The Sunbird was Pontiac’s sub-compact car between 1976-94. It was produced over 2 ½ generations, with the half being a facelift on the 1982-88 editions. The GT joined the line-up in 1986, powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (later 2.0) that produced 165 hp by 1989, the model year of the seller’s car. This one looks to have been well-kept, accumulating just 39,000 miles over 32 years. Located in Redmond, Oregon, it can be found here on Barn Finds for $8,950 which is a firm price.
Initially, the Sunbird shared its H-platform with other GM siblings, mainly the Chevy Monza. The name was loosely derived from its cousin, the Pontiac Firebird, and it was conceived to replace the Astre, Pontiac’s version of the Chevy Vega. The second-generation shifted to the J-platform (also shared with Chevy, this time the Cavalier) which was likely an improvement in terms of build quality (I had an ’80 model which wasn’t particularly good). What separated the Sunbird from the ordinary was the arrival of the sporty GT model, which drew from a supercharged engine for its strength.
The GT’s featured semi-concealed headlamps, fender flares, and “Turbo GT” badging. The interior of the coupe version of the car (there was also a convertible) was redesigned in 1989 for greater driver comfort. While no hard production numbers are cited, the 5-speed GT was probably the least produced but also the fastest of the lot and that’s how the seller’s car was equipped.
This is a one-owner car that comes with original paperwork such as its window sticker from 1989. When not in use, the car is said to have lived in a garage which helps explains its overall good condition. The body and paint look to be nice with no signs of rust and the interior may be equally tidy. It’s said to be a well-optioned car that has just 500 miles on a brand-new set of Goodyear tires. Is the Sunbird GT a future collectible car or something cool for now to show off at Cars & Coffee?
I don’t mean to offend the Pontiac fans here, but I worked for GM when these were new and they are absolutely horrible. The interiors fell apart before it even left the showroom. There is no way in the world a Sunbird is worth 9K, lol
LOL – I went to work for GM in 1990, and my first brand new car was a ’90 Sunbird convertible with this turbo engine and a 5-speed. That motor fell apart long before the interior did, hahaha.
This interior is As new and Anyone that wants Any Angle, Any location of photos taken inside or out, owner will do. From as far back or Zoomed As close as wanted to see As new condition after 42 Years of little or No use.
Take the Challenge!
I’d like to hear more Bluetec320, car building fascinates me. But all else aside, I don’t even care for the design here, the front is downright ugly. I had a 1995 Pontiac GrandAm, great car. Then a 1999 GrandAm, tinny floor and body, what a disappointment. A shame really
I sold these when they were new at a Buick, Pontiac, GMC and Honda store. Parking a Sunfire coupe next to an Accord hatch on the floor was just simply embarrassing. The Pontiac was the Timex and the Accord was the Swiss watch. The rest is history.
I think the Accord was more like the Seiko.
It was.
And that’s why the Accord is…well…the Accord 😉
At least you don’t have to look at way too big ugly yellowing cloudy headlites like on any 10 yr old accord, etc, etc. & very likely peeling clearcoat too.
Hidden headlites were all the rage on small cars in the late 80’s – also on the accord & even on the little GEO storm & saturn sc2!
Ironically, they all protected GLASS headlites that didnt need any protection from the sun.
My 1986 Ford Escort Pony 4 speed is light years ahead of this Pontiac.
Every day with comments on your Escort. Seriously????
A day without the Escort is like a day without sunshine.
For once I agree with you!
In their heyday, these were simply disposable rental cars, here in Florida.
A friend had an ‘86 Sunbird GT turbo but his was an automatic. He thought that car was fast!
The Brazilian 1.8 turbo in the Skyhawk T-Type/Sunbird GT was pretty gutsy, compaired to the 2.8 V-6 in the Z24/Firenza GT. By ’89 it was up to 2.0, but styling started getting too over the top as we got into Pontiac’s “Cladding Era.”
Wouldn’t trust this car looks ugly in cheap build
Pontiac Sunbird Terriblecharged.
My first ” new” car was a 1990 Sunbird GT Turbo. Interior wasn’t bad, but it coughed a head gasket every 12K miles. GM Protection Plan lost $$$$ on this one. Good acceleration, crazy torque steer. LOVED premium fuel.
Barnfinds featured this same car on 2017 for $4200. Buddy of mine had one back in the day. Was quite quick for 1989. 165HP in a 2400 pound car.
This car has been for sale for many, many years. Still using the same pictures.
This interior is As new and Anyone that wants Any Angle, Any location of photos taken inside or out, owner will do. From as far back or Zoomed As close as wanted to see As new condition after 42 Years of little or No use.
Take the Challenge!
For sale 3 months a few Years ago. Took off market, then Newly listed a week ago.
Has been formally listed 3 months & 1 week.
Probably surprises 99% of public, that Don’t know how to treat a Car.
Not bad price & As new condition, Guaranteed by the 1 party that knows how to care for an automobile,
Compared…….to A new car & Price…
Ya. It looks like a 77 Red Ford 150 now, but still has the same details.
Amazing
I have a 94 LS. 2.0 5 speed. Bought it in 95 with 16,000 on it. 165,000 now. No problems with regular maintenance. Blue with red trim. Sandblasted rims and painted red. Original interior is in great condition. Stored outside year round.Gets a lot of looks and comments since most have rusted out over the years in Minnesota. Couple of rag tops around in the summer.
Our first new car as a married couple was a 85 Sunbird wagon With a 1.8 Brazilian 4, and 5 speed. Lasted us 12 1/2 Michigan Winters, and was sold with 129K miles. Only problem was head gasket went at 60K. I STILL have an 89 Sunbird GT Convertible With 103K. Still Looks Great, 27mpg, Quick, Rebuilt Turbo Which Eliminated lag, Torquey Steering, Still Fun To Drive. Met A Man At the Woodward Cruise that worked for the company that converted these to GT’s. Impressive conversation. YOU take care of the car, IT takes care of YOU! Only Gripe, FABRIC INTERIOR! DUMB!