1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Coupe 305 V8 4 Speed Manual 3138-DFW

Description

You already know we love unusual finds here at Streetside Classics, and this 1981 Pontiac Trans Am certainly qualifies. One of only a handful of cars built in 1981 with a 4-speed, it's a low-mile survivor that offers an awesome look that's suddenly very popular as well as a ton of documentation to make it a very smart buy for the Pontiac lover. You don't see many bright red Trans Ams, what with most owners at the time...trying to be Burt Reynolds, but holy cow, it sure looks good! This car shows just 66,787 original miles and as a result, the sheetmetal is as straight as it was back in '81 and the paint has a fantastic shine. Fit and finish are at least as good as new, but some attentive ownership has probably elevated it a notch or two. Things like the urethane nose cone and fender spats remain in outstanding condition with no major nicks, cuts, or driveway scrapes and there's no question that this car has lived someplace warm and protected. And despite being bright red, this 'Bird is a bit more subdued than the gold-laced Bandit cars and even the [optional] hood decal is smaller and more tasteful. The black trim in the front grilles and around the windows remains in very good condition and the blacked-out taillights are still sharp and clear, more evidence of this car being protected from the sun's UV rays. The red interior is pure 1980s disco chic, but isn't that why you own a car like this? In every way that the exterior was toned down, the interior was amped up and the red velour seats, matching carpets, and original door panels remain in great shape. The dash will look familiar to any Pontiac performance fan, particularly the engine-turned instrument panel, and even the leather-wrapped steering wheel remains supple and smooth. According to all the paperwork that comes with this T/A, it's extremely well equipped, including A/C, power windows, a tilt column, and a rear window defroster. And yes, that's a 4-speed shifter sticking out of the console so this Trans Am might qualify as more of a driver's car than you'd think. The trunk is outfitted with black carpet as well as the original space-saver spare, jack assembly, and even an inflator bottle! The 305 cubic inch V8 was a $140 option in 1981, and this is indeed the original, numbers-matching powerplant. Still living under that giant hood scoop, it works rather well when linked to a manual transmission and has an eager, ready to run feel that's a lot of fun on the street. The engine bay is quite nicely detailed, with Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel that contrasts sharply with the red scoop and satin black engine bay. The 4-speed shifts well and powers a limited-slip rear end, another pleasant optional extra. There's also a newer dual exhaust system that helps build horsepower and ditches the restrictive catalytic converter, and with twin Flowmasters out back, it definitely sounds as fast as it looks. Gorgeous "snowflake" alloys are some of the best-looking factory wheels ever and they carry fat 225/70/15 Goodyear radials. Documented with the original window sticker, two build sheets, PHS paperwork, and some ownership history, this is a fantastic, fun, and relatively unusual Trans Am. Call today!