Pontiac’s Firebird Trans Am is one of the most iconic muscle cars ever to rumble down Main Street on a Friday night. General Motors introduced the Trans Am for the 1969 model year and made continuous changes and refinements for more than three decades. This 1981 Turbo Trans Am recently sold on eBay is a low-mileage, bone-stock example that would make a terrific addition to any collection.
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End of an Era
The 1981 model year marked the end of the third-generation Firebird, which remained a sales success throughout its eight-year run. As such, this Trans Am benefits from numerous improvements and upgrades made over the years. It’s one of the most sophisticated examples from the era.
An unusually subdued color combination adds to the appeal. Many Trans Ams rolled off the assembly line finished in either black or white with contrasting stripes and loud graphics. This one wears its original Dark Charcoal metallic finish. It even has a restrained gray version of the trademark Trans Am hood decal, often affectionately referred to as a “flying chicken.” The overall look is mature and less boy racer than some examples.
This classic Turbo Trans Am traveled fewer than 8,500 miles in almost 45 years. A CarFax report confirmed this, backed up by extensive documentation that also included the original window sticker and owner’s manual. Even the original date-coded tires were included with the sale, although they were replaced for safety.
Desirable Extras
Pontiac rated the Trans Am’s turbocharged V-8 at 200 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, a significant increase over the 150 horsepower and 245 pound-feet produced by the naturally aspirated engine.
This car’s driveline includes its original engine and three-speed automatic transmission. At 8,253 miles, the engine is barely broken in. The engine and underhood area are tidy.
The Turbo Trans Am’s window sticker indicates the original owner wasn’t shy about adding desirable options:
- 4.9L (301-ci) turbocharged V-8
- WS6 Performance Package
- T-top removable roof panels
- Cruise control
- AM/FM cassette stereo
- Upgraded interior with velour upholstery
- Air conditioning
- Rear defroster
The WS6 Package sharpens the Turbo Trans Am’s road manners with a special handling package, four-wheel disc brakes, limited-slip differential, and 70-series radial tires on cast aluminum Pontiac wheels. This car’s original buyer exchanged the WS6 wheels for a set of the finned “Turbo” style wheels.
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The Turbo Trans Am has numerous upgrades over lesser Firebird trims, all of which are evident here. The original engine-turned instrument panel is immaculate and includes big round dials for the speedometer and tachometer. Smaller gauges monitor coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage.
Inside and out, this Trans Am presents like a low-mileage time capsule. It was garage-kept since new, so the paint gleams with no flaws visible in photos. The velour interior looks like it just left the showroom, with seats that look virtually unused. There’s even a copy of the original seat belt instructions wrapped around the passenger sun visor.
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