If you’re a fan of 1980s muscle, this third-gen F-body is a time capsule: white paint, Medium Gray interior, and all the right boxy lines. With just 52,500 miles and a single-family story since day one, it’s mostly stock and comes with the original window sticker, service docs, and a clean Carfax. Right now, it’s making waves on Cars & Bids, with the auction wrapping up November 7.
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What It’s Worth Right Now
So, what’s one of these worth? Classic.com says the average third-gen Trans Am (1982-1992) fetches about $26,846, with sales ranging from a bargain-bin $4,800 to a jaw-dropping $82,500. The latest one went for $13,750. Keep in mind, these numbers cover the whole third-gen Trans Am crowd, not just the GTA, so things like condition, originality, and options can swing the value quite a bit.
For some real-world price tags, check this out: a 1988 GTA with 56,000 miles is up for $34,900, and a 1989 with just 29,000 miles is listed at $39,900. Sure, those are asking prices, not what people actually paid, but it gives you an idea of where sellers are aiming with clean, low-mileage cars. Anniversary editions and heavily modified examples, of course, play in their own league.
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This GTA scores points for its low mileage, mostly original setup, and that single-family story. But don’t ignore the list of cosmetic and mechanical quirks—it’s not perfect. I’d peg fair value somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000, but that’s just a ballpark until someone gives it a proper once-over. The current $1,100 bid? Way too early to take seriously.
Condition and Details
Dressed in white with a Medium Gray interior, this GTA packs the 5.7-liter V8—good for about 235 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed auto. It’s got the Aero Package, Level III suspension, 16-inch wheels, cloth seats, A/C, and cruise. The only real changes? A Flowmaster exhaust and a Panasonic head unit, but you still get the original stereo in the deal.
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The backstory is worth a mention: same family since new, clean Carfax, and a stack of paperwork. Oddly, the current owner picked it up in July 2026 (time travel, anyone?), and the odometer sits at about 52,500 miles. Recent work includes new front brake calipers and hoses (May 2024), plus a fresh battery and headlight module (October 2026).
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It’s not all sunshine, though. Expect chips, scratches, a cracked rear spoiler, and some wheel pitting. The headlight motor gears are toast, and the passenger-side rear tire is showing its age with sidewall cracks. Inside, there’s a burn mark on the rear seat, a droopy headliner, worn hood insulation, and a chipped windshield. None of these are deal-breakers, but you’ll want to budget for fixes. On the plus side, you get two sets of keys, the owner’s manual, window sticker, service records, and some extra memorabilia thrown in.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
| Make | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird Trans Am GTA |
| Year | 1989 |
| Mileage | 52,500 miles |
| Engine | 5.7-liter V8 |
| Power | 235 horsepower, 340 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Four-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Body style | Coupe |
| Exterior color | White |
| Interior color | Medium Gray |
| Title status | Clean (Michigan) |
Interested in this 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA? View the listing here.
What Makes the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA Unique
The third-gen Firebird hit the scene in 1982, rocking a sleeker shape and a modern interior straight from GM’s playbook. Wedge body, pop-up headlights, and that unmistakable rear end made it an icon of 1980s American muscle. The 1985 refresh brought new front and rear styling, and the generation stuck around until 1992.
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The GTA took the Trans Am formula and cranked it up a notch—more luxury, more performance, and a look that stood out from the crowd. V8 grunt, rear-wheel drive, and unmistakable style made it a real contender among American coupes. This one’s especially cool for staying mostly original and coming with its window sticker and paperwork. That 5.7-liter V8? Pure muscle-car goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to like about this 1989 GTA: low-ish miles, a single-family story, clean Carfax, and a mostly stock setup. If you’re hunting for an original third-gen Pontiac, this is a solid place to start. Bonus points for the paperwork and original stereo in the mix.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The headlight gears, cracked spoiler, old tire, and interior flaws all need sorting, so plan for some repairs. A $20,000 to $30,000 ballpark feels fair, pending a closer look. The current bid is still low, but the auction’s end will tell us what the market really thinks.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog