5539 original miles (not a typo). One of 1555 built. All options, leather and T-tops. Untouched, unmodified, well-preserved, investment-grade Turbo Trans Am.
Pontiac wasn’t into wild graphics and paint jobs the way the Chevy guys were—in fact, this simple off-white Trans Am is downright sedate-looking. They were all this color, including the ones used at Indy, and the graphics on the sides and windshield—likewise pretty subtle—were shipped separately so they could be installed by the dealers. This car is pretty much as new in every way and it’s unlikely that it has ever been wet, let alone out in the weather. Looking at the photos, you’ll note there are two or three different colors of white on the bodywork—plastic parts were manufactured and painted in a different facility by a different company, then assembled onto the car by PAS. So don’t E-mail me telling me you’re just sure this car has been repainted or the nose has been replaced because it doesn’t match—they’re all like that and it’s 100% normal. Calm down.
Inside, the leather seats are pretty much as new, supportive and comfortable with uncreased leather. As I mentioned, the leather and T-tops were the only options, everything else was standard, including power windows, locks, and mirrors, A/C, and cruise control. While you could get a CD player in other Trans Ams, the only radio available here was an AM/FM/cassette unit with a graphic equalizer—pure 1980s cool! The gauges were familiar GTA pieces, too, although the tach had sprouted a smaller boost gauge in its center to monitor the turbocharged engine. Everything works, the A/C is cold, and we’re probably the first ones to ever remove the T-tops (done just for photos). The trunk is also like new and includes the original T-top bags that have never been used.
The heart of the beast is a Buick-based 3.8 liter turbocharged V6. Upgraded cylinder heads were needed for clearance at the firewall but it turns out they breathe better when subjected to boost and more power was the result. It also got a rifle-drilled crank, an upgraded intercooler from the butch GNX, and a baffled fuel tank out back because, after all, this was a car that could go around corners. GM rated it at 250 horsepower and 345 pounds of torque, but everyone knew those were bogus figures designed to keep the lowly Pontiac under the Corvette. The real number was probably something closer to 305 horsepower, a figure subsequently confirmed by test engineers and real-world performance data. This sucker is wicked fast, even today.
We haven’t leaned on this engine, and I doubt anyone ever has. There’s a pleasant swell of torque at any speed and I would expect that if you flattened the throttle, things would start to happen in a very big way. The 2004R 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission was specially calibrated and beefed up for duty in the Turbo, and it’s always ready with a quick downshift or two to get that turbo on full boil in an instant; few cars are quicker on the roll. The upgraded suspension and brakes that were part of the Trans Am make the power totally accessible, just stomp and steer and the Turbo does what you want it to. You’ll note that the undercarriage on this car is completely unmarked and in as-delivered condition, right down to the exhaust system and even the paper decals on the driveshaft and rear end housing, which has easy-cruising 3.27 gears inside. The highest praise we can give a car is that it is like new, and this car certainly qualifies. Even the 245/50/16 Goodyear Gatorback tires are those that were originally installed in 1989!
With limited edition cachet, a pedigree that includes the Indy 500, a big anniversary celebration, and brute power, it’s one of the best possible combinations for future collectability. Many were put away for posterity, but they don’t come up for sale very often, so take advantage of this chance to own a like-new example of perhaps Pontiac’s greatest pony car. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
