WR TV: 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Indy Pace Car

Cars, Reviews I By Winding Road Staff I July 16, 2015
Today we’re bringing you this spectacular 1989 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans-Am 20th Anniversary Indy 500 Pace Car. Pontiac only made this model in 1989 specifically to pace the 73rd Indy 500. Total production numbered 1,555 units. GM kept 5 of them and sold 1,550 to the public. This is #1,221, a highly original example with only consumables like the battery and tires being the only non-original components.
 
Under the hood is the original hi-po 231ci turbocharged V6 engine from the Buick GNX complete with the original intercooler, turbo, and electronic fuel injection. It is mated to the original Turbo-Hydramatic 200-4R four-speed automatic transmission. The car also features the WS6 performance suspension consisting of independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs and anti-roll bar, live rear axle with trailing links and torque arm, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes from the 1LE, and 16"x8" aluminum wheels.
 
As equipped, the new Trans-Am pace car offer serious high performance for the era with 13-second quarter-mile times and top speeds exceeding 150 mph. Originally priced at $9,000 over the cost of the 5.7-liter GTA and with just 1,554 other examples produced, this 20th Anniversary Indy Pace-Car Trans-Am remains one of the rarest Pontiacs ever assembled. 

Let’s check out the sights and sounds of this unique F-body and then take it for a spin:
 

 

 Have you subscribed to the Winding Road YouTube channel yet? We post new videos like these every week, so give us a click if you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the latest clips. 

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

Driven: 2023 Toyota GR86 Compliments the Curves

How does the 2023 Toyota GR86 fair on the Tail of the Dragon? Put simply, it’s the perfect tool for tackling the famous curves.

August 21, 2023
Review: The G80 M3 Manual is a Lovable Driving Machine

The G80 M3’s personality is just far too muddied, but at least what it’s courageous enough to express is well-sorted excellence.

June 02, 2023
Review: 2023 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner W12

As the magnificent W12 now exits stage left, I reflect how pleasurable the Continental GT Mulliner is to not only drive, but experience.

May 03, 2023
Does the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 ‘Out-Defender’ the OG?

Maybe the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 isn’t perfect, but neither was the old Defender – isn’t that kind of the point?

May 01, 2023
Bargain Bin Review: The Ford Focus RS is Still Worthy of your Rally Car Dreams

Before the Civic Type R and GR Corolla, there was the Ford Focus RS, a venerable and much-beloved member of the super sport compact fight club.

March 20, 2023

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.