Vehicle Description
You already know we love unusual finds here at Streetside Classics,
and this 1981 Pontiac Trans Am certainly qualifies. One of only a
handful of cars built in 1981 with a 4-speed, it's a low-mile
survivor that offers an awesome look that's suddenly very popular
as well as a ton of documentation to make it a very smart buy for
the Pontiac lover.
You don't see many bright red Trans Ams, what with most owners at
the time trying to be Burt Reynolds, but holy cow, it sure looks
good! This car shows just 66,787 original miles and as a result,
the sheetmetal is as straight as it was back in '81 and the paint
has a fantastic shine. Fit and finish are at least as good as new,
but some attentive ownership has probably elevated it a notch or
two. Things like the urethane nose cone and fender spats remain in
outstanding condition with no major nicks, cuts, or driveway
scrapes and there's no question that this car has lived someplace
warm and protected. And despite being bright red, this 'Bird is a
bit more subdued than the gold-laced Bandit cars and even the
[optional] hood decal is smaller and more tasteful. The black trim
in the front grilles and around the windows remains in very good
condition and the blacked-out taillights are still sharp and clear,
more evidence of this car being protected from the sun's UV
rays.
The red interior is pure 1980s disco chic, but isn't that why you
own a car like this? In every way that the exterior was toned down,
the interior was amped up and the red velour seats, matching
carpets, and original door panels remain in great shape. The dash
will look familiar to any Pontiac performance fan, particularly the
engine-turned instrument panel, and even the leather-wrapped
steering wheel remains supple and smooth. According to all the
paperwork that comes with this T/A, it's extremely well equipped,
including A/C, power windows, a tilt column, and a rear window
defroster. And yes, that's a 4-speed shifter sticking out of the
console so this Trans Am might qualify as more of a driver's car
than you'd think. The trunk is outfitted with black carpet as well
as the original space-saver spare, jack assembly, and even an
inflator bottle!
The 305 cubic inch V8 was a $140 option in 1981, and this is indeed
the original, numbers-matching powerplant. Still living under that
giant hood scoop, it works rather well when linked to a manual
transmission and has an eager, ready to run feel that's a lot of
fun on the street. The engine bay is quite nicely detailed, with
Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel that contrasts sharply with the red
scoop and satin black engine bay. The 4-speed shifts well and
powers a limited-slip rear end, another pleasant optional extra.
There's also a newer dual exhaust system that helps build
horsepower and ditches the restrictive catalytic converter, and
with twin Flowmasters out back, it definitely sounds as fast as it
looks. Gorgeous "snowflake" alloys are some of the best-looking
factory wheels ever and they carry fat 225/70/15 Goodyear
radials.
Documented with the original window sticker, two build sheets, PHS
paperwork, and some ownership history, this is a fantastic, fun,
and relatively unusual Trans Am. Call today!