History / Originality Got a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!

How rare are yellow T/A's?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-25-2010, 10:21 AM
  #1  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
80schild's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Alabama
Posts: 1,224
Received 19 Likes on 13 Posts
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:27 BW 9 bolt
How rare are yellow T/A's?

This '85 T/A is on my local craigslist for $1500 and it pretty much looks original. The ad says it needs some interior work but I'm thinking of going to look at it. I'm curious if this light yellow color is rare on them now?
Attached Thumbnails How rare are yellow T/A's?-yellow-ta.jpg   How rare are yellow T/A's?-yellow-ta-2.jpg  
Old 10-25-2010, 01:11 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (58)
 
Drew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Salina, KS
Posts: 20,309
Received 1,052 Likes on 748 Posts
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

"Rare" tends to be a buzz word indicating that something is worth more then something similar without the "rare" feature. In this case, Yellow wasn't a really popular color so they aren't all that common. But, if the real question you're asking is "Is a Yellow Trans Am worth more then a White, Red, Black, Blue, etc Trans Am?" the answer is no, not really.

I don't really have any concrete knowledge on the color, or what was available on which models in 1985, but to me the color combo looks a little "off". That's not to say it's incorrect, but it just doesn't look right to me. But then I'm bi-polar about yellow thirdgens, some look good and others look hideous, IMHO. I'm not a fan in this case.
Old 10-25-2010, 01:50 PM
  #3  
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

Thats the right color, but looks fairly faded at this point. In 85 and 86 (may have been other earlier years, not sure), the color was more of a pastel yellow, not the bright yellow on later cars.

Rare? I dont know for certain, but there are not many of that color around and never were. I saw one at a dealer brand new, but that was the only one I ever saw for years. Calling it rare though, have to side with Drew. Is it more valuable? I'm going to say no, unless you find a guy with a bottomless wallet that just HAS to have that color.
Old 10-25-2010, 01:51 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
david068513's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Ganiesville GA
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1992 z28/1992 RS heritage edition
Engine: 350 tpi, 305 tbi
Transmission: 700R4,T5
Axle/Gears: G92
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

I personally like yellow, I know nothing about birds but I know yellow was offered 85-87 and 91-92 on the birds
Old 10-25-2010, 02:20 PM
  #5  
Member
 
DIRTY JERZY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 89 formula 350 & 2001 ws6 ta
Engine: 350 tpi & ls1
Transmission: 700r4, t56
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt ? & 10 bolt 3:42
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

Yellow formulas are rare not sure about the ta though
Old 10-25-2010, 03:14 PM
  #6  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
80schild's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Alabama
Posts: 1,224
Received 19 Likes on 13 Posts
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:27 BW 9 bolt
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

The owner said the paint is original but faded. I have only seen a couple of other yellow ones, and they had the 2-tone tan and gray interior, but this one has the black and gray. I knew they're not worth any more money (at least not now), but I was wondering if it's rare enough to grab it before some kid does and trashes it.
Old 10-25-2010, 03:27 PM
  #7  
Member

iTrader: (1)
 
flippermtc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: King of Prussia Pa
Posts: 426
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 88 IROC T-Top
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

As Drew wrote...It is not a "rare" T/A. It is not worth any more $$ than another T/A in the same condition....That being said it is "different" than the white, black, red T/A's you usually see. If that is enough for you and the condidtion warrents the sellers asking price....
Old 10-25-2010, 06:59 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member
 
Mr. TurboTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Kingman, AZ
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

I'm not into yellow cars much,
Well, maybe yellow Formulas.
As a Trans Am color, it is a less popular color to be sure.
Always has been for Pontiac.
That's why Pontiac chose it for the 2002 Collector's Edition Trans Am.
But in the end, it is a nice color to have for a thirdgen.

