1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA: The Oppositelock Review

"TheJWT" (thejwt) 07/25/2016 at 18:35 • Filed to: Oppo review

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[Full Disclosure: The General, as well as some sort of higher power apparently didn’t want anyone to buy this car, as at least two of the previous owners were murdered. Off to a fantastic start, then...]

Let me tell a quick story, and you can tell me if it’s what you expect from a 3rd gen F-body. A young kid in the Midwest saves up his pennies and one day buys his dream car; a cocaine white 1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA. The kid goes off to fight in the Middle East, but he never returns home to his car, and it sits, presumably on blocks in a detached carport, as these cars usually do. One day an older guy comes by and it catches his eye. He’s already had a few F-Bodies and Fieros, and knowing a badass ride when he sees it, snaps it up and takes it back home to his trailer home in a part of town which peaked during the early Eisenhower administration and has been in decline ever since. Unfortunately he doesn’t have a chance to enjoy it either, as his life is cruelly cut short, and his brother takes possession of the car under the saddest of circumstances. The brother has legal fees to pay, and his deteriorating health means he can’t get into his low-slung American Ferrari anymore, so he puts it up for sale. And as a cherry on top of the miserable life this car has endured, its gorgeous gold basketweaves are unceremoniously removed. (and probably sold for Sandusky, Ohio’s finest drugs)

Aaaaaand that’s where I come in.

Day one.

We’ve all heard the stories of F-Body Camaros and Firebirds. Windows are smashed, bricks put on accelerators, stickers of Calvin peeing on various things festoon the windows, dead cows are placed on roofs, and at least one Confederate flag seemed to come as standard equipment. So why on God’s green Earth would a 20-something architecture student living in the old-money East side suburbs of Cleveland drive an hour and a half, to a trailer park next to an amusement park to buy one, with only 3 grainy, vertical Craigslist photos and a description of “runs good” to go on?

2 People believed in me...

Exterior - 9/10

Look at it. Look at the vents, the sharp creases, the Coke-bottle profile. Look at how the headlights resolve themselves into that pointed nose, which runs vertically all the way down the front bumper. Look at the cast aluminum, 40-spoke gold basketweaves. Barring it’s steroidal cousin the GNX, is there a single more sinister looking car to emerge from the 1980's? Sure it’s the second worst color they came in, and it’s had its fair share of bumps and bruises, but you still get the thought that Pontiac once employed a division of scaring small children and the elderly, and the GTA was their magnum opus.

Grids... Grids everywhere...

Interior - 8/10

In two words? Unapologetically Plasticky. Hey, it was the 80's, that stuff was high tech! No?... Alright, fine... The GTA was intended to be a sort of luxury model of its time; something to stick it to the Sharknose 6-Series and the evergreen Porsche 928. (don’t laugh) As a result, it has more 80's toys than a Brooklyn vintage store. Dials, counters, map lights, big chunky buttons, rocker switches, and orange lights... My god the orange lights! I don’t know what 2/3rds of the buttons do, but just having them there makes the experience so much more fun. The gauges are beautifully simple and easy to read, and the seats are both more comfortable and more supportive than quite a few modern ones.

All ate up with motor

Acceleration - 5/10

The GTA came with the legendary 350 Chevy; a testament to American engineering and blue-collar muscle. It’s one of those engines where just three little digits tells everything you need to know, and it has graced just about every GM muscle car in some form. Apart from a set of aluminum heads, it was transplanted directly from the C4 Corvette, and it was well and truly the crown jewel of the car which was the pride and joy of Pontiac when it was released in 1987.

It also came with the 305, which is a truck engine. Guess which one I have.

Alright... so it’s actually not as bad as it sounds. During the first year of production, yes the 350 did edge out the 305 on power... 10HP to be exact. Either way, the GTA and its contemporaries were among the first wave of performance cars to emerge from post-malaise era Detroit. It goes without saying that it’s not a fast car by today’s standards; 0-60 in 7ish seconds puts it on par with my previous car, a 1993 Sentra SE-R. None of the really matters though when it’s a beautiful day and I’ve got the T-tops off though. This is one of the rare cars that is legitimately fun to drive slowly, and if you don’t agree, simply send your complaints to Summit Racing, because I hear they may have a few aftermarket SBC parts...

