Highlights

• Understood to be a original UK market car
• Smartly presented example, with a selection of performance mods reported
• Backed by an extensive history file
• Rare Heritage Brown colour scheme
• Highly original from an aesthetic standpoint
• 6.6 litre V8 engine

The Appeal

 
On the brink of what would become arguably the golden era of American motor manufacturing, where a thumping great V8 engine shoehorned into a sleek lightweight sports car body was effectively a guaranteed recipe for success, General Motors decided that a new player needed to enter the game in F body form via its Pontiac division, cue the Firebird Trans AM, a legendary muscle performance piece that would remain a hit long past the glory days of the American muscle car and into the 21st century.
 
A coveted second generation Trans AM, made famous in the iconic Smokey and the Bandit movie, this 1981 car sings of the glory days of American motoring. Rather unusually, this is an original UK market car, a special order imported directly into England, it has spent its lifetime on British roads at the hands of loving enthusiasts, with its first owner cherishing the car until 2003, and it is now looking for a new one to take over the rewarding role of owner.
 
Smartly presented in a classic period specification, this well documented second gen car is a solid example of Pontiac’s beloved poster child primed and ready for many more miles of enjoyment and classic “bandit” adventures.
 

 

The History and Paperwork

• Understood to have been manufactured on the Norwood Ohio production line in 1979
• We are informed that this car was specifically marked on the production line as one to be destined for the UK
• It was brought into the UK by American car importers Lendrum & Hartman of London
• The car was put up for sale with Ryland Motors of Birmingham, whose window sticker is still present with the vehicle
• After purchase it was kept by its first owner from the early 1980s until 2003, who installed a selection of performance enhancing modifications in that time as we understand
• The first owner is said to have only covered 23,000 miles in the car suggesting some authenticity to the current displayed mileage
• Accompanied by a selection of period Pontiac literature including the stamped General Motors warranty card
• Literature also available for some of the performance pieces supplied by H-O Racing Specialties
• Large selection of previous MOT certificates
• Due to the car’s age and historic status it is now both tax and MOT exempt
• Fully UK registered with V5 document to hand
• Invoices present for servicing work and parts bought to maintain the car throughout its lifetime

 

The Condition

• Generally very nicely presented honest example, in highly original aesthetic order
• Finished in a rare but very fitting colour scheme known as Heritage Brown with gold embellishments
• The paintwork itself is incredibly striking, in good overall order with some general blemishing and marking commensurate with age visible
• Hood panel still proudly bestows the classic and iconic golden firebird motif
• External trim is in good order and much like the paintwork just presents with some light age related patina in areas
• 15” snowflake style wheels at all four corners with golden inserts and detailing all in very smart order
• Glass work, lights and badging are presented well
• Very original interior space, with just some convenience based alterations seen within the cabin
• Tan brown colour scheme throughout, a marvellous compliment to the Heritage Brown external colouring
• Smart velour style seating front and rear, still rich in tan colour and lacking signs of rips, tears or excessive use
• Internal trim is also in generally very good order, once again limited in signs of excessive wear or harsh sun damage
• Aftermarket Kenwood radio and Pioneer accessories installed within the cabin
• The original radio head unit has been retained in its original location
• Metal finish dash insert in great shape with quality surrounding switchgear and fixtures
• Door panels and adjoining trim and accessories are in impressively clean shape
• Factory fitted electric windows
• Clean well fitting tan brown headliner

 

The Mechanics

• Excellent 6.6 litre V8 engine
• Paired to a quality automatic transmission
• The Trans AM fires into life and is said to drive well, with a thunderous V8 engine note
• Engine and surrounding engine bay present nicely
• Cobra alarm/immobiliser system fitted
• A selection of modifications are understood to have been undertaken by the original owner, with some supporting literature to back this up, they are as follows
   
  • WL31 high lift cams from H-O racing
  • Rhoads hydraulic lifters
  • Shorter pushrods
  • Edelbrock performer aluminium inlet manifold
  • H-O power kit for the pre existing carb setup
  • Holley blue competition electric fuel pump
  • Thrush tubular steel headers
  • Rack and pinion kit to change gearing to 3.08:1
  • B&M Quicksilver shift kit

• Whilst these units are understood to be rated at 185bhp from factory, this car is reported to be performing at around 300bhp courtesy of the aforementioned modifications
• The car was rust treated from new with “Tuff-kote Dinol” rust treatment

 

Summary