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Deal Finds / Pontiac

CollectorRare

1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am 20th Anniversary with 29,723 miles, one of 1,555 built

A fairly priced, mid-mileage example of the rarest and quickest third-gen Trans Am.

1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am 20th Anniversary with 29,723 miles, one of 1,555 built

Photo from the CLASSIC.com listing. See all the seller's photos there.

Rare Pontiac built 1,555 Turbo Trans Ams for 1989, each with the Buick 3.8L turbo V6 and the Indy 500 Pace Car package.

Why we picked it

Motorcar Classics in Farmingdale, New York lists this white 1989 Turbo Trans Am with a tan cloth interior for $39,900 and is open to offers. The dealer says it is unmodified, with the original drivetrain and finishes. The VIN shows the 3.8-liter turbo V6, the Buick engine Pontiac put in the 20th Anniversary car.

The price is in line with recent sales, so it is not a discount. We picked it because only 1,555 were built, and mid-mileage cars that are still stock are hard to find. The mileage is high enough that you can drive it without hurting its value much.

The value check

The seller is asking $39,900. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $37,001–$45,050, so the middle of the market is about $41,025.50. That put this car 3% under.

Turbo Trans Ams with 9k-62k miles sold for $37,001 to $45,050 on BaT in 2026, and a 29k-mile car brought $43,050 on PCARMARKET in January 2026. The $39,900 asking price is fair for the mileage, not a discount; we picked it for its rarity.

Where the numbers come from:

What to check

  • The listing does not mention service records or title status; ask for both, plus the window sticker or PHS documentation if available
  • The dealer's page gives the mileage as both 29,723 and 29,732; confirm the odometer reading
  • Check the turbo for oil seepage and shaft play, and check the intercooler plumbing and the condition of the factory MAF and boost hoses
  • Inspect the T-top seals and the Pace Car interior trim and decals, which are expensive to replace correctly
  • Look for rust at the hatch, the rear wheel arches and the lower doors, and check the dash and seats for UV damage

Making it drive like new

Keep it stock to protect the value. Small, reversible updates such as fresh tires, new fuel and brake hoses, and a careful service of the turbo oil lines and cooling system make sense; save chip tunes and bigger turbos for a less rare car.

3 builders make a complete chassis for the 1982–92 Third-gen Camaro & Firebird. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.

What 1982–92 Third-gen Camaro & Firebird cars sell for

What cars sold for in the last two years, by condition. Pro-builds and projects vary the most, so read the individual sales too.

ConditionSalesLowTypicalHigh
Project 1 $6,250 $6,250 $6,250
Driver 6 $9,000 $13,825 $37,001
Collector 10 $15,000 $40,875 $66,000

Recent sales

CarConditionResultDateWhere
1988 IROC-Z 95k mi 305 TBI, 95k mi Driver $24,750 sold Sep 24, 2026 Mecum
1988 IROC-Z 114k mi 305 TBI, modified, 114k mi Driver $9,200 sold Sep 14, 2026 Cars & Bids
1987 IROC-Z 8k mi TPI, 8k mi Collector $37,400 sold Sep 12, 2026 Barrett-Jackson
1985 Camaro Z28 39k mi Driver $12,650 sold Sep 10, 2026 Barrett-Jackson
1992 Camaro RS convertible project 151k mi Project $6,250 sold Sep 1, 2026 Hagerty Marketplace
1989 Trans Am GTA 9k mi 9k mi TMU Collector $42,000 sold Sep 1, 2026 Bring a Trailer
1988 Camaro RS convertible 45k mi Driver $15,000 sold Aug 31, 2026 Bring a Trailer
1989 IROC-Z 9k mi TPI, 9k mi Collector $39,750 sold Aug 27, 2026 Bring a Trailer

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