1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

KEY FACTS This Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo is an increasingly rare turbocharged classic American muscle car, representing the final model year of Pontiac's factory-developed turbocharged V8. It is powered by a turbocharged 301ci (4.9-litre) V8 featuring its factory Garrett turbocharger, carburettor and computer management system, driving the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. This example was originally a US-delivered model, which has since been imported to New Zealand, where it passed compliance in 2021, and has been with the seller for the past five years. It has reportedly benefited from a cosmetic refurbishment, including a full repaint, a complete interior retrim, a restored chassis and various mechanical improvements under the current ownership. A modern speedometer is fitted, and the seller states that the total mileage is believed to be circa 69,000 miles. Build year: 1981 EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES Introduced in 1980, the Turbo Trans Am replaced the earlier large-capacity V8 models and is one of the rarest second-generation Firebirds, with approximately 3,000 examples of the 1981 Turbo Trans Am believed to have been produced. This car is finished in a professionally applied custom black finish with three layers of gold pearl, complemented by new USA-sourced gold ‘Screaming Chicken’ bonnet and B-pillar decals, and matching coachlines. The cabin has been completely retrimmed in black leather with bespoke gold piping, along with gold-coloured machined metal inlays on the dashboard and transmission tunnel. It rides on a set of 15-inch ‘Turbine’ alloy wheels finished in gold and fitted with Galaxy Radial G/T tyres. Equipment includes a front chin spoiler, a wrap-around ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler, removable T-Top roof panels, an off-centre bonnet bulge with turbo pressure indicator lights, electric windows, air conditioning, and cruise control. This example has been fitted with an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and a full set of Auto Meter S