It is an age-old battle. Whenever one person invents a better mousetrap, another invents a better mouse. Such was the case for American auto manufacturers during the 1970s and 1980s. The better mousetrap was tightening government emission regulations, while the better mouse was forced-induction engines. Some companies achieved greater success than others, but the Trans Am Turbo proved there was power there for the taking with the right approach. This two-owner 1980 example is a tidy survivor with no apparent needs beyond a new home. It is listed here on eBay in Van Nuys, California. With the bidding sitting at $17,200, that new home is only days away for this classic.

This Trans Am looks stunning in Tahoe Blue. Its paint shines intensely, and if there are any flaws, they are too small to show in the supplied photos. The graphics look crisp, and while some enthusiasts prefer the high-contrast approach seen on some Trans Ams, this one possesses elegant subtlety. The panels are laser-straight, and rust is not a consideration. No issues are visible in the supplied photos, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing. Surface corrosion in areas like the engine bay can hint at underlying tin worm, but this car shows no evidence to cause concerns. The plastic has withstood all the California sun can throw at it, and the glass is crystal clear. Some potential buyers might be disappointed that the car doesn’t feature the optional Snowflake wheels, but I find nothing wrong with the Rally II wheels when they are as immaculate as the ones on this classic.

The Trans Am’s interior is another aspect of the vehicle that makes a positive impression. Its Dark Blue cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces present well for a car of this age, with only some light wear on the driver’s seat as a fault worth mentioning. It isn’t bad, although the new owner might decide to add some high-quality slipcovers to protect the original trim from further deterioration. The dash looks excellent, with the machine-turned gauge fascia being one of my favorite features. The plastic looks good, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. The original owner didn’t load the interior with optional extras, although the factory air conditioning, tilt wheel, and AM/FM radio are all welcome inclusions.

The Trans Am was not the first American production car to feature a turbocharger, and it wouldn’t be the last. However, it exposed the potential available if a company followed the right approach. Pontiac coupled the motor with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. That was a shame because it masked the car’s potential significantly. The Turbo 301ci V8 produced 210hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures don’t sound startling today, but they deserve to be placed into context. Buyers could order these classics with a normally aspirated 301, but it only produced 170hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque. I can’t think of an enthusiast who wouldn’t welcome a nearly 25% increase in power and a 50% improvement in torque. The figures didn’t lie because while the N/A motor took 17.6 seconds to cover the ¼-mile, the Turbo slashed that figure to 16.1 seconds. The seller is this Trans Am’s second owner, purchasing the vehicle with 21,000 miles on the clock. It has accumulated a further 2,000 miles, although they admit they have no verifying evidence that confirms the figure as genuine. However, the car’s overall condition makes it plausible. They say it runs and drives perfectly, leaving others shrinking in its mirror when they floor the gas. That makes it a strong contender for someone seeking a turnkey classic.

The 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo hasn’t achieved the legendary status of Buick’s Grand National or GNX, but that is no surprise. The Trans Am emerged in an era before sophisticated electronic engine management and fuel-injection technology were widely available. Still, it showed the potential locked within an engine if manufacturers pursued the forced-induction path. These classics remained ignored for years, although times are changing, and values are climbing. Today, a Trans Am Turbo will command a 45% premium compared to a normally-aspirated 301ci version, with that trend remaining constant for the past few years. This car has attracted a healthy forty bids, and there is scope for the price to top $30,000 before the listing ends. Is this a vehicle you might consider parking in your garage?