Braking - 4/10

It has brakes. They work alright.

Ride - 5/10

I mentioned earlier that my last car was a first-gen SE-R. I didn’t mention that I sold it for $1 because all of it was broken. So compared to that, the GTA rides pretty damn nice. It shakes and rattles like anything built under the reign of Roger Smith, but you still get an ever-so-slight whiff of old GM’s landyacht expertise every now and then.

Handling - 7/10

I didn’t buy this car for the handling. I didn’t lust over it as a kid because of it’s unparalleled racing pedigree, and I had no plans on turning it into a racecar. I was fully prepared for the handling to be more Bullitt than Le Mans, and for an 80'smuscle car, that’s perfectly acceptable in my book.

But probably the biggest surprise in buying the GTA is that it’s not... that... bad. It corners flat, and with a new set of BFG rubber at the corners, thinking about it as a 928 competitor doesn’t actually seem that ridiculous. GTAs received the WS6 handling package, which included bigger sway bars and heavy-duty struts, and suggested that just maybe, some underpaid engineer in the bowels of old GM may have slipped through the cracks and actually known what they were doing. That being said, the steering is a bit over-boosted, and on Cleveland’s 2 twisty roads, I won’t lie and say it’s anywhere near as pure an experience as the SE-R. (Assuming the SE-R was running that day, of course.)

Gearbox - 5/10

Aside from the farm-equipment engine, this is the other reason why I got it for $2500. When the manuals demand a $5000 premium though, I’ll get by just fine with a slushbox. I’ve always found something strangely endearing about clunky old 4-speed autos, but “endearing” isn’t quite enough to stop me from looking into T56 swaps.

Toys - 8/10

Nostalgia time!

Swiveling map light, cassette holder, pop-up headlights, mirrored T-tops (with leather carrying case!), overdrive, self-closing rear hatch, retractable antenna, power locks (in 1987!), a pop-out flashlight in the roof console, cigarette pack holder, 5-Band Graphic Equalizer, and two little dials on the roof to mark appointments because Ronald Reagan is president and you don’t have a cell phone for that.

Does your car have a LOUD button? I highly doubt it.

Audio - 6/10

It sounds... purposeful. Given the engine’s workhorse applications, It sounds like a workhorse. It’s not bad, and there’s about a million ways to make it sound better. That’s all to come...

Sadly I haven’t got a chance to judge the other kind of audio, because that fancy radio doesn’t work and I just can’t seem to find my cassette collection anywhere.

If you can’t find anything to like about this car, you’re simply not a car person.

Value - 10/10

From a purely objective standpoint, Hagerty values fair to good condition GTAs from around $5000 to $7500. So yes, buying a decent one for $2500 is indeed an exceptionally good value.

But subjectively, it’s a bit more special than that. For a relatively low entry price, I’ve got something with charisma that no modern car can match. I’ve got something I can truly be proud of; that I can show off to friends on the weekends and still comfortably drive to work every day. Replacement parts are both plentiful and dirt cheap, my insurance rates don’t get crushed, and as crass as it may be to say about my brand new (to me) car, values on them are continually climbing.

Total - 67/100

So returning to the question I posed earlier – Why did I buy a GTA? Quite simply, because I’ve always wanted one. That’s a bit of a dangerous prospect, and I have firsthand experience with dream cars not quite living up to the weight of my expectations. Frankly I don’t think I would’ve cared if it had a diesel 4-banger so long as it had those gold wheels, but thankfully for me, it’s actually turned out to be quite a nice car. (I’m under the impression that it’s karmic retribution for driving that damn Sentra for 2 years...) Ownership of it has already been an adventure, and I’m glad to be able to give it the same love and appreciation that the seller’s brother did before his life was taken.

If there’s one thing I learned this summer, it’s that 3rd gen F-bodies deserve a second chance.

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 14:48

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Really, thats one of my dream cars. unfortunately they are not common on this side of the pond. 3rd gen muscle cars are probably my favourite.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 14:50

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Ugh, 3rd Gens are so fucking dope. Almost bought an ‘87 GTA as well before I bought my Vette. Though it was black and had the 350 TPI. Seller backed out last second.

