The Pontiac Firebird and Pontiac Trans Am were all new for the 1982 model year. Overall length shrunk eight inches from the 1981 model, and the wheelbase was reduced from 108.2 inches to 101. The new models were much lighter, having shed more than 500 pounds over the previous generation. Attention was paid to aerodynamics, as well, with a 62-degree windshield rake, the most aggressive of any GM car to date. Side windows were flush with the bodywork, and the rear window was now a full glass hatchback design that allowed for much better access to the ample cargo area. Hidden headlights were an electrically operated pop-up design, a Firebird and Trans Am first.
The third-generation Pontiac F-Body had a wide range of powertrain choices. Firebirds could be had with an economy-minded Iron Duke 2.5-liter four cylinder that delivered 90 uninspiring horsepower, or the 2.8-liter V6 that produced just 102 horses. The 5.0-liter LG5 V8 was fed by a Computer Command Control carb and made 145 horsepower. The LU5 5.0-liter V8 was topped by the Crossfire Fuel Injection twin throttle-body induction that yielded 165 horsepower. A blacked-out 1982 Pontiac Trans Am was the featured star (shhh, don’t tell Hasselhoff the car was the star) of the hit TV show Knight Rider.
The Pontiac Trans Am continued to evolve and improve throughout its fourth generation. By 1988, the Trans Am was equipped with a standard L03 5.0-liter V8 making 170 horsepower, featuring throttle-body fuel injection. If that wasn’t enough to satisfy, you could have opted for the Trans Am GTA package, with Tuned Port Injection producing 215 horsepower available with either the four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, or the 5.7-liter Tuned Port engine rated at 225 horsepower. The 5.7-liter engine could only be had with the automatic transmission. Along with the significant bump in horsepower over the standard Trans Am V8, the GTA package included the WS6 Handling Package, 16×8 aluminum wheels, a redesigned hood, aero spoiler, redesigned steering wheel with radio controls integrated into the center, power four-wheel disc brakes, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, and fog lamps.
Our feature 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA was sold new in Vancouver, British Columbia at Carter Pontiac. As such, its metric odometer shows just 27,135 kilometers, or the equivalent of 16,860 miles. The GTA is finished in glossy black with gold aluminum wheels with a polished lip. It is equipped with a black leather bucket seat interior, T-tops, WS6 Special Performance Package, Aero Package, power windows, power locks, power steering, power brakes, power seats, cruise control, air conditioning, a Delco AM/FM/CD stereo with EQ. Power comes from the 5.7-liter V8 backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. The original sales invoice, warranty card, and GM of Canada documentation are included in the sale.
This highly original 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Las Vegas, Nevada event taking place October 17th through the 19th.
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Comments
Sweet, I have owned five Firebirds. 1985 V8 carb manual, 1989 20th anniversary TA Turbo, 1994 V8 manual, 1998 V8 auto & 2002 Formula V8. I should have kept the 1989 & 2002! I really enjoyed those birds, I still regret not buying a Trans Am in 1979.
I bought brand new a 1982 Firebird, a 1985 Trans Am which I only had for 4 months due to someone running two red lights and destroying it. And I bought a 87 Trans Am with the digital dashboard which I loved. They were great cars and I wish GM never got rid of the Pontiac division because I definitely would buy another one.
Still looks sharp today, inside and out.
(A compliment earned by only a few vehicles from the 80’s.)
There is a 1989 Formula at all the local car shows. Ten thousand original miles. Black with manual transmission. Beautiful.
To me, one of the most beautiful, regular production cars ever built. Pontiac paid so much detail to the GTA. I own a 1988 IROC and would love to have a GTA as a stable ate.