Third-generation Firebirds are quickly gaining traction in the collector car market, and it’s easy to see why. With their sleek wedge styling, comfortable interiors, and V8 availability, they perfectly capture the spirit of the 1980s. Listed here on craigslist, this 1983 Pontiac Firebird, found in Elsie, Michigan, looks like a survivor that’s been well cared for and largely left in original condition.
The seller describes the car as rust free and in very good condition, which is no small thing for a Michigan-based car of this era. Under the hood is the dependable 5.0-liter V8 paired to a three-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. That combination makes it a comfortable highway cruiser while still delivering the classic V8 rumble that buyers expected from Pontiac in the early ’80s.
Cosmetically, this Firebird isn’t a flashy show car but rather a clean and honest survivor. The photos show a car that’s been stored outside for a while, with some yard debris and leaves scattered across it, but the underlying body looks straight and solid. For many enthusiasts, this kind of “frozen in time” presentation is exactly what makes survivors so appealing.
Inside, the Firebird features a “beautiful interior”, according to the seller, and the photos back that up. Original interiors on these cars often show heavy wear, especially on the seats and dashboards, so finding one this well preserved adds significant value. The seller also notes that the car has received new tires and brakes, meaning it’s been given at least some recent attention to keep it roadworthy.
Pontiac offered the Firebird in a variety of trims during 1983, and while this one isn’t a Trans Am or Formula, its originality and condition make it a standout. Enthusiasts often gravitate to the high-performance variants, but there’s something to be said for a clean, stock Firebird that represents the entry-level side of the model line.
Would you keep this Firebird as a survivor driver, or would you upgrade it into a Trans Am tribute?
This was a very popular color for GM in the 80’s. At least to me it seemed every other Olds Eighty Eight or Ninety Eight was this color. But I don’t remember seeing many Camaros or Firebirds this color. This was another color that seemed to fade kind of quickly. I love the interior on this one. Personally, I’d keep it stock , go for a high quality repaint in this original color and enjoy it.
The color is what caught my eye.
Yessir, it really was a popular color. It was really versatile, too, for those ordering the cars. I remember the local dealers having this color with matching landau and full vinyl tops in the same color, but also some were ordered with the dark brown tops and interiors while others were ordered with the burgundy tops and interiors. I remember a Toronado in this color with the burgundy leather and another one next to it with the dark brown tops and leather interior. But, to your point, I only remember a few Firebirds and Camaros with it. The one thing that comes to mind most, when I see this color, is the local Buick Pontiac GMC dealer. That year, when all the new cars were arriving for the big new model year event, every single Buick and Pontiac had been ordered in this color! The owner was furious at the manager. The dealer was small enough, they only had a couple dozen new vehicles available at any time, so when you looked out, there were 6000’s, Century’s, Regals, LeSabres… all in this color…and the only new Firebird they had was, you guessed it, in this color.
It’s listed at $9400.00 cash.
I am second owner of 83 TA with 305 twin throttle body injection also has AUTO FORM option which makes it a retractable hardtop convertible( reports say only 125 produced in 1983 and less than 1,000 were produced in the three years this option was available, 1983 –1984–1985. Has original 50,000 miles (had 20,000 when bought in 1993) Fun to drive on windy roads as long torque arm plants tires on acceleration and injection brings 305 alive. This one looks like good project car to enjoy with out a truck load of money spent.
Overall it looks in really nice shape and the interior looks excellent. Just being a MI car I’d want to see some underside photos too.
I can smell the Drakar Noir just by looking at that interior…