Vehicle Description
If you're Bill Mitchell, arguably one of the most influential GM aftermarket tuners of all time, and you get hold of a 1980 Trans Am, what would you do? This incredible 1980 Trans Am is the answer to that question, boasting a long list of functional and cosmetic upgrades specified by Mr. Mitchell himself and only 9k actual miles, making this car far more than your average black Bandit.
Being able to dip into the world's largest automaker's parts bin is a fantastic advantage and the result was perhaps the most amazing semi-factory second-gen F-body ever built. This rare car has had four owners who all cherished it like it was something truly remarkable, and while it has been lightly modified over the years (including those gorgeous oversized wheels), everyone has been very careful to respect its original specs. The incredible Starlight Black paint was recently applied at a cost of over $10,000, and we've never seen paint so deep and dark on a Trans Am before; this might very well be the best black paint job we've ever seen. Most of the Pontiac's overbearing gold decals were deleted at Bill Mitchell's shop in 1980, save for some highlights around the bumper and on the hood scoop, so it looks very sinister prowling the streets and must have blown people away back in the day. A slightly deeper air dam helps with the long, low, wide look, and impeccable fit and finish make it stand out regardless of the mods. This car is extremely impressive.
The interior got a fairly comprehensive makeover at Mitchell's direction, including upgraded gauges and a special emblem on the center console, and it's all original in this car. This Poncho comes loaded with options, too, including power windows and locks, A/C, and a tilt wheel, and it's all in fantastic condition. Tan upholstery contrasts nicely with the black paint and all the traditional Firebird styling cues are there, including an engine-turned dashboard and three-spoke steering wheel. The state of preservation is truly remarkable, again indicative of the care this car has received over the years. Most notable, perhaps, is the Hurst cue ball shifter, which is tied to a Doug Nash 5-speed manual transmission, which was the biggest single modification to the Bill Mitchell Concept and truly transforms the driving experience. The trunk is also correctly outfitted with a factory mat and full-sized spare tire with cover.
Bill Mitchell also specified a fire-breathing 400 cubic inch engine, which is based on a service replacement block and gently modified to generate about 300 real-world horsepower. The engine bay is quite authentic-looking, from the big air scoop up top to the Pontiac Turquoise paint on the block, although a set of ceramic-coated long-tube headers and Flowmaster mufflers were added along the way. The suspension features various tweaks to make this Trans Am a 4-seat Corvette hunter and the aforementioned close-ratio 5-speed powers a 10-bolt rear with 3.08 gears on a limited slip. Bill Mitchell also specified a set of gorgeous BBS alloy wheels to replace the factory snowflakes, and they are included with the car, although it currently wears gorgeous 17-inch snowflake reproductions with fat Kumho rubber.
Documented with actual mileage, PHS paperwork, a window sticker, books, manuals, brochures, and other critical paperwork, this amazing Trans Am is not only spectacular to drive, it's also a fantastic part of Pontiac history. Call today!
