Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/eBay seller marth-la
The newsworthy change about the 1981 Trans Am was the debut of the Daytona Pace Car, which came with a blacked-out roof, black graphics and stripping, and Recaro seats with red inserts. Powered by a standard Turbocharged V8, the Daytona Pace Car was a rare (and still is) sight, with Pontiac limiting the production to only 2,000 units.
The most popular Trans Am for this model year was the non-SE T-Top, whose production got close to 14,500 units. The standard coupe reached 11,800 units, while the rarest version in 1981 was the Trans Am Black SE coupe with just 121 units.
Overall, Pontiac produced 33,493 Trans Ams for the model year.
One is fighting for life on eBay after spending more than two decades in storage. The owner says the car was parked in a barn for more than 23 years, but despite the long adventure off the road, it still exhibits a condition allowing for a restoration.
The Trans Am flexes what the owner describes as "minimal rust," but any potential buyer should put the car on a lift and inspect every inch of the undersides, as I believe the likelihood of rust is very high.
Despite the obvious cosmetic refresh, the Trans Am needs a complete restoration on every front. However, the mechanical side comes with good and very intriguing news.
First, the car rolled off the assembly lines with a 4.9 Turbo engine still under the hood. eBay seller marth-la says all numbers match, but the most important tidbit is that the engine turns by hand. The long time in storage did not kill the engine, so with the right repairs, the Trans Am should get back on its wheels fast.
Some parts are missing, including the AC compressor, but overall, the car ticks all the boxes for a restoration candidate. The interior looks complete, though the first thing you'll have to do is thoroughly clean everything, especially the seats, the carpets, and the door panel. They look in good shape, with a few minor exceptions, but considering the long time in the barn, the dust, dirt, and mold are not at all surprising.
The mileage is intriguing and raises more questions than answers. The odometer indicates 15,985 miles (25,725 km), but the owner says they're unsure if it's the original mileage or has already been turned over once. If this is the actual mileage, the Trans Am turns into a rare low-mileage surprise, becoming a lot more desirable for anyone planning a full restoration.
The car is sitting in Nikiski, Alaska, and can be yours for $9,900. The owner also enabled the Make Offer button, so if you're interested in another deal, you should contact them to discuss the details.
Overall, Pontiac produced 33,493 Trans Ams for the model year.
One is fighting for life on eBay after spending more than two decades in storage. The owner says the car was parked in a barn for more than 23 years, but despite the long adventure off the road, it still exhibits a condition allowing for a restoration.
The Trans Am flexes what the owner describes as "minimal rust," but any potential buyer should put the car on a lift and inspect every inch of the undersides, as I believe the likelihood of rust is very high.
Despite the obvious cosmetic refresh, the Trans Am needs a complete restoration on every front. However, the mechanical side comes with good and very intriguing news.
First, the car rolled off the assembly lines with a 4.9 Turbo engine still under the hood. eBay seller marth-la says all numbers match, but the most important tidbit is that the engine turns by hand. The long time in storage did not kill the engine, so with the right repairs, the Trans Am should get back on its wheels fast.
Some parts are missing, including the AC compressor, but overall, the car ticks all the boxes for a restoration candidate. The interior looks complete, though the first thing you'll have to do is thoroughly clean everything, especially the seats, the carpets, and the door panel. They look in good shape, with a few minor exceptions, but considering the long time in the barn, the dust, dirt, and mold are not at all surprising.
The mileage is intriguing and raises more questions than answers. The odometer indicates 15,985 miles (25,725 km), but the owner says they're unsure if it's the original mileage or has already been turned over once. If this is the actual mileage, the Trans Am turns into a rare low-mileage surprise, becoming a lot more desirable for anyone planning a full restoration.
The car is sitting in Nikiski, Alaska, and can be yours for $9,900. The owner also enabled the Make Offer button, so if you're interested in another deal, you should contact them to discuss the details.
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