Vehicle Description
1982 Pontiac Firebird Coupe
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American 'pony' car, a sporty
'compact' car with an exotic look, and lots of power. It was a
direct rival to the Ford Mustang and went for the same long hood,
short deck look, and a performance-orientated image calculated to
appeal to a youthful market. But just like the Mustang, (and it's
GM sibling the Camaro), it was as tame as an actual pony in more
affordable trim levels, and popular with anyone who wanted to look
cool, even if they weren't interested in going fast. Check the
options right, and you could get bigger engines, better trim levels
and special editions, as long as you were willing to make the
payments.
These MSE cars were created from '82 - '85 by Dennis Mecham, of DKM
Macho T/A fame. He started Mecham Racing Inc. (MR) located in
Glendale, Arizona and Tacoma, Washington. MSE stood for Motor
Sports Edition. MSEs got a full width front spoiler, a low
resistance "aerotail" rear spoiler, and emblems proclaiming it a
Mecham Racing Machine. On the sail panels behind the doors are
either MSE emblems or a big olive branch-wreathed letters MR, with
Mecham Racing, USA, and SCCA champions underneath. There may be
additional numbers/emblems on the driver's side headlight door,
fenders, rear spoiler, or rear bumper depending on the year. MSEs
also got special MR center caps and a MR hood emblem. 500 were
built in '82, 150 in '83, 50 in '84, and only a few in '85. And now
there is one gracing our hallowed halls.
Exterior
Looking pretty much like a mild mannered 1982 Firebird all bathed
in white paint, but only after a thorough stripping down of all
steel panels, then rebuilt and resprayed. With its neoprene body
matching bumper and mild beak, the dual openings in the lower front
grille and the thin black line created by the hood meeting the
bumper that houses the signal lights add a menacing look. The
bottom of this car is encircled in black paint, and a thin
accenting stripe, blue in front then a thin red band is added in
for the sides and back of the car. A long pony car hood with a thin
rear facing scoop and hidden headlights with an MSE badge on the
driver's headlight covering leads the way. Door gaps are looking
good and straight, as is all the rust-free steel that is covering
the car. On the back a large curved greenhouse glass covers a
storage area and a big spoiler is attached to the lid on the way
back. On the back panel are the ribbed taillights with a matching
horizontal ribbed black center trimming. Turbine style wheels are
wrapped by raised white letter tires on all 4 corners. Note, is
another MSE badge in the B pillars.
Interior
A litany of broadcloth, carpeted and molded plastic add ons, makes
up the door panels. All is black plastic and power windows and
locks are seen within the door confines. Moving inside, more
charcoal gray and black for the broadcloth velour seats in a warm
and cool gray two tone, with gray piping. Seats are in excellent
condition, nice and tight, and no tears or soiling. The original
black vinyl dash is showing off nicely and all readouts are in
working order. Seen between the buckets is a square and rectangle
console with the shifter, a glovebox and a few toggles. Near the
center of the dash are some added in gauges for a tachometer, fuel
and oil, battery charge and water temp. Just below are the climate
sliders, and below that is an aftermarket JVC stereo. Black
carpeting is on all the floors, and in back is a bucket seat 2 plus
2 seat setup. The headliner is black felting and is fairly tight
above.
Drivetrain
Within the very clean and all buttoned up engine bay is a turquoise
painted block and valve covered 305ci V8 and its numbers matching.
A 4-barrel carburetor is on top, and a T10 4-speed manual
transmission is on back. This pushes power to a 10-bolt, 3.23 rear
axle. Consignor notes in 2013 the engine underwent a rebuild, and
at this time was bored over 030. Also, a new clutch, carb and
headers were also replaced, and the A/C blows cold.
Undercarriage
A quality restoration has led to a very nice looking solid
undercarriage with no rust. Floor tubs, rockers and wheel wells are
all clean and green. Suspension is independent/coil spring upfront,
and torque arm with coil springs for the back. Power disc brakes
are on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
All worked just fine on this modified car, and it holds its own on
the test track. Nice acceleration, good handling, and bias free
panic stopping. A fun driver for sure.
Only 500 were made in 1982, and as we ramp up to '85 the production
numbers dropped exponentially. So, a rare find, with this MSE
modified and badged car in its Firebird form from 1982.
VIN DECODE
1G2AW87HXCL538161
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
A-Manual Belts
W-Firebird TransAm
87-2 Door Coupe
H-305ci V8 4bbl 145hp
X-Check Digit
C-1982
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
538161-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