George
Old 10-25-2010, 10:35 PM
  #9  
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep

 
Jason E's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

What are the other details on it? TPI? Mileage? What's it need? For $1,500, I'd be intrigued.
Old 10-25-2010, 11:11 PM
  #10  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
'87IROCZOWNER69's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC-Z and 1988 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7 350 V8 and 5.0 305 V8
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic Transmission
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

Wait they made yellow trans ams? That rare I guess.
Old 10-26-2010, 09:18 AM
  #11  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
80schild's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Alabama
Posts: 1,224
Received 19 Likes on 13 Posts
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:27 BW 9 bolt
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

Originally Posted by Jason E
What are the other details on it? TPI? Mileage? What's it need? For $1,500, I'd be intrigued.
I didn't even ask the mileage since the 85's only had 5 digit odometers. It is carbed, he said it runs great. Both headlight motors work. T-tops don't leak. It has a dent in left front fender, and it needs a new console (he said he removed it to adjust the shifter and it fell apart). I think the seats have tears but I see that Hawks has the 2-tone OE seats kits available. I think he's selling it due to divorce.
Old 10-26-2010, 09:23 AM
  #12  
Member
 
DIRTY JERZY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 89 formula 350 & 2001 ws6 ta
Engine: 350 tpi & ls1
Transmission: 700r4, t56
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt ? & 10 bolt 3:42
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

If the body is solid as in no rot I say 1,500.00 is fair
Old 11-02-2010, 08:08 PM
  #13  
Member
 
Roc THIS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Plainfield IL
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 Yellow Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9 bolt
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

That does look like an odd color combo but then again look at mine . Who ever would of thought yellow and gold would be attractive to anyone.
Old 11-02-2010, 10:06 PM
  #14  
Moderator

 
okfoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes on 119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

Keep in mind that 1987 & 1988 Yellow was a Formula only color on the firebirds,
in 1985 & 1986 IIRC the TA was the only Firebird to get Yellow. There was also a pale yellow that was available, it was more of a cream color. Interestingly the "Yellow Gold" when faded looks a lot like the creamy yellow also offered in 1985...

When repainted, (or new) the yellow from 1985-1988 is actually quite attractive. IMHO

ALSO in 1985 the color was 50U, in 1986 - 1988 it was 51U, the difference was the Single stage vs the BCCC used in 86-88. I am not sure the similarity between the colors in 85 & 86, but the color swatches (paint Chips) appear to be the same from 85 & 86 (obviously 86-88 are the same color mix)

John

Last edited by okfoz; 11-02-2010 at 10:16 PM.
Old 11-02-2010, 10:36 PM
  #15  
Member
 
avilla20's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Patterson/Sacramento, CA
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1990 rs/1986 iroc-z
Engine: Lho 3.1 v6/Lb9 5.0 v8
Transmission: 700r4
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

get it get it get!!!!!! i love cars from the 80's with unique colors and combo's you just cant get that kind of uniqueness off the lot without pay a pretty penny.
Old 11-03-2010, 07:50 AM
  #16  
Moderator

 
okfoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes on 119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?

According to the Exterior Color chip book for Pontiac.
In 1986 Yellow (51U) was only available on the Trans Am and only available with 84L Lower stripe

In 1985 Yellow (50U) Was available on the TA and the Base Firebird (Not S/E) The lower stripe was 15L, and it only indicates that the lower stripe is standard on the Trans Am, it does not make it Mandatory. There was a 51U in 1985 as well, but it was used on the Sunbird/LE Models and Pontiac 1000 Models only. When comparing the two colors they appear identical.

The Yellow Beige color (54U) was only available on the Firebird (Base) and S/E Models and NA on the Trans Am. Its accent stripe on the S/E was a Lt Chestnut Metallic and.

Although this was not Set in stone, it appears that this was the intention. I have found no other information to suggest to the contrary at this point.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Linson
Auto Detailing and Appearance
25
09-25-2021 07:55 PM
FormulaEngland
European Region
38
07-17-2016 07:33 AM
LT1Formula
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
7
10-08-2015 08:34 PM
sjorgens
Suspension and Chassis
7
10-01-2015 07:54 PM
Aaronv808
Members Firebirds
9
09-30-2015 12:55 PM



Quick Reply: How rare are yellow T/A's?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:25 PM.