PorkchoPlissken > Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder 07/23/2016 at 14:51

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I share many of your sentiments regarding my 87. Just some things that newer cars don’t capture.

Dave the car guy , still here > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 14:56

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Fantastic article you did there. It grabbed my attention the entire read. See you at another CLE C&C sometime, maybe the Aug 20th or Sept 3rd one.

TheJWT > Dave the car guy , still here 07/23/2016 at 15:04

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Thanks Dave! I think the last C&C I’ll be able to make is the first one in August, unless they have anoher one at Beachwood Porsche

TheJWT > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 07/23/2016 at 15:05

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Damn... I’d love to drive a C4 to see how they compare though

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder 07/23/2016 at 15:06

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There are about 25 third gen Firebirds for sale in Germany on mobile.de. Sadly, most of them have the V6 and slushbox.

TheJWT > Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder 07/23/2016 at 15:09

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There’s a guy in Europe (The Netherlands, I think) who has a black GTA and a bunch of videos of it on YouTube. I definitely didn’t see any when I was in Europe a few years ago though haha

Dave the car guy , still here > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 15:12

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Borrow a Euro Import and come to the cruise-in at the German-American club next weekend. I’ve got to work the next weekend when there is a Cars & Coffee. Maybe see you some other time.

TheJWT > PorkchoPlissken 07/23/2016 at 15:12

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Totally agree. Old cars have so much character that they’re fun to be in, let alone drive.

TheJWT > Dave the car guy , still here 07/23/2016 at 15:13

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Maybe I’ll put an Opel badge on my car haha

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 15:39

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I mean I’m more happy with the Corvette, but that GTA was mint as well. It was black with tan cloth. Had like 90k on the clock. Would’ve been a kick ass car.

I mean, if you’re up in MI anytime, you can drive my C4 if I can drive your GTA

Reece-Current Stinger GT owner > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 16:17

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As someone who had an 84 Trans Am in Burt Renyolds Black and gold as his first car, along with a 91 Z28, this really speaks to me. The third gen F-body’s just ooze 80's coolness

TheJWT > Reece-Current Stinger GT owner 07/23/2016 at 16:20

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They’re the best and worst of the 80's. And the worst of the 80's is the best part...

Reece-Current Stinger GT owner > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 16:23

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Enjoy it though. Some of my best memories were made in those cars. Also pro-tip the seats recline flat so you can star gaze when the T-tops are out

TheJWT > Reece-Current Stinger GT owner 07/23/2016 at 16:32

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Oh yeah, this car does nothing but put a smile on my face!

My bird IS the word > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 21:53

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why on God’s green Earth would a 20-something architecture student living in the old-money East side suburbs of Cleveland drive an hour and a half, to a trailer park next to an amusement park to buy one, with only 3 grainy, vertical Craigslist photos and a description of “runs good” to go on?

For the same reason a 22 year old business student would drive to another state to buy a car that needs every body panel replaced. These cars are cool. Just because assholes buy them does not mean we can’t enjoy them. It is a camero, modified by people who loved the car as well as had to upsell over that car. They ooze charisma, as well as being incredibly fun to drive.

As far as handling is concerned, these were reported to hold 1g on the skidpad with goodyear gatorbacks, so that is a thing.

Agrajag > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 22:02

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Great review!

TheJWT > Agrajag 07/23/2016 at 22:21

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Thanks!

mr2gud2u > TheJWT 07/23/2016 at 22:22

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That's a classic. Treat her right.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > TheJWT 07/24/2016 at 03:00

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A very interesting read on modifying a 305... http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/engines…
They were sandbagged from the start. It doesn’t sound like you’re disappointed by having the 305 and letting it affect your opinion, which is great. There’s no reason to let it bother you, it has so much actual potential when/if you want to capitalize on it!

Also,

Does your car have a LOUD button? I highly doubt it.

Why yes, yes it does. I have a Fiero with that same radio. (Going by the RPO codes, a previous owner installed it after the fact.) Don’t feel too bad that it doesn’t work. Those capacitive touch buttons on the left are finicky after 30 years. And it’s a simple job to put a 2000-ish Pontiac radio in (which still matches the rest of the dash).

