VIN: 1G5FW2174KL244016. Mileage: 2400 showing

This is the limited-production, turbocharged 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition, all examples of which also served as Indy Pace Car replicas. It was based on the GTA platform, and included the drivetrain from Buick's Grand National/GNX platforms. It's considered both because it was neither, by specs it is slightly different. They were all the same, except less than 15 hardtop cloth seat combos were built. Some were actually used as pace cars.

The exterior in white, with leather seats and interior in tan. Everything is power here, and everything works. The 15" wheels are similar to the original 16" wheels. The paint and interior are like new. The rear spoiler is the only area of concern, with some splitting. The material these were made of failed prematurely on most models. An aftermarket reproduction in plastic is available.

This lot subject to reserve. For this lot, payment accepted only by wire transfer. 15% Buyer's Premium for LLA live-online and absentee bidding. 20% buyer's premium for live internet bidding through a third party host. For winning bidders in NC, license plate and titling of vehicle will be obtained by Leland Little Auctions NCFL# 7452, provided all applicable fees and taxes are paid.


From a Gentleman's Estate, Taylorsville, North Carolina

From the Director:

In wonderful preserved condition as found in a garage, this car presented many questions. With production numbers of only 1,550, and the addition of the venerable Buick Turbocharged V6 from the Grand National, one would wonder why this car would sit for so long. An inspection sticker on the windshield from 1991 suggests that was when it was last driven.

First observation was the McCreary drag radials installed on 15 in. wheels similar to the originals. Period correct GoodYear Gatorback tires are on the front. An exhaust cutout also lended a hint. The first time opening the door revealed an interior that appeared to have been detailed the day before. Quite the contrast to the exterior's initial impression with a layer of dirt and raccoon footprints all over it. A receipt found inside for an ATR intercooler and some performance parts, told us to contact a professional.

I contacted Richard Clark of Richard Clarks Garage (World Renowned Buick Turbo V6 expert), who just happens to be 20 miles from us. He invited me to his shop to investigate. Two days later, thanks to the specialized equipment he owns or has manufactured in his one of a kind shop, we had a verdict. This was a toy, and considerable money was spent to convert this to a drag racing car.

The original 3.8 liter Buick V6 with factory turbo and intercooler, along with the original transmission are gone. Replaced with a Stage 2 4.1 liter Buick V6 engine, ATR Turbo and liquid intercooler, and a 2-speed Powerglide transmission. The fuel system was modified to feed both rails of injectors individually by installing a fitting to fuel tank with dual fuel lines supplying the engine. Larger fuel injectors were also added along with a more powerful coil pack. The computer has a program installed for high performance. Our initial attempts to start the engine were unsuccessful. A factory coil pack, injectors, and computer were installed. With the help from a testing cart from Clark's engine building room, the engine was started. It revealed a problem with either the turbo seals or the rings from the cylinders. Compression was also slightly down in two cylinders. The increased displacement and the reinforced areas of the Stage 2/4.1 block allowed for higher compression without failure. The addition of two more headbolts and a larger mounting surface area allowed people to really push the cars to their limits. The car runs, albeit with specialized equipment no one else has. And the engine, drivetrain and fuel system will need some level of rebuild. If you need a recommendation of who to call for this, I know a guy...

Mark