BF Auction: 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
By 1991, Pontiac’s Trans Am had regained its performance credentials, with the company offering the GTA version for those seeking performance and a relaxed driving experience. Finding a good one today is a treat, but this GTA looks like a gem. It recently emerged from eight years in storage, with the seller returning it to active duty. The lack of recent use means it has accumulated 58,471 miles on its odometer. It is an original and unmolested classic that could provide a new owner with immediate motoring pleasure. If it sounds impossible to resist, the 1991 Trans Am is listed exclusively here on Barn Finds Auctions.
This GTA presents extremely well, carrying most of its original shade of Code 41 Black. The years in storage have done it no harm, with the paint shining beautifully. It has received some minor touch-ups, but nothing that should cause potential buyers concern. The panels it cloaks are equally clean, with no significant bumps or bruises. More good news comes in the form of its rust-free status. It can be an issue in some cases, but the careful storage of this Pontiac has protected it from that fate. The spoilers and other aerodynamic features that are part of the Trans Am GTA package look excellent, with the same true of the factory BBS-style wheels. These provide a striking contrast to the predominantly dark exterior finish while adding a classy touch. The badges and pinstripes are excellent, and there are no glass issues.
Lifting the hood reveals evidence of Pontiac’s desire to regain its performance credentials. Powering the Trans Am is a 5.7-liter TPI fuel-injected “HO” V8, sending 240hp through a four-speed THM-700R transmission to a limited-slip rear end. The combination of a weight reduction program, efficient aerodynamics, and the power from that sweet V8 means this GTA should cover the ¼-mile 14.9 seconds before winding its way to 152mph. If there was ever evidence needed that The Malaise Era was fading into a soon-to-be distant memory, this classic provides that proof. After eight years in hibernation, the owner returned this Pontiac to a roadworthy state. The years of inactivity mean it has a genuine 58,471 miles on the clock. The car’s drivetrain is renowned for its bulletproof nature, meaning the GTA should offer its new owner years of motoring enjoyment. The car runs and drives well and comes with an impressive collection of documentation that includes all of its factory books and original Window Sticker.
The positive vibes with this Pontiac continue when we examine its interior. Its owner has resisted the temptation to install aftermarket items, meaning it remains as it left the showroom floor. There is some slight wear on the front seats’ outer edges, but careful work with a conditioner should make a significant difference. If the buyer isn’t confident, an upholsterer could perform the work for a few dollars. Otherwise, the interior needs nothing. The plastic trim hasn’t succumbed to UV damage, the carpet and rear seats are spotless, and there’s none of the typical damage often seen in the cargo area caused by unrestrained luggage and other items. For those keen on their creature comforts, this Trans Am features leather upholstery, ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio with an auto-reversing cassette player and graphic equalizer.
Cars from the 1980s and early 1990s fell out of favor with aficionados for many years as those people remembered the misery of The Malaise Era. However, times change, and they generate interest today for two reasons. The first is that a new generation of enthusiasts who view them as an affordable entry into the classic world is emerging. People also recognize that cars like this 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA were a sign that times were changing and that manufacturers were once again focused on performance. This GTA is one of those cars, and I agree with the seller’s assessment that there aren’t many left as original as this car with such a low odometer reading. Sadly, Pontiac disappeared more than a decade ago, by which time it was a shadow of its former self. However, it was once the shining performance brand within the GM empire, and this Trans Am demonstrates how it was willing to push the boundaries. The brand may be gone, but this classic lives on. You could protect and preserve it for future generations to appreciate while gaining immediate motoring enjoyment. I can’t think of anything negative in that scenario, and it may be enough to tempt you to submit a bid. If you do, I wish you luck.
- Location: Mt. Vernon, Ohio
- Mileage: 58,471
- Engine: 5.7 V8
- Transmission: Automatic
- VIN: 1G2FW2383M6209942
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
2manyvettes bid $8,775.00 2023-01-27 08:28:23
JC bid $8,500.00 2023-01-27 06:52:09- 2manyvettes bid $8,250.00 2023-01-27 04:45:37
- JC bid $7,500.00 2023-01-26 17:43:31
- 2manyvettes bid $7,000.00 2023-01-22 05:42:31
Timothy CIESIELSKI bid $6,500.00 2023-01-21 12:09:46
Carl G bid $5,600.00 2023-01-21 11:50:18- 2manyvettes bid $5,500.00 2023-01-20 14:35:35
- Carl G bid $4,600.00 2023-01-20 13:39:13
- 2manyvettes bid $4,500.00 2023-01-20 12:48:13
- Timothy CIESIELSKI bid $3,500.00 2023-01-20 11:09:36
- Carl G bid $2,600.00 2023-01-20 11:07:20
- 2manyvettes bid $2,500.00 2023-01-19 18:06:57
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Comments
I see no adress telling us where this is located , is clean title ,titled state ,
Its in the listing = Ohio
All the details are listed right above the photo gallery.
