[Gary S.]

I know exactly nothing about any cars that aren't 2nd generation.
If one were going to look for a 3rd generation Trans Am that will one day be very desirable-like a 1973 455 Super Duty is now-what models and years would be the ones to purchase?

[David Holmberg]

The only one that would be close to a SD car (in the future) would be the 89 20th car. It's a GTA (loaded TA) with the Buick Turbo V6 in it. It's a very quick car, with a big following.

I doubt any of the others will amount to much, except for the "1LE" cars. (Factory road race race cars sold to the public)

IMHO

[WarbirdTA]

I agree!
The 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am will probably be that car!
Granted, at over $30,000 new, you can see them around the mid teens quite abit.
In the mid to high 20s with very few miles. Under 10 grand for car with 100,000 miles on them.
And, like the SDs of years eariler, parts are more $$$ to. 1555 made, and only one color, these cars are hard to beat!
Another car to watch, is the '91-'92 Firehawks. Some of these were in the 50s new!
1LEs would be next, but they are 305 cars, '88 and up.

Hope this helps,

George

[Bull]

And if you wanted to go a bit lower on the exotic food chain, consider a '92 Formula 350 with t-tops or a '92 TA 350. Both of those cars were relatively low production (less than 1,000)

[Gary S.]

Thanks for the info fellas.
This gives me a research starting place now.

[Bull]

So, does this mean that these cars are starting to prick the ears of collectors?

I kind of hope not, because it'll only be a matter of time before a NOS valve stem cap for my two Birds will cost me $1,000 on eBay!

[WarbirdTA]

Go ahead and laugh Bull,
Did you know that the 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am does not use regular plain black valve stem caps?
Nope, no black.
They use grey!
I don't have any NOS, but I did get alot of spares used!
Now, I wonder if I still can get them?

George

[Bull]

Hey George, I'm not laughing at all! I'm dead serious. I fear collectors because they drive prices up.

[WarbirdTA]

Well Bull,
Maybe because people who couldn't afford them, now can!
One good thing about NOS prices going up, the cars are soon to follow!

George

[Gary S.]

I'm no collector.
Collectors have money!!
Just thinking that if I ever buy a 3rd generation car,I want to make a wise choice.
They still don't "do" much for me,though.I guess that is a function of age-what cars were out when you were a kid definitely influences what you like best,usually.
That's why I like 70's Trans Ams.The only cars I was ever really interested in.

[David Holmberg]

Gary I agree, I grew up with the 2nd gens and love 'em. I did buy an 85 TA in 85, but it was underpowered but it did handle very good.

[gtohurstjudge]

My prediction would be that other than the 89 Turbo, these cars will never
be worth much money. One problem with third gens is that GM has abandoned them and has wiped the parts books clean. You can't buy any parts for these cars and that situation is not likely to change. GM's official stance is that the 80's never happened.
You would be a lot better off buying a second gen to collect. Those cars are starting
to get some serious interest from collectors, and repro parts are starting to come out
that makes it possible to restore one.

[Bull]

Look at it this way. You say that 2nd gens are just now starting to get some serious attention. Well, they've been out of production since '81, 25 years ago. The last thirdgens rolled out in '92, just 14 years ago. So, it is a bit premature to say that they will "never" be valuable or coveted. Other than the highly limited anniversary models or super-special cars, many cars have endured periods where no one could foresee their collector interest. In 1975, a '70 Charger was just another used car...and now? I personally think that the thirdgens, especially the ones mentioned above, will increase in value and collectibility. They are pretty cool cars.

At the same time, I hope they do not, so used and NOS parts and rusty basket case vehicles won't command the hyper-inflated prices of 60's musclecars, edging Joe Average out of the hobby.

BTW, there are a good number of replacement/reproduction parts for thirdgens available, and dealers routinely doscontinue parts for all cars after what, 5 years or so?