81 Trans Am Turbo NASCAR RECARO Edition T-Top Daytona Pace car WS6 - NEEDS TLC

1981 Pontiac Trans Am NASCAR Trans Am Description

For sale is a rare gem, 1981 Turbo Trans Am Daytona Recaro Edition that is in need of some TLC.

I recently purchased this vehicle and lead to believe it was in better shape than it really is.Please see my feedback. 100% as a buyer and a seller so rest assure the following is totally 100% honest and true. Call me and I’ll fill in the history, but in short, a one owner car, taken off the road in 1998, but back on the road this summer. Sort of.

I realize not long after the car rolled off the car carrier that this car was a bit too much for me to get involved with. Let me tell the good and the bad as I know it based on 3 inspections.

The good.

1.The paint is beautiful. See pics. I was told a repaint that was done very well including the placement of all the decals.Was told the repaint due to clear coat flaking.

2.The interior is in excellent condition including the front and rear seats, dash, console, door panels, etc. The carpet has a tear that was nicely repaired but still repaired.

3.The tires are close to new, and somewhat dated. Seem fine.

4.The front disc brake rotors are new. I had a shop do this work to make the car driveable.

5.Doors shut perfect with excellent alignment. No sagging at all.

6.Turbine wheels in excellent shape (missing one center cap. These are available)

7.Engine starts will little effort. Runs smooth once warmed up.

8.All body panels are in excellent alignment throughout. Car looks amazing.

9.I was told the following replaced before I purchased and appears accurate.

a.Gas tank

b.Fuel filter

c.Rebuild carburetor

d.Spark plugs and wires

e.Battery

f.Transmission changed

g.Oil and filter changed

The bad

1.The left rear floor needs replacement as does the left rear torque box. I had gotten a price of $1780 for the left side, and then $2330 for both sides as recommend by the body shop even though right torque box was in place, floor needs replacement. The rest of the underneath was deemed OK by the body shop. They also indicated some repairs done in the past, behind the gas tank and lower quarter panels, all to proper standards.(the latter actually good news)

2.The exhaust must be replaced end to end. I had received a price from Mighty muffler of $1480.

3.The above are the worst issues. I know there are restoration folks that can do these jobs themselves and just incur the parts costs.

4.There is no spare tire but the original jack. (I’ve space saver spares on e-bay)

5.Slight oil leak, minor drip in garage. I don’t know the source. Not uncommon.

Functional Summary

The good:

1.All the lights work fine

2.Cruise control works fine

3.Car now brakes fine with the new frontrotors. Brakes pads fine.

4.Power windows work great. Smooth up and down throughout the travel

5.Wipers work

6.Clock works.

7.Rear defroster seems to work

The issues (all repairable)

1.The blower does not work. Previous seller told me it’s unplugged. Not sure why.Hence, don’t know if the AC is functional, but all parts are there and connected.

2.Left turn signal not working, right works fine

3.Power locks do not work but getting power

5.Original radio works intermittently / Speakers sound rough

6.Tachometer does not work

7.Emergency brake foot assembly needs repair or replacement

8.Power antenna is not functioning, but all there including the mast that is stuck in a half-way up/down position.

The car shows 47K on the odometer. The person who sold the car to me and dealt with the previous original owner claimed these are original miles. I honestly don’t know if this is accurate. I'd say no.

This is a great restoration opportunity for someone that can deal with the bad listed above and not have to deal with anybody work or paint or interior for that matter.

I’ve set the reserve very low and hopefully someone can get this one time beauty back (actually still looks beautiful) on the road.

Happy to discuss. I encourage an inspection or I can share the inspection reports I have. The car can be driven albeit carefully, but I’d highly encourage at least the left torque box and rear floor be repaired before any continuous driving.

I have to admit, even up close the car looks fantastic. As one can see, the pics (I hijacked some from previous add for the same car) look amazing as well. But there are issues as mentioned above.

The Trans Am is being sold as is with the title from the original owner.

Happy to answer any questions through e-bay and leave your number and I’ll return calls in short order.I’ve been completely honest in this description and not aware of any other issues, however some content based on the experts that inspected the car. I've driven the car about 40+ miles to get the issues inspected and estimated.

Thanks for looking.

Ben