Some folks just love that classic ’80s style, and this 1980 Pontiac Trans Am doesn’t fail to deliver. Combining classic looks with modern performance and technology, this two-door is ready to cruise – and it’s even CARB legal. Now, we’re taking a closer look thanks to the following feature video.
Coming to us from the folks at AutotopiaLA, the video is a little over 17 minutes long and includes a walkaround and info on the build, plus some driving action on the street.
The current owner says that he acquired the vehicle in solid condition, with the body already in pretty good shape. However, the decision was later made to upgrade the car’s performance, handling, and amenities, all while maintaining the classic appearance.
Under the hood, this Pontiac Trans Am is now powered by a California CARB-compliant LS3 engine delivering 430 horsepower. The owner sourced the engine from Dale Schwartz at Schwartz Performance, with output routed through a 4L80E automatic transmission.
Naturally, the car’s suspension has been reworked as well, this time with Pro Touring F-Body components including new upper and lower tubular control arms, Viking shocks, and GT leaf springs at the rear. To help it stop, the car is equipped with Baer brakes featuring custom Trans Am engravings for a splash of bespoke style.
At first glance, the Trans Am’s exterior maintains that classic look, but get a little closer and you’ll find modern touches like custom-made Rueda Wheels (18-inch up front and 19-inch out back) and a sleek, lowered stance. The interior has also been completely overhauled, and now sports a set of classic-style gauges, a modern RetroSound Bluetooth radio, and freshly reupholstered original seats that maintain a vintage appearance while providing some modern comfort as well.
Taking a step back, this 1980 Trans Am looks to elevate the old-school style of the original to new heights, all while throwing in a dose of performance and comfort to complement and without deleting the fun of what the Trans Am is supposed to be. Putting it all together with a ride at the end of the video, it certainly looks like it ticks all those boxes.
Check it out for yourself right here:
Comments
Unless this car was on its last legs, it was a perfectly nice car. The original engineers and designers weren’t dummies or had bad taste. This wasn’t an Excel with opera lamps. This car now looks clownish and out of proportion.
This car represents the masculine entitled white toxic male bro culture that pervades every aspect of society and policy.
I don’t suffer from woke mind virus. There are things, mores and traditions that should be left alone.
It is only a 80 TA.
No sin here it is not something like an original 69 TA.
Please tell me more about what I should and shouldn’t do with my car and my money… 🤡
You did a nice job and ended up with one nice ride.
It’s my house and my money. I don’t have the right to blast music, have weeds 14 feet high or poop on my lawn either. Or use money to buy my way out of legal trouble.
Overall, I love it! Not sure about the headlights.
It’s hot rodding. Get over it purists.
Isn’t that Robert Gamboa’s car?
It is
Yes it’s mine 🇺🇸💪
GM was INSANE for not offering a Trans Am appearence package variant for Camaro including the old logo. It would have cost little but thrilled nostalgia Boomers and served as a cash cow.
GM made a big mistake transforming Pontiac G8 into overpriced SS. It was RWD so should not have harmed Impala especially if the vehicle was priced $4,000 higher.
GM should bring Pontiac back as a niche brand selling discontented Cadillac ICE and EV.
CT 4 and 5 will soon be canceled as well at XT line. Selling them as Pontiac w/kidney grille might work out well as GM slowly transitions to EV.
Did someone just call me an ‘entitled white bro’—I actually laughed out loud. I’m a first-generation American; my parents immigrated from Mexico. I’ve worked hard for everything I have, including that car, which I paid for myself. Some people are just miserable.
Frankly, no one cares about skin tones in this day and age. Only politicians looking to exploit people’s folly push the skin tone nonsense.
Guilty. I am miserable as always. I’ve been that way since they discontinued Product 19.
Another vehicle ruined with ghetto wheels and headlights