1980 PONTIAC TRANS AM T-BAR “RARE 4 DISC MODEL” LHD

This 1980 Pontiac Trans Am T-Bar is finished in the same black and gold livery as Burt Reynolds' Firebird Trans-Am in the much-loved 1977 chase movie Smokey and the Bandit, in which, of course, the car was just as big a star as Burt and his human co-star Sally Field. Thanks to being the second highest-grossing film in the USA during 1977, the publicity did wonders for the sales of Trans Ams in their homeland. This one - a rare four-disc brake model - was sold new in America in 1980, but came to the UK in 1991 from California (with its warm and dry climate), being registered here in June 1991. Since then, it has travelled just over 10,000 miles - the mileage noted in June 1991 was 62,550 miles. The vendor describes it as a ‘survivor car, having never been welded, and with a good amount of original bodywork’. 

The 5.3-litre V8-powered American icon is showing 72,963 miles on its odometer (which is believed genuine) and, although as an historic vehicle it no longer requires annual testing, it has been given an MoT which is valid through to July 2023. Six owners overall are recorded on the V5C, with the first one after it arrived in the UK stating in an enclosed letter that he tried to keep it as original spec as possible by using only GM parts for it or ones remanufactured to GM specification.

The Pontiac comes with a good history. This includes the current and previous V5Cs, invoices from throughout the car's UK life, and MoTs dating back to its importation. There's a recent bill totalling £2500, dating from August 2022, for a service and other jobs. There are also some handwritten logs from a previous owner detailing work and costs over an extended period, along with three workshop manuals and an owner's handbook, plus other sundry paperwork. The car also comes with a spare key.     

NOTICE TO BUYERS: Please be aware that all lots are sold as seen and without any warranty implied or given. You must satisfy yourself as to a lot's description and condition before you decide to bid. We recommend that you inspect the lot in person during the general viewing days held prior to the auction or call us to arrange for an individual appointment when you can also employ the services of an expert. Please refer to the terms and conditions.