Joshua,
How can a viewer / bidder get a legible pic of the window sticker?
Thanks
Paul
Joshua, I need a clean, clear, readable version of the window sticker. The details above the photo gallery is general info, I need to see the standard and optional equipment. Also, there is a decal inside the center console or under the lockable compartment in the back left that displays the RPO codes. A clear pic of that decal is fine as well.
Thanks
Paul
Hi Paul,
The seller just sent me a higher resolution photo of the window sticker. I’ve included it in the gallery and here, just so it’s easy for you to view. Let me know if you need any other photos and I’ll have Kerry take and send them to me.
I remember when these were new I thought GM was crazy for asking almost $25k for them when you could buy a new Mazda B2000 for $10k someone is going to get a nice ride
Not exactly competing vehicles lol! But yes, the 3rd generation IROCs and GTAs were comparatively expensive That’s why the Formula was so nice. But even then, the 5.0 Mustang was a lot cheaper, particularly in LX form. Ford closed the price gap a bit in 1989 with the “LX 5.0 Sport” (a separate model with the 5.0 option bits plus Mustang GT sports plus a huge price increase) but the 5.0 Mustang was still the cheapest route for V-8 muscle in that era by far.
Ford was way cheaper and faster. My 89 lx was about 10k less or so if i recall, but it was a bare bones model. Buddy had one just like this 5.7, burgendy w beige interior. Lovely cruising cars and loaded w all the features and comfort.
Plus, Ford was putting 5-speeds in the Mustang as often as not, where as GM seemed to almost ignore them.
In my teenage brain (and adult brain) that pretty much told me that GM was not a performance car brand, even though I absolutely loved these cars, and still do. You still see one every now and then with the fun-to-drive trans, but it’s pretty rare, especially when that MPFI engine is under the hood.
It always seemed that Ford was ready to play, while GMs team was still waiting for the MEMO from corporate to tell them they could.
Really? My loaded iroc-z convertible, leather and all, stickered at 18,500. Wonder why the GTA was so much more…
Because for some strange reason people always pay more for Pontiac and Cadillac when you could buy a fully loaded Chevrolet and basically have the same rig for less
Too bad its not a T-Top. Beautiful car otherwise. I’ve always been a Trans Am fan. If only the 3rd generation had gotten the 4th generation drivetrain. Best of luck on the sale.
That air fitler is suck in hot air rob horsepower they should of bulid real intake bring cooler air into engine bay
Now where did I leave that cassette of sammy hagar “can’t drive 55”?
They did. That’s an aftermarket filter. Stock was a plastic tube that ran to an airbox in front of the washer bottle on the passenger side.
Yeah mustangs might have been faster but dang, have you seen what they look like compared to a F-body? 🤢🤣
What’s up with the hood gaps? Is it just not closed all the way?
We just added photos of the car with the hood closed to the gallery.
Nice Poncho but it appears as if the hood isn’t fully shut or is there an abnormally wide gap especially on the front? Near the headlights it looks almost a half an inch.
What’s up with the hood gaps? It’s 32-33 years old. Why not ask if the floor under the spare tire is still there? I had an ’87 firebird formula. The sway bar in the front was as big around as tour wrist. It was only 5.0 Liter but the 5 speed manual & positrac more than made up for it.
If you want it, buy it. Don’t bitch about it. It’s fast enough. The hoods were like that. I sold mine for 500 bucks to a guy who helped clean out my septic.
Hello the hood matches up very well:we accidentally took the photo with the hood up
We will add a photo today that shows the gaps with the hood down
Thank you
Kerry
Is that 14.9 quarter a realistic time for a stock 5.7 automatic with 240HP? Maybe someone with a 1991 magazine was keeping up with published test times when this car was new.
When my 5.0 tpi auto iroc was stone stock it ran high 15s.
Is this car still available? It says it is and says it ended?