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?

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. :2cents:

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.

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

Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?
 

Yellow formulas are rare not sure about the ta though

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.

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....

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 :cool:

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.

Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?
 

Wait they made yellow trans ams? That rare I guess.

Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?
 

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.

Re: How rare are yellow T/A's?
 

If the body is solid as in no rot I say 1,500.00 is fair

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.

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 :D

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

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.

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.