I have noticed Hawks Third Gen has had it for a while so I decided to inquire about the car. I'm thinking about grabbing up the 88 GTA Notchback. Apparently it needs the lower end rebuilt, it has the L98 TPI with the 4 speed auto. Any idea's where to get parts, I'm not planning to mod this thing at all just a stock rebuild. Also anyone have any numbers on how many of these are left? I know they're rare but how rare?

 

There were 718 built in 1988 with this option. It was considered a failure given the company producing the fiberglass lid, Auto-Fab, had much higher expectations of production than actual. Plus, they were plagued with fit and quality issues. There is no way to really know how many are still around. One thing to note is that Rare does not mean Desirable. The option is a hate or love with more in the former than the latter. The Notchback option, besides the fiberglass decklid and rear seats, is no different than a GTA. There is no performance enhancements as it was an appearance option.

As to rebuilding the engine, you will likely get better answers in engine forums.

 

Ok well thanks JT, my wife an I have both looked at othe notchbacks on the web and we both like them so this one will get a good home. And thank you for the porduction numbers, beings it's something most people dont or didnt like I'm willing to bet theres far fewer in exhistance

 

There was a really nice flame red notchback GTA in town when we first moved here. For the first year or so I watched it go slowly downhill. Then it was sitting in front of a bank for about a month. It looked like the classic repo scenario. I thought about asking about it, but man... Rare or not they're just an acquired taste. It was a neat car, and easily restorable, just not my cup of tea. I've seen a couple 2 or 3 others over the years. They seem to be out there.

 

I like em but it has some competition now as my brother came across a TTA, 87 I think he said I'm not really sure, but it's a hard top and he said in decent shape and that comming from him says a lot he's super picky about everything.

 

TTA's were 89 only, and were a larger success. They hold their value better then notchbacks. If you have to choose, it's no contest.