"GTA, said one sales brochure, stands for "Good Times Ahead!"
Pontiac Firebirds were proving less popular than Camaros, but they
held a loyal following of buyers from different age groups, who
relished its flashy styling and muscular performance. Chevrolet now
marketed a convertible, but Pontiac wasn't ready to slice the top
off its Firebird just yet. Thus the 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
GTA."Auto.howstuffworks.com
For consignment, a 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA coupe with a
title verified 192,632 actual miles. Owned by our consignor for 27
years, this bird has newer fuel lines, brake lines, fuel tank,
radiator, and other maintenance items.
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by
the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws
to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public
highways in your area.*
Exterior
White as the driven snow and badgeless, this clean, wedge shaped
F-body is a now classic design. The lace design wheels were so
unique to the line, they became known as GTA wheels, offset in gold
and carrying slightly staggered width tires. Translucent, smoked
T-tops give the cockpit a fuselage-like profile and this car sports
a cowl hood for a little extra muscle that balances the rear wing,
while body cladding creates a lower profile. This generation
continues Pontiac's tradition of trend setting tail lights and
distinctive lightbar. A repaint has held up wells, and
imperfections noted include various scratches, areas of thin paint,
some delamination of clear on the wheels, inclusions in the paint,
paint runs, chin scrapes, and minor cracked cladding.
Interior
Gray cloth inserts live inside the gray vinyl door panels, showing
a touch of age here, especially the driver's side that shows a tear
and some age through staining. The leather buckets and rear 2+2
seating remains in very good shape and in front, a Grant GT
steering wheel replaces the stock unit and leads to the slightly
weathered but always cool 80's instrument cluster in a gray plastic
faceplate and leather map pocket where the glove box would be. An
aftermarket AM/FM/CD is in the center console along with the
standard A/C panel leading to a center console holdinga T-handle
shifter in a grid adorned flat faceplate. Our gray carpet shows
some slight aging and T/A mats take the brunt of the workload and
the hatch area has a contoured area for the T-tops.
Drivetrain
Driver quality esthetic conditions are found under the hood where a
5.0 liter L89 V8 resides. This power plant is rated at 195
horsepower, fuel injected, and mated to the ubiquitous GM 700R4
4-speed automatic transmission routing power to the 10 bolt rear
axle with 3.27 gears and Positraction.
Undercarriage
Generally clean underneath where dual exhaust runs through
FlowMaster mufflers and find their way to the atmosphere through
straight pipes in back. There are no catalytic converters on board.
This performer wears power disc brakes on all four wheels and
suspension consists of coil springs at both ends with a torque arm
helping out in back.
Drive-Ability
The Trans Am is still a thrill for the money, and this '88 still
delivers decent power, outstanding handling that we don't fully vet
on 25 year old tires, and a comfortable cabin that would easily
cater to long drives. There's also a healthy exhaust note. On this
example, we note the A/C is not working and the reverse lights do
not light up. Beyond those two things, all functions available on
this '80's rocker work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
This was such a good design from Pontiac that when they were called
upon to produce a Pace Car for the 1989 Indianapolis 500, they
didn't change much on the outside of the car. This one presents
with a clean exterior that has no stripes or emblems but still
exhibits that now iconic 80's Firebird wedge. Don't be afraid to
drive this one, and at the same time, it will fit in just fine at
any car show you attend!
1G2FW21F5JL233920
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
FW-Firebird/Trans Am
2-2 Door Hatchback Coupe
1-Manual Belts
F-5.0L TPI V8
5-Check Digit
J-1988
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
233920-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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