When it comes to muscle cars, we tend to get most excited by a deep list of options as it relates to factory performance goodies. It seems the European models get more of a boost from the marketplace when found in virgin condition, even if equipped with few options. That’s why this 1980 Pontiac Trans Am is so pleasing to me: it’s not a Bandit edition or some other high-octane model, but it’s in incredibly original form with the key boxes checked as it relates to appearances. Find it here on eBay with 49,500 miles and bids to $10,100 with no reserve.
This Trans Am scratches me in all the right places, what with the color-keyed honeycomb wheels, the original decals and graphics still bold and vibrant, the perfect color combination of white over red, and the sound of a V8 emanating from the exhaust. Again, it’s no fire breather with an automatic transmission and a 301, but it is an attractive car that at least looks and sounds the part. And while the miles are low, they have also been incredibly gentle, based on the condition shown here.
White paint and a cardinal red interior: as good as it gets, in my opinion. The cabin is absolutely beautiful and in near-perfect condition. The seller is enthusiastic about the Pontiac and how well it presents, but it really only scratches the surface of what makes this example so special. To see upholstery with next to no wear and certainly no glaring cosmetic faults is unheard of, and the same goes for the spotless carpets and matching floor mats. Someone loved this Trans Am, and it shows.
About the only way to make this Pontiac even more perfect is to have it equipped with a manual gearbox. Transmission aside, this really is the perfect candidate to use as a cruiser, so I don’t consider the automatic much of a demerit here. The Trans Am is a time-warp car with an attractive list of options and features, and for anything under $20,000, I’d consider this a home run of a car to buy and enjoy for years to come.
“ About the only way to make this Pontiac even more perfect is to have it equipped with a manual gearbox.” Even a manual gearbox cannot help the weak 301 cubic inch engine. Nothing short of a 400 can make this car rock the way it should.
301’s (4.9) weren’t terribly bad. But I wonder if indeed color matching Snow Flake wheels were factory correct. I think this T/A as it’s presented will fetch maybe 14K at best.
Yes, the 301 WAS bad. So was the 265.
The Naturally aspirated blocks weren’t built as stout as the Turbo blocks. Weak sauce motor.
I like the color matched snowflakes. I miss my blue 81 with silver interior. Please note a honeycomb wheel is on earlier cars and is not an aluminum wheel. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/pontiacs-plastic-fantastic#:~:text=After%20some%20production%20delays%2C%20the,Firebirds%20and%20Le%20Mans%20models.
So, is it automatic or standard? Price?
Manual or automatic,either way it won’t help the 301 in any case,shop for performance V8 Pontiac parts lately?most parts will have an abbrev(exc 301).Can’t do much with em’.Like 7up and caffeine,” Pontiac 301 performance…never had it,never will”
why does so many people make comments bout the 301 turbo trans am the car is in fabulous condition & I doubt anyone is taking any of these vintage cars to race trax they r for enjoyment not to beat on so if it has a 400 or.a 403 or 301 enjoy the car if u r lucky enough to buy it
this car is great what ever is under the hood. wish i had money to bid. Im looking for a 1971 Mustang blue or white id like to hav a 351 under the hood anyone know where i can find one in good driving cond.
These weren’t the quickest cars. But, they were fun to drive.
I discovered that for myself after my high school friend bought a ’75 Camaro LT in the fall of 1974. Precision handling and excellent tracking. I didn’t push it to its limits but I got the general idea. We later grafted an IROC Fiberglass front air dam/spoiler onto the Camaro. He left the air dam it in its white, glossy unpainted state and it looked pretty good to us; both under 20 at the time.
Agree. To cruise around in an 80 model trans am would be nostalgic. It’s not about power or running up against a stang, vette or Z-28. It’s about reveling in a car nobody else has. Listening to the exhaust & remember when these cars rolled on the highways. Wish I had the money to get her.
@Harry 1 Nailed it 👍🏻
So many interesting cars and (relatively) so little time. This one’s certainly beautiful and is representatively emblematic of its era.