Topic: Good Value

[MoTransAm]

New to forum, so hello there.

Been looking to buy my first Trans Am but not sure which one I am going to settle on.  Always been my favorite car, and now I am in a position I can swing it.

Here is what I have found, and although not what I had planned originally I think it is a rare car and something I would still enjoy.

1980 Trans Am SE Turbo
53000 original miles
Original Paint in Good-Excellent Condition
Original Interior in Good-Excellent Condition
Spec Sheet from original purchase showing all numbers matching Y84, WS6, LU8
This car is 100% original.  Only work done on it was an engine rebuild keeping it original.  It threw a rod at some point from what I understand. 

From the research I have done, I don't think many of these were made.  I think it is about 100 of them.  Any idea what some of you think this thing might be worth?

Thank you

[cal30_sniper]

Can't comment much on the worth, because I don't know too much about the later cars. From an outsiders point of view, I think the80-81 cars are just now starting to move into the value spotlight. That being said, 100% original cars are always fun to deal with. I would rather do a complete restoration on a 100% original low miles car, than have to deal with something someone else already "restored" or "fixed up."

[BanditRich]

I saw a 1980 turbo TA in excellent condition sell for $18000 Friday at the Mecum auction (=

[Stringer]

Sound like a good car to me but need pictures to full assess.  I personally do not think that the 1980 TA is where it is at money and resale wise - although some on this side would disagree. I think the 1977-79 would hold better as long as it has the 6.6 liter Pontiac 400 or Olds 403 with the 400 being the better of the two. Of course the 70-73 is where the real money is at - and I think most on this site would agree.

But with that said, the car you listed looks like it has a lot going for (numbers matching, ws6, etc).  Below are some links to help you in your research.  If you have the option to choose, chose one in good shape, with a low production run, the Pontiac 400, with 4 speed, WS6 suspension package, and T-Tops.

Production numbers: http://www.78ta.com/production.php

VIN decoding: http://www.78ta.com/vin.php

Cowl Tag Decoding: http://www.78ta.com/cowl.php

All of these links and more can be found from the homepage: http://www.78ta.com/

P.S. Don't let the low production numbers on 1980-81 fool you.  Once Pontiac stopped offering the 6.6 liter and went to a smaller engine the public lost interest.  They just were not as desirable cars as they were the year before and sales tanked.  If you get an 80 or 81 make sure it has the turbo otherwise it will probably never be worth as much as those from 1970-1979 with the 6.6L.

Good luck in your search.  I hope you find one that makes you happy.  I know you could never pry the 1979 I have from my hands.  I love these cars.

[MoTransAm]

Thanks guys. 

Kind of torn on getting serious about this car, or looking for  matching 76-79.  I know this is a rare car but as you all know, rare doens't mean a lot if the demand isn't there.

Decisions decisions. 

A good 76 with a 455 or 79 with the 400, might have more value or appeal to more folks if I could find a matching one in decent shape, or do a small restore on it myself.