*high five* Those GTA Firebirds are good looking cars.

TheJWT > Dave the car guy , still here 07/25/2016 at 10:53

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Looks like the Porsche Dealership is putting on a C&C at legacy village on the 14th

Dave the car guy , still here > TheJWT 07/25/2016 at 12:43

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Nice , I’m pretty certain I can make that one. I have a VW grille badge for the rebadging the GTA if you ever need to attend an import only show :)

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > TheJWT 07/25/2016 at 18:56

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‘sup.

Good review, nice photos, good writing. Now to comment on it piecemeal:

Sandusky has some pretty dank drugs.

20-something architecture student living in the old-money East side suburbs of Cleveland

Yet just three miles south of there and I’m pretty sure I saw a murder.

Lost my shit. Also, I see you there voting on everything Ben Rolland.

Orange interior lights are the best.

I mentioned earlier that my last car was a first-gen SE-R. I didn’t mention that I sold it for $1 because all of it was broken.

Can confirm.

I won’t lie and say it’s anywhere near as pure an experience as the SE-R. (Assuming the SE-R was running that day, of course.)

I feel bad for you. You need to drive an NA Miata in anger some time. It makes the SE-R look like a little bitch in the corners.

looking into T56 swaps

Do it. Then come race me at an autocross.

self-closing rear hatch

Isn’t that just... gravity?

I just can’t seem to find my cassette collection anywhere.

Dude, what. You live in old-money Cleveland and you can’t find your cassettes? GITOUTTAHEAR.

buying a decent one for $2500 is indeed an exceptionally good value.

I’m not jealous I’m not jealous I’m not jealous I’m not jealous.

(I’m under the impression that it’s karmic retribution for driving that damn Sentra for 2 years...)

Does that mean the Sentra is my karmic retribution for having a nice car? Because Karma has gotten something horribly, horribly wrong.

3rd gen F-bodies deserve a second chance.

Rock on.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > TheJWT 07/25/2016 at 18:57

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Compared to your GTA they’re about 1000000x more difficult to get in and out of, but dear lord when you find one with the purple leather interior you instantly get high off the memory of all the coke that’s been done in that car.

Stef Schrader > TheJWT 07/25/2016 at 19:25

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This car is awesome. Long live Pontiac!

TheJWT > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 07/25/2016 at 20:04

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-Haha yes, it’s a very diverse area! You can find just about every income bracket in a mile radius from my house.

-I only put 2 options on that poll, pretty sure Ben Rolland hijacked the rest

-Yes, they are

-Yes, it is

-You need to drive a Cayman GT4... It’s all relative;)

-Race wars bro

-Yes, but it also has a mechanism that pulls the hatch the rest of the way down when you gently close it. It’s actually pretty cool; I’m sure it was on some other GMs of the era.

-In-car record player or GTFO

-k

-It was $1 so I’m pretty sure it’s a wash

-Hell yeah!

TheJWT > Stef Schrader 07/25/2016 at 20:05

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Thanks! And bring ‘em back! Let’s see a Z/28 with T-tops and basketweaves, GM!

TheJWT > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 07/25/2016 at 20:06

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You had me a purple leather

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > TheJWT 07/25/2016 at 22:44

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Damn it now just look what you’ve done to my pants.

JR1 > TheJWT 07/26/2016 at 09:03

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Nice review and great car. If you ever want to escape for a long drive come down to southern Ohio there are some great roads here around the Hocking Hills area.

TheJWT > JR1 07/26/2016 at 12:34

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Thanks! Yeah I’ve always wanted to, maybe I’ll be able to next summer

Sn210 > TheJWT 07/26/2016 at 21:20

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Congrats, I love these GTA’s. Ones on my bucket list too

TheJWT > Sn210 07/26/2016 at 21:59

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Thanks! If you’re ever in NE Ohio you’re welcome to take it for a spin!

Lopoetve > TheJWT 08/12/2016 at 20:57

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Too bad to get the 5 speed you had to get the 305. I had an 87 Formula with the TPI 305 for my first project, it was a total hoot. Miss it. :(