1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Description

The quarter-century mark is quite special. It's when cars really start to feel like classics, and they are even eligible for vintage car registration in some states. Since this 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is celebrating its 25th birthday, it's especially nice to know this is a two-owner (same family) example that has been treated like a proper heirloom. So you can love it for its V8 power, all dark style, T-tops, or just because it's so well preserved.

The 1998 coupe was the final evolution in Trans Am styling, and so it has its place in history firmly cemented. And this one just seems to respect that sports car nature nicely. It's hard to believe there could be an error to the digital odometer on a well-kept car like this, and that would mean averaging about 1400 miles annually. So both the father and son-in-law have been more about care than commuting. So there are clean body lines that show the flush-resting headlights, well-fitting doors, and stylish 16-inch alloys that are a bright spot to this full dark style. We particularly like the family's version of care. The car remains largely stock, but there have been the right investments to keep it good-looking while also staying a true driver. This includes a later respray of the factory-correct black paint. It's a driver ready style that's also buffed to show a good gloss. And the Michelin Pilot Sport tires are another sign of spending more to give a sports car the right components to enjoy it to the fullest.

The charcoal gray interior continues the intimidating darkness you want in a Trans Am. And the hallmark T-tops mean you can show off its dark style inside and out. This is a Florida car, and the dash does show a little from the heat. However, the beautifully clean style everywhere from the door panels to the trunk is what really reminds you why a well-respected southern car always ranks high on a desirability list. The leather on the seats looks terrific, and the front ones are specially contoured to give you a great driver's feeling. It's part of a full package that includes the sports steering wheel, fingertip controls, tilt column, and orange-faced gauges that really engage the driver. It's also quite comfortable with features like cold-blowing air conditioning, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, power mirrors, dual airbags, ABS, and a premium Monsoon AM/FM/CD stereo.

Not only was the design updated in 1998, but also so was the engine bay. The 5.7-liter fuel-injected LS1 V8 was a welcomed new addition, and this one looks quite stock and well-maintained. This fires up eagerly, and the power you feel from behind the wheel lets you know why the LS1 is such a legend. It's a proper sports car with the Trans Am sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and grippy sport tires. But this one also likes to be grand touring kind of comfortable. The four-speed automatic transmission is just as happy to give you a quick kick-down into power as it is to cruise in overdrive. And features like power steering and cruiser control make it every-day easy.

Complete with the owner's manual packet, this is a well-kept and significant example of a terrific new classic. So don't let it slip away, call today!