The 1981 Turbo Trans Am marks the final chapter of Pontiac's own V8
muscle - and the last year Pontiac built a performance car with its
own engine under the hood. Everything after 1981 used Chevrolet or
Oldsmobile motors. That alone makes these cars a significant
milestone in Pontiac history.
This matching-numbers example is powered by the factory
turbocharged 301ci (4.9L) LU8 V8 with a Garrett TB305 turbocharger
producing approximately 9 psi of boost. Factory rated at 200
horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque - serious numbers during the
malaise era. Power routes through the original THM350C 3-speed
automatic with lockup torque converter and a G80 limited-slip
rear.
Finished in correct factory Blue with the redesigned 1981 Firebird
hood decal and the unique functional offset "Turbo" hood scoop - a
one-year-only feature that distinguishes the 1981 Turbo from every
other Trans Am before or since. The hood-mounted boost gauge with
Normal, Medium, and High indicator lights is still functional.
Inside, the Blue and Gray high-back bucket seats present well, and
the machine-turned aluminum dash panel sets off the cabin exactly
as Pontiac intended. Factory Code C60 air conditioning (required
with the Turbo package), power windows, and a custom radio round
out the cabin.
Rolling on custom chrome 5-spoke wheels wrapped in Cooper Cobra
Radial G/T tires.
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