1982 Trans Am

In 1982, the Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am platform was radically restyled for the first time in over a decade. The big emphasis was now focused on Aerodynamics, boasts of a low coefficient of drag (CD), and traction adhesion nearing 1g (or G-force). The 1983 through 1986 Firebird models did not change radically from the original 1982 platform, instead, they were systematically refined to improve performance and handling. Included in this transition was the availability of a corporate (Chevrolet 5.0 / 5.7) engine utilizing Throttle Body Injection (starting @150 bhp), that replaced the discontinued Pontiac engine family. The 1987 - 1988 models were infused with more, much needed, horsepower to match Pontiac's performance marketing image. After all, as Jim Wangers - Pontiac's senior ad man has stated, there was a Blue Oval pony car that was out- performing and out-selling Pontiac's bread and butter performer, using Pontiac's own GTO formula for success against them.

15th Anniversary Trans Am

In 1984, Pontiac recognized the Trans Am’s 15th Anniversary by releasing a special Trans Am that was white with blue stripes, blue Trans Am decals and a blue "Venetian blind" decal on the offset hood bulge. The car also had a multi-tone gray interior that had Recaro seats, a white leather wrapped steering wheel , shifter knob and parking brake handle. T-tops were also standard on the package as were white aluminum wheels. The cars were powered by the 190 hp 5.0 liter "corporate" V-8 and a 5 speed manual transmission. Pontiac built approximately 1500 15th Anniversary Trans Ams. 1984 Anniversary TA.

20th Anniversary Trans Am

In 1989, Pontiac released the 20th Anniversary Trans Am. It was a GTA model powered by the conservatively rated 245 hp Buick built 3.8 liter turbo V6 with special Pontiac heads and tuning, mated to a 4 speed overdrive automatic.

Capable of 150 mph from the factory, this special T/A was the first production auto to pace the Indy 500 that was not modified to meet the rigors of bringing the Indy racers up to speed. The car was white with gold GTA wheels and gold Turbo Trans Am fender insignia. It had specific 20th anniversary badges on the nose and sail panels and Indy 500 insignia on the bottom of the front fenders. Some cars were delivered with Indy 500 pace car decals on the doors. The others received their decal package in the rear hatch back area for later installation if desired. They all came with a camel interior. The rarest being the T-top delete hardtops. Of those, 24 received leather interiors and the remaining 15 hardtops were in leather. Pontiac built approximately 1550 20th Anniversary Turbo Pace Car Trans Ams. Many collectors consider this special Trans Am to be the high water mark of the 3rd generation Firebirds and Trans Ams. Visit the TACH Turbo Town page.

1990 - 92 Firebird & Trans Am