The second generation of the Pontiac Firebird came to its natural conclusion in 1981. It was a 12-year run that also included the sporty Trans Am which had been made famous by the Smokey and the Bandit movies. The seller advertises having a 1981 Trans Am for sale, but the photos suggest there is more than one of them. And – if that’s the case – is this a package deal – or is there a second auction going on that’s not mentioned?
Popularity of the Firebird and the Trans Am had both waned by 1981 and sales were off by about half from the year before. Perhaps buyers were aware a new day was coming and were holding off for the all-new 1982s. About 33,400 Trans Am’s were sold in 1981 with 26,500 having an automatic transmission as is the advertised case with the seller’s car.
If the seller only depicts one car, it has taken on a transformation during the five years the seller has owned it. The one on the trailer has no front clip and sports mostly maroon paint. The one in the garage is all-black and doesn’t appear to be as “well-maintained” as the seller’s description alludes to. We’re told the Pontiac has both a clean interior and exterior, but we don’t see much of the former and the overall package has a long way to go.
We don’t think the black Trans Am has an engine. The seller says he/she has a small-block Chevrolet 400 cubic-inch engine that’s for sale (included or for an extra cost?). You can also opt for a Pontiac 400 that needs rebuilding. Whatever the case, the seller is losing his/her storage which has prompted the sale here on eBay. The current bid is $2,850 and you’ll need to go to Delhi, New York to collect everything in the photos, which focuses more on a plethora of parts.
This is going to nickel and dime the next owner to death. It looks like it previously served as someone’s parts car. I’ve seen several people buy projects like this, enticed by what they consider a low entry point, that is typically a mistake beginners make. The only way this might make sense if the next owner has a parts car, that’s complete.
Steve R
Yeah, I agree. The low price is tempting but to slap it all back together can become a money pit and you might be better off getting a running used car.
I disagree – since this is rust free.
Wouldn’t say a $16k dynacorn body(if they made one – they don’t) be a much much worse money pit? All you get with that is a made-overseas stripped body!
you could always get a body from realdealsteel.com
Cool ass building
test
Now’s the time to put on a ’70-73 nose, wheel flares & hood.
I’m with ya there Joe, I was thinking the same as a 77 bandit tribute, but you’d have to get the rear bumper and tail lights too. I believe they are interchangeable from 77 until they discontinued in 81. The pre 77 has a bit more rounded off hood and the front fenders tail off a bit rounded from the headlights back toward the windshield. This has potential.
if theres no one in the drivers seat picture its definitely a parts car…i have a parts car 74 and a close to complete 73 4 speed car and i will say if there are not a picture of 14 boxes filled with parts theres no complete car. if you go down to the used parts supplier for a radiator support do you think you will find one.. you would be on the phone for hours talking to the firebird parts guy in canada or arizona or texas . and dont think your getting the rad support for 50 bucks .those days are gone. if theres a ta looking like an empty shell its been long ago stripped . and dont forget the replacement parts for your ta. remember 159 for a ta fender and you got your choice of pre 76 fender or 76 up to 1981?…when is the last ta that you saw that did not need $25,000 in used parts for the shell your dreaming of buying…or maybe $50,000 in replacement china sheet metal and all the odds and ends to get her complete.. so if theres not an old guy standing next to your next TA its most likely a parts car… cause old guys dont like to sit in an incomplete auto of any kind…