Hunting down a car in Maryland, a state I only think about when I picture it’s Rorschach-test state flag, is daunting for the Rough Start budget. Wading through the typical LeSabres and Luminas to find something of note is pretty difficult. I ended up settling on this 1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA, but even I have my reservations about it. Anytime the phrase “weedeat around the car” has to be uttered, it’s not good. The seller admits that this poor Poncho has been sitting about three years. On the good side of the first look, the body looks alright, the glass looks good and the only thing that raises my eyebrows so far is the minor dings near the taillight.
Underhood is a bit of a disappointment. Instead of the turbo 3.8 that was a Buick Grand National leftover or the 5.7, you get a TPI 305. Eh, could be worse. It’s complete, so unless there’s major internal damage, it’s ok. Even if it isn’t, let’s face it: Building a 350 cheaply isn’t too hard.
The interior looks good, and will look better once a vacuum cleaner gets put to use. The automatic is another letdown, but only a slight one, since it’s an overdrive. Nothing looks hacked and from what can be seen in the pictures, everything is whole and complete.
Is it worth the gamble? Here’s my stand: If it starts, runs and drives and just needs some upkeep after sitting so long, absolutely. If this Pontiac doesn’t have the chip-in-the-key system, has something minor that put the car down and the paint looks good after a wash, I think so. These things handle well, upgrades are easy and they can haul ass in short order. If it has the chip system or something is majorly wrong, I’d walk. This GTA would need an in-person look over before I’d fork over my money…that, or the owner would have to come down on price by at least $800.
What do you think? Another ‘Bird worth keeping, or let it fly away?
Click Here to see the Craigslist ad for this GTA while it lasts.
Price is a little high, but it’s got potential if you can talk the owner down a little and it starts up. I’ve always wanted a 3rd gen Firebird.
(And I could probably find a very cheap way to hack the chip key system if it’s got that.)
Perhaps they ought to vacuum out the crack rocks before putting it up for sale.
Emblematic of nearly everything (excluding the Iron Dookie and the inflammable Fiero) that went wrong for Pontiac in the ’80s. . . . at least it’s RWD . . . and sort of “resale red.” )
I’ve always wanted to build an LSR car out of one. It’s already the right color.
The chip key (Passlock? Passkey?) is really simple, there are only like 12 different resistor chips and that’s all it is. Looks nice (pictures lie though) and could be a fair price if mechanically sound and the body isn’t rusty, but I’d want to know why it’s been sitting for three years. You know you’ll have to clean the sludge out of the fuel system at least.
Calling HoosierGTA. Come in Hoosier!
$2500 might be a bit steep, but I bet if the seller spent a little time cleaning out the interior and hosing this thing off, it would look a lot better. No idea why people put filthy cars on CL when first impressions are so critical to some people. How does it run? Three years of sitting could be trouble if they didn’t start it periodically during that time. Would I buy it at asking price? No, but I never buy anything at asking price because that’s all it is – an asking price. I bet $1800 would have taken this car.
2500 for that is at least 1200-1500 too high. For a non running roller sitting in the weeds back east for 3+ years it probably has rust, especially on the chassis. And, as mentioned, fuel, vacuum lines, brakes, etc would all need attention, and then there’s the 305… Wrong for ’87 spoiler on the car, too.
But yes, a good LS swap candidate.