Turbo Trans Am: 1989 Pontiac GTA
It’s nearly 2019 and a 300 horsepower V6 is a common animal. But what about 30 years ago? Not so much. This 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am, submitted by reader Pat L. and found here on Craiglist, is one of the rare performance cars from the 1980s that actually packed a punch.
So, this Trans Am may not have actually been rated at 300 horse from the factory, but the turbo V6’s 250 rated horsepower was thought to have been more like 300. And the numbers seem to prove it. Running mid-13 second quarter miles and with a 0 to 60 time under five seconds, it’s likely that it would have taken more than the rated 250 horsepower to get there. Thankfully, Buick was kind enough to share the Grand National’s boosted powerplant to make it all happen.
The seller of this TTA could have spent some time taking better pictures but with a stated 43,400 original miles, one would hope that this car would be worth the trip to check it out. According to the seller, the only notable flaw is a small dent by the taillight on the left rear.
Low-mileage versions of this Trans Am are getting harder to find and will hopefully only increase in value. Owning a unique piece of Pontiac history like this 20th anniversary Trans Am may just trigger the right buyer. But is the $17,900 asking price reasonable for this TTA?
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Comments
I would not mind owning this piece of hot machinery.If I had that kind of money laying around this would probably end up in my driveway.
It’s hard to tell but it kinda looks to me like there is rust hiding behind the ground effects on the driver side rear fender. Still a great car and wish I had one. Would have to see in person to see if worth the asking price.
Adhesive on tape used to put ground effects on has discolored!
If all the above is true still worth that asking price, it should be a quick sale.
Better pictures of the same car @ 23500$ with the same mileage.
https://www.townlineautos.com/1989-Pontiac-Firebird-Wolcott-NY-Auburn-Oswego-Huron-Wayne/used_car/py1LfMYOsrI%3D
For me personally the price still feels a bit steep but maybe there is room for some negotiation.
Enjoy the holidays,
Cristian
Something not mentioned in the article is the fact that this is an Indy 500 Pace Car replica as well…note the famous IMS logo on the front edge of the lower rocker molding. That drives up the value as well…..
I’ve wanted one of these since I knew what they were. I would maintain it and conserve it, but you can bet it would be driven on many dry days.
Below reasonable price for this car,about 10 grand too low!
These car were the fastest Trans Am’s made,period.
Even faster than the awesome Super Duty Trans Am’s.
If I were this guy I would hold on to it.
These and Buick Grand National’s are really starting to co.e on strong in the collector car market.
Below reasonable price for this car,about 10 grand too low!
These car were the fastest Trans Am’s made,period.
Even faster than the awesome Super Duty Trans Am’s.
If I were this guy I would hold on to it.
These and Buick Grand National’s are really starting to co.e on strong in the collector car market.
RIP Sam Kinison
Wow, I had that exact car back in 99, but it was a 305 manual. I bet the gn 6 is a real howl to drive. Should have kept it, but I got more in trade than I paid for it 2 years earlier.
Is it worth the asking price? Not yet.
This year/model was originally equipped with the ceramic impeller turbo from the GNX. One of the reasons it is a pretty special engine.