Pontiac has a long history of issuing special edition Firebirds to commemorate various anniversaries and events, particularly Trans Ams. These started in 1976, with Pontiac’s 50th anniversary, and were repeated for anniversaries of the Trans Am’s 1969 introduction.

For 1983, Pontiac’s Trans Am was again chosen to pace the Daytona 500. A total of 2,500 Limited Edition Trans Ams were produced in the colors and decal scheme of the actual pace cars. The paint scheme mimicked the 1981 Trans Am Pace Car graphics and the total production of 2,500 units also reflected the Daytona 500’s 25th anniversary.

This like-new example runs with a fuel-injected 305-cid, 175-hp V-8 with automatic transmission. A full ground effect skirt package was added to the body and special plastic grille inserts installed in the front bumper air intakes. The interior was fitted with Recaro seats in a leather-and-suede combination, other leather appointments on the trim plus red gauge lighting. Exterior paint was a unique white over charcoal combination, and special 25th Anniversary emblems were fitted to the front fenders.

Offered with only 163 miles on the odometer, this pace car is arguably the purest example in the world. It is still on the original MSO with the original window sticker and features T-tops, AM/FM/cassette player, many power conveniences and air conditioning. Additional memorabilia includes a race jacket and documentation. The survival rate of third generation Firebirds is quite low, and this Daytona Pace Car is destined to be a blue chip collector’s item.