I’m a sucker for unsullied old cars with very low mileage, even though they often need recommissioning after standing around for years like potted plants. But there’s just something so pleasing about the time-capsule aspect of an untouched survivor that’s hardly been driven.
Such as the Pick of the Day, a 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am said to be an original-owner car of “collector quality,” according to the East Palestine, Ohio, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
Despite its 21 years of existence, this muscular Firebird has been driven just 17,200 miles and, according to the seller, stands in immaculate original condition.
The Pontiac has a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 that, with its multiple-nostril Ram Air hood, generates 305 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, linked with a 6-speed manual transmission. As the seller notes, “This Trans Am has the brawn to match its aggressive styling.”
The Trans Am comes complete with full power and comfort features, including its 10-speaker Monsoon audio system, with everything working and in great condition, the seller says, adding that it also looks terrific.
“Featuring all original paint, this Trans Am’s Black finish has a mirror-like luster,” the ad says. “Its exterior is further enhanced by functional air scoops, Ram Air induction, dual exhaust, rear spoiler, T-tops, fog lamps and polished alloy wheels.
“Finished in Ebony leather, its sporty interior is also of the highest quality, with seating areas, door panels, dash board, carpeting and headliner in virtually showroom condition.”
The car also drives “as well as it looks,” as well it should after its life of leisure. The car was dealer maintained by its one owner, as noted in the full set of service records, and it stands on recently replaced tires, the seller notes.
While this is not a favored collector car era for Firebirds, it still would be a fun car to have and enjoy. The asking price is a modest $18,500.
But once again I must ask the obvious questions: How does this happen? Who would own such a car and not drive the hell out of it? What were they saving it for?
Oh well, it is what it is, and somebody’s going to pick up a muscle car from the waning years of the last century that thus far has gone to waste. Best course of action is to buy it and make up for lost time by driving the hell out of it.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Price? And where is it located. I live in central Louisiana
Palestine Ohio
One of the last Trans Ams’. 330 Horsepower must be a mistake. All us Pontiac nut at first recoiled at the design, the bulbous hood scoops, no screaming chicken on the hood. Buy after a while the body design grew on us. The propensity of an owner bolting on Brodix heads, a real non-computer controlled Q Jet, and trashing the O2 sensor for some decent 2 & 1/4 inch pipes is happening to these cars everywhere! At least to the ones not in the bone yard.
Bob. I have a brother in law just like this owner. He buys Corvettes and just likes to know he owns it and it’s in the garage. Once in a great while he take a ride, Park it and not drive it again until next summer. Gets washed and waxed. He just sold a 10 year old Vette to my buddy with a whole 800 miles. Yes, 800 miles. He has done this several times. Go figure?
Great car even though it is “not” a ram air car with the ram hood on it. The only other thing missing on the option list is the WS6 package. Great Pontiac…