1980 Pontiac Trans Am Pace Car Automatic 4.9 Liter Turbo

1980 Pontiac Trans Am Pace Car Description

Rare Turbo-Trans Am Indianapolis Pace Car loaded with options! All number's matching 4.9L Turbo V8, Automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows, tilt column, cruise control, and more! Represents one of just 5,700 produced to commemorate Trans Am's first time pacing the famed Indy 500! First year Turbo-Trans Am and an instant collectible!!
Pontiac had an excellent run with the basic design of the second generation Trans Am that started in 1970, and by the mid-1970's, the race for manufacturers to harness horsepower from new technology was well under way. Luckily for the automotive enthusiast, Pontiac decided to go all in with Turbocharging on a V8 platform. While Ford was using a 4-cylinder, and Buick a 6-cylinder, the Turbo-Trans Am offered a glimpse into the future of performance with technology that seemed so new then, now common place in many of our everyday drivers today. The horsepower ratings of the 4.9L Turbo engines were rated at 210 horsepower and 345 lb. ft. of torque at just 2,000rpm. This wasn't much lower than the famous 6.6 Liter big blocks from late 1970's, and would remain the highest horsepower rating for a Trans Am until the debut of the Tuned Port engines in 1985. Had it not been for inferior pump gasoline, and an ECU control to make for common pre-detonation, these engines really had potential for far greater horsepower.
Highlighting their new 1980 Trans Am with a 4.9L Turbocharged V8 was a larger "Super Bird" sticker on the hood that now stretched well onto the fenders that spit a larger flame, along with the Turbo alloy wheels and a non-shaker style hood bulge with integrated turbo boost gauge! Pontiac also added more luxury appointments to the option list this year with an improved the suspension for an even smoother ride! All in all, it was a very well designed sports car that offered ample performance in a relatively challenging horsepower era. Pontiac would be invited to pace the 64th running of the famed Indianapolis 500 this year, making for the first time a Trans Am would do the job! To honor this special event, Pontiac would produce 5,700 Pace Car replicas to sell to the public at a rather steep premium. All would be identically equipped with Cameo White exteriors, gray graphics, and Hobnail Cloth/Doeskin Vinyl interiors. Options included 3-speed automatic transmission, WS6 Special Performance Handling with 4-wheel disc brakes, 3.08:1 Safe-T-Track rear axle, Turbo alloy wheels painted in white with 225/70R15 raised white letter radial tires, air conditioning, power windows, AM/FM Stereo radios with power antennas, removable silver tinted roof hatches, cruise control, special embroidered interior, tilt column, leather formula steering wheel with special horn button, and red backlit instrumentation!
Wonderfully kept examples like this one don't come around often, with collectors the world over snatching up quality Trans Am that become available. It's no wonder that Keith Martin of "Sports Car Market" magazine declared in 2013 the Trans Am to be one of the best investments collectors can make! This Turbo-Trans Am Official Indianapolis Pace Car represents one of the 5,700 produced to be sold throughout the country! It been professionally restored cosmetically with a new exterior finish in correct Cameo White with all new graphics over a factory-appointed Hobnail Cloth/Doeskin Vinyl combination interior, it remains a true show stopper with survivor characteristics! Fully loaded with all factory options, this example features its original, number's matching 4.9 liter Turbo-Charged V8 engine and drivetrain.
The Trans Am featured here sold new in Adrian, MI from Gene Stevens Pontiac-Datsun in April 1980 to a local resident. It would stay in this region under long term ownership for most of its life, always garaged to keep it rust free and solid all these years! It would travel to new ownership in Waukesha, WI in 2016. Proper servicing has been a priority for all owners, along with cosmetic upkeep after being enjoyed during the short, northern driving season. Today, the odometer shows 91,752 actual miles. Also included with this remarkable investment are the original owner's manual, radio instructions, Space Saver spare insert, original Fisher T-top storage bags, PHS documentation with copy of the sales invoice and letter from Pontiac to dealers announcing the Indy Pace car package and ordering information! The original BF Goodrich Space Saver Spare tire remains unused, along with the jack and tire inflator all present inside the trunk. Given the nature of the market, we strongly urge any interested party to act quickly as Trans Ams have been steadily increasing in price over the last several years and show no signs of slowing. If you have ever wanted a beautiful example of one of America's most iconic muscle cars, do not hesitate! Please call with questions or to schedule a chance to review this Pontiac in person.