1981 Nascar Special Edition Trans Am on 2040-cars

US $22,500.00

Year:1981 Mileage:80000 Color: White /
Black on Red

Location:

Tijeras, New Mexico, United States

1981 Nascar Special Edition Trans Am, US $22,500.00, image 1

1981 Nascar Special Edition Trans Am, US $22,500.00, image 2

1981 Nascar Special Edition Trans Am, US $22,500.00, image 3

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1981 Nascar Special Edition Trans Am, US $22,500.00, image 5

1981 Nascar Special Edition Trans Am, US $22,500.00, image 6

1981 Nascar Special Edition Trans Am, US $22,500.00, image 7

Transmission:Automatic
Body Type:Coupe
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine:4.9 Liter Turbocharged V8
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Private Seller

VIN: 1G2AX87T9BL125213 Year: 1981
Number of Cylinders: 8
Make: Pontiac
Model: Trans Am
Trim: Nascar Special Edition
Options: Louvers, 4 Wheel Disc brakes, Recaro Seats, ETR Cassette Stereo w/4 Speakers, Sunroof
Drive Type: Automatic
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows
Mileage: 80,000
Exterior Color: White
Interior Color: Black on Red

Condition: UsedA vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.Seller Notes:"Restored"

The History

I've always loved the 1981 Nascar Special Edition for its uniqueness, rarity, the splendid interior. But mostly because owning one shows the owner knows Trans Am heritage goes far beyond the "Bandit". I bought this particular car because it ran and drove, though it didn't look very good when I first saw it. The owner knew what he had and wouldn't let go of it for the lowball I offered. However it was solid (its been in New Mexico for over 25 years) and all original, with low miles so I bought it. I've spent three years with it, restoring, showing and even commuting the car (that's why there's a 200R4 in it). But now its time to send it on to the next Trans Am enthusiast, someone who knows how special these cars are.

The Turbo

Even though the 81 Nascar has a turbo, it is a mild one. However, they were prone to coking because the owners would drive the car like a normally-aspirated car. Remember, those were the days when turbos were new to the american driver, and especially Pontiac Trans Am drivers. The only turbos offered by Pontiac to that date were the '80 and '81 Trans Am. They would drive the car hard, come home, and turn the engine off. This "cooked" the oil remaining in the turbo and eventually the passages clogged with solidified oil, causing the turbo to fail after only 30-40K miles, thus the bad reputation. This car was no different. Even though I bought it with about 80K original miles, the turbo was pretty much gone. So I bought a totally rebuilt turbo from the GPop Shop because they specialize in rebuilding and selling the Garret type turbo installed in these cars. I drive the car hard, but I always follow a cool down procedure that takes 2 minutes before turning off the engine. Pontiac informed their customers of this procedure, though few followed it. From the factory, the boost was set to about 9lbs. However, the waste gate has a threaded rod that allows a bit more boost should you want it. I've heard of others boosting the output up to 13lbs! However, this was a race car 30+ years ago, so its probably best to leave the boost alone and get a Corvette ZR1 to race with.

The Engine and Drivetrain

The engine is the original, numbers matching Pontiac 301 Turbo; totally rebuilt, bored .030 over, new cam, etc. Roller rockers. It starts on the first crank and runs superbly, and once the turbo kicks in, you're in for a surprise as these turbo TA's can launch! Plus, I put a rebuilt and upgraded TH200R4 overdrive transmission behind the engine and the car now gets about 20 mpg as opposed to the 14 originally. The console shifter was modified to show the correct gear indication including the overdrive gear. The original computer controlled carb is completely rebuilt and the computer emissions system works as designed. It passes emissions testing like a brand new car and performs as well or better than new.

All u-joints were replaced and the prop shaft balanced.
The rear end was upgraded to a 3:23 ratio from the original 3:08. Mileage suffered minutely, but the car accelerates noticeably quicker.

The Interior

The interior is completely restored to original condition. The original stereo system sounds great. All interior plastics were removed, refurbished or replaced and repainted so they all look great. DynaMat was installed on the floor and sides to add even more quiet to the interior. The interior lighting all works as original including the fiber optic lens light in the ash tray. And all the interior lighting, including the original ETR cassette radio's display is the original red color. Very subtle and appealing.

The Recaro seats were recovered to the original black and red velour, and the reclining mechanism repaired.
The carpet is new.
The package tray is fresh and restored with original GM 10ohm speakers.
The dash is recovered and the speakers within it are also new 10ohm units.
The power antenna works.
The console is refurbished with the Turbo light switch and correct console compartment lid.
The carpet, floor mats, headliner, rear view mirror, sun visors and map reading dome light are all new or refurbished originals and look great.
The power door locks, power windows and the remote driver's mirror controls all work.
The door panels are new.
The cigar lighter works as well as the power trunk lock opener in the glove box.
The trunk liner is clean and the trunk light works.
The trunk contains the correct jacking equipment including the original bumper adapter and correct space saver tire stored properly and bolted in the correct place.

The Suspension

You can see from the photos how well the car stands. The car drives effortlessly straight. The ride is very tight and firm, but not harsh. Driving it is an exhilarating experience.

All front and rear sway bar bushings have been replaced, as have the body mount bushings.
All new shocks.
The power steering pump, lines and steering gear are all new.
The cruise control, which has the "new for '81 resume" feature works.
The tires are new 255 BFG Radial T/As.
The wheels are original with new center caps and nuts.
The original four wheel power disc brake system has been completely rebuilt with new calipers, pads and master cylinder.
The parking brake works perfectly.

The Exterior

The paint is new and correct.
The striping and graphics are also new and correct.
The Turbo lights on the hood work correctly and show the turbo spooling up.
The pulse windshield wiper/washer system works correctly.
All new weatherstripping including the T-Top seals.
All exterior lighting works.
The rear window is covered with a classic louver, exactly like the one you could buy back in the day.

Overall, this is an excellent car for show and/or as an addition to a collection. After all, Pontiac made only 2000 Nascar Recaro SE Trans Ams and after 32 years, there aren't many around let alone those that have been lovingly restored back to this condition. The engine and body are numbers matching, and I have the original TH350C numbers matching trans, rebuilt to better than new. If the new owner wants it, I will include it in the sale for an additional $500. However, if the Buy It Now option is used, I will include it as part of the sale.

Pontiac Trans Am for Sale

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