The late 1980s weren’t exactly the golden age of American performance cars, but Pontiac managed to produce something genuinely special in 1989. The 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am was a seriously quick machine, and it could even give Buick’s legendary GNX a run for its money.
In a recent episode of Coffee Walk, Dennis Collins and his team headed out to inspect one of these rare Pontiacs. What they found was a well-preserved example with a few interesting surprises.
Built to celebrate the Trans Am’s 20th anniversary, the turbocharged model also served as the official pace car for the 1989 Indianapolis 500. It earned that honor with some impressive performance credentials.
Only 1,555 examples were produced, all finished in white, making this low-mileage Trans Am an interesting find. They’re also increasingly appreciated by collectors who remember just how quick GM’s turbocharged cars could be.
A Buick Turbo V6 With Serious Performance
Instead of the V8 traditionally associated with the Trans Am, Pontiac fitted a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 derived from Buick’s Grand National engine. It was officially rated at 250 horsepower, although the car’s real-world performance suggested Pontiac was being rather conservative.
The Turbo Trans Am could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly five seconds, putting it among the quickest American production cars of its era. Its combination of turbocharged power, improved aerodynamics, and upgraded brakes made it a formidable performer.
During the inspection, Collins and his team discussed how the Pontiac compared with the GNX, particularly at higher speeds. They also highlighted the Trans Am’s unusual place in Indianapolis 500 history, as its performance allowed it to pace the race without major engine modifications.
A 26,000-Mile Survivor With A Few Surprises
The white Trans Am featured in the video has approximately 26,000 miles on its odometer and retains much of its original equipment. Its leather interior, factory anniversary badges, and original engine-bay identification stickers were among the details that caught Collins’ attention.
Not everything was perfect, though. A vehicle history report revealed a minor accident involving the right-front bumper, which needed repainting.
The team also discovered that the distinctive wheels had been painted black, hiding their original gold finish. Interestingly, the front and rear wheels share the same width but have different offsets.
An Underappreciated Pontiac Gets Some Attention
The owner, Thomas, took Collins’ colleague Alex for a drive, demonstrating the turbocharged V6’s surprisingly strong acceleration. Alex came away impressed by the car’s handling, braking, and overall performance.
Collins and his team also praised the clean underside and the attention Pontiac paid to the suspension and braking hardware. By the end of the inspection, their appreciation for the unusual Trans Am had clearly grown.
It’s easy to see why. With its limited production run, Buick-derived turbo engine, and Indianapolis 500 connection, the 1989 Turbo Trans Am deserves considerably more attention than it usually gets.