Boosted Performance: 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am
1979 saw a few exterior changes for the Pontiac Firebird, including a sleeker front end with the grilles moved down to help keep things cooler under the hood. However, it wasn’t until the following year that some major engine revisions took place. Gone were the 400 and Olds-sourced 403, with the previous credit-option 301 becoming the standard Trans Am engine in 1980, but the good news was that buyers had the choice to opt for a turbocharged variant. This 1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is one such equipped example, and the seller says it’s a one-owner survivor with just 67,000 miles.
Mitchell G., thanks for your great tip here! For the period, drivers couldn’t get much cooler than cruising around in a black TA with the huge gold bird on the hood, so this one’s got you covered in that department. Kudos to the owner for pointing out that his F-Body isn’t concours outside, but the few imperfections aren’t a bad trade-off for an ’80 model that’s said to remain all-original, with the factory paint still intact and no bodywork performed. Another fun exterior feature is the T-Tops.
To help compensate for the demise of the larger powerplant offerings, the turbocharger provided 9 pounds of boost and helped raise output from the smaller V8 to a period-respectable 210 horsepower. Buyers were force-fed an automatic transmission, as no manual was available, but at least Pontiac provided a well-placed boost gauge on the hood to make drivers feel they were getting some serious performance as the lights illuminated. The seller tells us his Trans Am has no issues and starts, runs, drives, and stops as it should.
Just about everything inside looks surprisingly good for the age here, and the overall condition seems to help back up how well the owner says this one’s been cared for. Some aftermarket Stereo equipment has been installed, with the left console speaker appearing a bit close to the accelerator, but it’s probably something you eventually get used to.
This 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am survivor seems to still be a capable driver, and I’m guessing it won’t take long for this one to find a new home. If you’re wanting it in your driveway, this TA is down in Miami, Florida, and can be viewed here on eBay. The buy-it-now cost of $28,000 doesn’t sound unrealistic, but the seller has also included the option to make an offer, so I’d probably at least try before paying the full asking price. Have you ever driven or owned a Pontiac Turbo Trans Am?
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now1 days$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now4 days$100
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now4 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now4 days$500
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now6 days$4,000
Comments
Gives new meaning to the phrase “loud pedal”.
Boosted yes , Performance no
Carburetors and Turbos ↩️ don’t mix Rw 💁♂️
Nice enough looking but not worth that money. In 1980 I looked at and test drove a brand new one. I had the credit and the down payment but the lack of power was so disappointing that I drove home in the 1970 El Camino that I drove in to the Pontiac lot.
Yeah in 1979 I went to go look at one, Prime Pontiac, Bronx NY, so here were the choices, get a 4 speed, you can have the last of the Pontiac 400s, want an automatic? Either the slug 403 Oldsmobile anchor or the severely underpowered 301, well I didn’t want a stick, and I didn’t want a Pontiac Delta 88, and I didn’t want a red light challenge and get my doors blown off by a VW Scirocco, so I bought the 2 tone blue Grand Prix next to it, no one expected that to be fast
Oh man, here’s angst on four wheels.
I purchased the 81 Turbo TA as a whole car carrier showed up with new models at. Dealership in 1982. I loved the handling . But 2 turbos later and a growing family put me in the Safari GT van with the same rated hp. My 76 Firebird was the last of hp for me.