home. The 5.7 in this is great, it just suffers from the 700R4 slush box. I don’t believe a 5 SPD was available with this engine due to some late ’80s emission related oddity. Someone’s getting a terrific deal and won’t be surprised if the ad is down tomorrow.
I ran against a friend that had SVO. Up at Martin dragway. We made several passes. He could not beat me. It was close after he got his launch down.
I bought a new black ’88 GTA. It had the 350 “corvette TPI” engine. Definitely the worst car I ever owned and my last GM product. It broke down constantly, especially on road trips. I traded it for a new Jeep Cherokee.
Mine was one of the best cars I ever owned. Only one bad injector. At 9000 miles.
Fairly certain the Buick 3.8 Turbo V6 was top engine option this year.
You’re probably a better shifter than me Al. 👍 Always thought those gold rims were some of the nicest factory ones ever put on a car.
At $400 each to replace back then !
Fortunately mine were never stolen. The camaros were hot ticket items.
My friends got stolen twice !
I worked at a Pontiac/Jeep/ Subaru dealership back in the early 1990’s and remember that if these Pontiac ‘s had rear disc brakes the rims were a different off set and the tires had to be rotated off the rims so that the front rims stayed on the front and the rear rims stayed on the back I hope that I am correct in what i am explaining.
You are correct. Front rims could not be rotated to back and vice versa.
GONE.
Questionable if this is an actual GTA. The rear wing is wrong. True that the original whale fin style GTA’s came with did not fare well over time, but given this car hasn’t been pampered there would be signs of where it once was. The GTA on the front fenders is too far back. It’s too close to the door towards the door. I’m pretty sure the steering wheel is wrong, and the “glove box” panel (er, vinyl flap) doesn’t have GTA embroidered in it. Someone found a set of wheels and some emblems. Regular ole T/A, not a GTA.
I agree. It look like an impostor the first time I looked at it.
Steering wheel is same as mine was. No radio controls. Definitely GTA emblem wrong placing and front one missing. Needed serial numbers to get me emblems back in the day. Or wheels or anything else for them.
It does not have the correct rear “whale tail” . I owned a brand new one. I know.