Vehicle Description
We all know that big horsepower and small price adds up to lots of
fun, but few cars delivered the bang for the buck of the late-model
F-body. This 2002 Pontiac Trans Am NHRA Edition is one of those
rare unabused specimens and shows just 15,551 miles, so you know it
was never a daily driver. If you missed your chance fifteen years
ago, here it is again!
There's no mistaking the fourth-generation Trans Am, with its twin
nostrils force-feeding the LS1 underneath. Finished in subtle
Pewter Metallic, it has a low-key look that seems at odds with its
NHRA special edition status, although the package was largely
cosmetic with a few decals and badges. Only 189 NHRA Edition coupes
were built with an automatic transmission, so it's a rare piece,
and they're easy to identify with their 1SH RPO code. Still as
shiny as the day it was new, this F-body has been expertly
maintained for nearly a decade and a half and shows very little
evidence of having been driven. There are almost no scuffs on the
chin spoiler from steep driveways, no chips in the windshield, and
even the Trans Am's ultra-aggressive nose is virtually free of
blemishes. Trademark round fog lights, correct Trans Am badges on
the lower doors, the honeycomb taillights help identify what was
ultimately a very sophisticated muscle car. There's also a large
integrated wing out back, plenty of scoops, flares, and vents in
traditional T/A fashion, plus a set of sporty T-tops that make it a
blast on sunny days.
GM installed black leather buckets when it was built, and they
naturally remain very well preserved in this low-mile Trans Am. The
supportive bucket seats are both grippy in the corners and
comfortable for all-day drives. Usually these cars start to show
wear on the driver's bolster, but it's clear that someone was
exceptionally careful whenever they got in and out of the car,
because it's still quite nice. Carpets, door panels, and the dash
are excellent, and it appears that the back seat has never been
used. All 2002 Trans Ams had round A/C vents and orange lighting on
the dash, giving it a very high-tech look. And all Trans Ams came
only one way: loaded. That means A/C, power windows, power locks,
cruise control, traction control, ABS, and power seats, plus
keyless entry. Everything works as it should on this one-heck, even
the floor mats look like they were just installed yesterday. A
powerful AM/FM/CD stereo with equalizer sounds awesome, even at
full bore with the T-tops open, but at that point you'll probably
want to enjoy the V8's song anyway.
The LS1 engine became famous overnight, and anyone who worried
about the passing of the small block torch need not have been
concerned. Its aluminum construction shaved precious pounds from
the nose of the car, while it cranked out more power than any small
block in history. Almost completely untouched, the engine bay of
this car is an anatomy textbook for future restorers, with original
markings, fasteners, and decals in 100% factory fresh condition.
The NHRA Edition didn't add any horsepower, but with the
performance already on tap, it wasn't really necessary anyway. It's
one of only a handful equipped with the 4-speed automatic overdrive
transmission, which is a great match for the LS1, offering snappy
downshifts and a towering overdrive to make this car good at almost
everything. Underneath, it's obvious that this car has never seen
foul weather and it wears sparkling chrome alloys that were
standard on the NHRA cars, as well as its original 245/50/16
Goodyear Eagle GS-C radials.
History tells us that the cars that collectors cherish are often
limited editions with the lowest mileage, so here's your second
chance. Call today!
