Lot 298

The John Staluppi Collection

1989 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am Coupe

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$25,850 USD | Sold

United States | North Palm Beach, Florida

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Chassis No.
1G5FW2171KL241297

Less than 17,500 miles from new

250 hp, 231 cu. in. turbocharged V-6 engine with intercooler and electronic fuel injection, Turbo-Hydra-Matic 200-4R four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs, and anti-roll bar, live rear axle with trailing links and torque arm, Panhard rod, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 101 in.

Finished in white and accented by discreet “Turbo” badges, the 20th Anniversary Trans Am of 1989 differed little externally from Pontiac’s top-level GTA. However, its many internal differences packed a powerful punch—a turbocharged, intercooled, and fuel-injected 3.8-liter V-6 from the Buick GNX, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission.

So equipped, the new Trans Am redefined the term “high performance” with 13-second quarter-mile times and top speeds exceeding 150 mph. It was the first unmodified car to pace the Indianapolis 500 in 1989. With its sophisticated third-generation Firebird platform, WS6 performance suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes, the 20th Anniversary Edition Trans Am also offered outstanding handling and braking to match its straight-line capabilities.

Priced at $9,000 over the cost of the 5.7-liter GTA, and with just 1,555 examples produced, including five test cars, the 20th Anniversary Edition Trans Am remains one of the most rare and best-performing American cars of the period.

Today, it shows fewer than 17,500 miles and benefits from routine proper care and maintenance. It is complete with air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, power windows, tilt, cruise control, and a tan leather interior. The Pontiac is highly detailed throughout, with the paintwork and interior showing minor wear, while the engine, bay, and underbody are equally clean and tidy. Overall, the example we have the pleasure of offering here on behalf of the Cars of Dreams Museum is an extremely well-preserved representative of what was regarded as the fastest American production car for 1989.