Does anyone out there have any documentation (GM, PONTIAC, ASC) of how many 1989 Formula/Trans AM/GTA convertibles were made with 5.7L. I have read several post/articles claiming only 50 1989 Pontiac convs. with a 5.7L were made. Check out this car for sale in CA.

http://www.autotrader.com./fyc/vdp.j...=&cardist=1742http://www.autotrader.com./fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=157785715&dealer_id=&car_year=1989&make=PONT&distance=any&max_price=&model=TRANSAM&end_year=1989&advcd_on=n&min_price=&address=53593&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1989&color=&cardist=1742

 

I really don't have anything valuable to say, but I'll say it anyway. First off, I realize you are asking for some help, but it is only because some idiot in "Autotrader" got your gears turnin in your head. I don't think anyone wants to spend there time trying to prove the validity of some chump's sales pitch. Second, I think the length of your message is a little distracting and makes people uninterested in the topic. And third, ...... .......... well, let me just go back and say in my own defense, I told you I didn't have anything valuable to say.

 

Well, we could talk about idiots in the Autotrader all day long, but suffice it to say... there are less than 400 of them with 350's. I think the 50 number is someone's number out of hat, just like the variable 340/350/360 number for the number of cars ASC converted in 89. Not sure we'll ever know exactly how many, but its not alot.

 

True. I have a letter from ASC stating 330 made and I have copies of ASC order sheets showing around 360+. Just trying to find out where this magical 50 came from, probably just that..MAGICALLY pulled out of some hat.

 

I have not seen the ad that evryone is referring to but I have collected cars long enough to know anyone can make their car as rare as they want it to be. My wife has a one of a kind 92 RS Convertible. How you ask? Well it is a 1992 Camaro RS Convertible, Teal exterior, gray interior, black top, purchased from Friendly Chevrolet in March of 1993. I am certain no other Camaro exists that can make the same claim so it is a one of a kind. I know, a little far fetched but this is how many people come up with the so called rare numbers they use to explain their car.

 

Try calling Pontiac Customer Service at 1-800-762-2737. Tell them you are looking for the build numbers on 1989 Trans Am Convertibles. Sometimes its hit and miss depending on who is answering the phone if they even know about how to get build numbers or not. If the person who is assisting you don't know ask to speak to another customer service rep.

I have gotten this information twice from them. I got the build data on my 96 WS.6 by transmission, color, leather, radio, even down to automatic antenna from them on 96 WS.6's

On my 1992 Jamaican Yellow TA Convertible they could tell me that there were 35 Jamaican Yellow Convertibles made but did not have the break down any further than by color.

As for everyone cars having some rarity, I think thats what adds to the fun of the hobby. Every car has some unique qualities that makes it special. Knowing those qualities and sharing them with each other is part of the fun in being an enthusiasts and part of the way many of us car buffs are hard wired.

If Pontiac Customer Service can't help try submitting the VIN and $35 dollors to Pontiac Historical Serivces
http://www.phs-online.com/
and see what they have on the vehicle.

I commend you on trying to get to the ground truth and it would be interesting to hear what you find out.....keep us posted!

 

I tried Pontiac a year ago, but I'll give it another try. Thanks.