While we could spend all day and half the night arguing the merits and detriments of special edition automobiles, one fact is indisputable: these cars are usually exceptionally well preserved.  Anniversary cars, special editions of all manner, and pace cars continue to pop up in fantastic shape with very few miles on them.  Take for example this 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Indy Pace Car for sale on Craigslist in Island Park, New York.  Flashy and well-kept, this turbocharged Pontiac comes with a good bit of memorabilia in addition to the industrial strength screaming chicken on the hood.  Is the $43,500 asking price on target for an original Trans Am with just 19,788 miles?  Thanks to Frank TA for the turbocharged tip!

As cars of the seventies and eighties become more collectible, a couple of factors are at play if you want one of these vehicles.  Right now, the cost of restoration parts is considerable.  Depending on the car, you may not have a lot of options for plastic trim, electrical parts, and anything else that is not financially rewarding for an aftermarket supplier to produce.  Add to that the complexity of these cars.  They are an order of magnitude more challenging to restore than a car of the fifties or sixties.  Thus, when looking at a car to purchase, you have to determine if you have the time, finances, talent, and room to complete a restoration.  Even if you can, can you get the parts?

If you are reconsidering a restoration of your favorite ride from back in the day, then perhaps you should consider buying the best example available of your favorite car.  While second-generation Trans Ams are wildly popular, most everyone wants a Bandit Trans Am.  We all want to be like our hero.  However, throughout the production of these cars, Pontiac produced a plethora of distinctive Trans Ams for you to consider.  The car featured here is a 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Indy Pace Car.  This all-original, garage-kept Trans Am has just 19,788 miles on it.

The seller tells us that this car has been in their possession for over 20 years.  The mileage is documented, and the vehicle is free of rust.  For a car that lives far above the snow belt, that is notable.  It has also made it all these years without any paint and/or bodywork.  Considering that rust absolutely feasts on Trans Ams of this era and that an all-over paint job by a reputable shop is fast approaching five figures, not having to experience all of this misery is worth a lot in the long run.

A look inside reveals that the entire interior has been pampered as well.  The combination of vinyl and cloth seats shows little wear, especially on the driver’s seat bolster.  This is where you always see stuffing popping out, as the car is low, and most posteriors are drug across rather than plopped into the center.  We are told that everything works as it should.  The pictures reveal a large amount of memorabilia from both the Indy 500 that year and items specific to this car, and all of this will go with the car when it sells.  The seller has also had the car signed by George Barris and Burt Reynolds.

This Trans Am, described by the seller as a “turnkey car,” is powered by a 4.9L V8 that had a turbocharger attached to it from the factory.  These engines didn’t last long in production, and they quickly gained the reputation of being a slug.  A lot of things were going on at the time.  Emissions standards were choking off the power in once awesome engines.  Also, GM was trying to whittle down the ridiculous number of different engines across the company.  Everyone had their favorite engine from their chosen division, but the sheer number of parts required to support this was onerous.  Finally, Pontiac was also moving towards using the small block Chevrolet V-8 in the 1982 restyling.  In a stop-gap measure, the Pontiac 301 was turbocharged to make up for the loss of the 400 cubic inch V-8.  It will move this car along fine but don’t expect to blow the doors off your neighbor’s Buick Regal Grand National.

In all, this is a very nice car with a lofty price.  Is it worth it?  Well, how much do you want a second-generation Trans Am?  You have to weigh the car’s condition against what it would take to get a lesser car to this level of perfection.  Only you can make that determination, but it would be nice to just put the key in the ignition and drive away.

Do you think it is worth it in the end to buy a perfect car at a high price or spend time and money on a bargain car?  Please share your thoughts in the comments.