When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
History / OriginalityGot 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!
I found one just like that except metallic brown and in similar condition on the used car lot back in 1990-they were asking $850 A nice black gold '84 TA a couple cars down could be had for $4500.
I found one just like that except metallic brown and in similar condition on the used car lot back in 1990-they were asking $850 A nice black gold '84 TA a couple cars down could be had for $4500.
I would say it’d be better to have it in brown instead of red, but I guess getting caught speeding isn’t a problem with a duke
It’s funny to me to imagine third gens as 8 year old used cars since they’ve been classic cars my whole life. Reading stories about these cars (like yours) when they were new/newer is one of my favorite parts of this site
I love that car. Would probably trade them my Z28 for it just so I could drive that thing everywhere and show it off. The iron Duke and other base model stuff really makes that car cool these days. Most of its siblings have long since been crushed or ruined with "mods".
that subject car is in very nice condition-and decked out with A/C ,auto,AM/FM would be odd to feel the throb of a big four in a thirdgen. Also on the lot that day in 1990,along with the two firebirds mentioned,were '85 TA black gold,'86 TA black gold and a black '68 Camaro.I did not ask about those two mid-80s TAs,but the '68 Camaro,decent overall with some missing trim and some general rash,had a list price of $2500 ...
I love that car. Would probably trade them my Z28 for it just so I could drive that thing everywhere and show it off. The iron Duke and other base model stuff really makes that car cool these days. Most of its siblings have long since been crushed or ruined with "mods".
I agree! If I saw this car at a show, I’d check it out the entire time. It’s one of those cars where you’ll never see one this nice again, at least in my area.
that subject car is in very nice condition-and decked out with A/C ,auto,AM/FM would be odd to feel the throb of a big four in a thirdgen. Also on the lot that day in 1990,along with the two firebirds mentioned,were '85 TA black gold,'86 TA black gold and a black '68 Camaro.I did not ask about those two mid-80s TAs,but the '68 Camaro,decent overall with some missing trim and some general rash,had a list price of $2500 ...
Man, now you’re really making me wish I had a Time Machine. There’s a ‘68 mustang frame, just the frame and it hasn’t been redone or anything, listed for $2,200. Would love to be able to get a whole classic camaro for that price.
Those two T/As must’ve looked real nice next to each other. Call me biased (because I am) but black and gold are the best colors for a Firebird.
Man, now you’re really making me wish I had a Time Machine. There’s a ‘68 mustang frame, just the frame and it hasn’t been redone or anything, listed for $2,200. Would love to be able to get a whole classic camaro for that price.
Those two T/As must’ve looked real nice next to each other. Call me biased (because I am) but black and gold are the best colors for a Firebird.
Just remember, $2,500 in 1990 is about $6,000 today (if you believe official inflation numbers) and more like $10,000+ if you look at alternate data sets.
Just remember, $2,500 in 1990 is about $6,000 today (if you believe official inflation numbers) and more like $10,000+ if you look at alternate data sets.
Unfortunately very true. I’d still take that camaro for $6k
It would be weird to drive that now, with that engine. I'm old enough to remember when "slow" cars were really, really slow. And this one would be slow. I don't think there's a vehicle made today that wouldn't qualify as fast, or at least pretty quick, by 1982 standards.
Overall in nice condition. I'm not a big fan of ripping up originals with mods, but this one would have to get a new engine.
My first car was a new 1986 Chevy Cavalier with a 2.0 liter, 85 HP engine. It wasn't quick, but of course, most everything around it wasn't very fast either. When I needed a little extra power to merge, or going up a long grade, I'd actually switch the air conditioning off.
Some of those hack car websites often put out lists like "Worst Cars Ever' and you'll see this car (or really, the Iron Duke Camaro) on the list. And it's on the list because of the name of the car being paired with that anemic engine. But I don't buy that. On looks alone, this car isn't one of the worst ever. You have to judge it in the context of its time. And yeah, even in 1982 this was a slow car. But there always were slow versions of f-bodies (and Mustangs). And a lot of cars on the road back then were slow. Being slow doesn't make it any less of a looker. That's a nice car. And in 1982, you wouldn't have been winning any races with this, but you'd still have turned a lot of heads.
One thing about the Firebird, which is still my favorite design ever. It does needs some sort of spoiler. Even the simple basic wing spoiler gives the tail more of a finished look.
as others have said, this car is cool from the standpoint that you don't ever see 4 cylinder versions anymore. it's amazing that it's still around and in great condition. although that's probably because it's not very fun to drive and ended up just sitting.
all that being said, i respect the car but wouldn't want to own it. i'd definitely admire it at a car show. just like other 80s cars that are cool merely for the fact that you don't see them anymore: chevettes, cavailier z24s, calais 442, etc...
It would be weird to drive that now, with that engine. I'm old enough to remember when "slow" cars were really, really slow. And this one would be slow. I don't think there's a vehicle made today that wouldn't qualify as fast, or at least pretty quick, by 1982 standards.
Overall in nice condition. I'm not a big fan of ripping up originals with mods, but this one would have to get a new engine.
My first car was a new 1986 Chevy Cavalier with a 2.0 liter, 85 HP engine. It wasn't quick, but of course, most everything around it wasn't very fast either. When I needed a little extra power to merge, or going up a long grade, I'd actually switch the air conditioning off.
Some of those hack car websites often put out lists like "Worst Cars Ever' and you'll see this car (or really, the Iron Duke Camaro) on the list. And it's on the list because of the name of the car being paired with that anemic engine. But I don't buy that. On looks alone, this car isn't one of the worst ever. You have to judge it in the context of its time. And yeah, even in 1982 this was a slow car. But there always were slow versions of f-bodies (and Mustangs). And a lot of cars on the road back then were slow. Being slow doesn't make it any less of a looker. That's a nice car. And in 1982, you wouldn't have been winning any races with this, but you'd still have turned a lot of heads.
One thing about the Firebird, which is still my favorite design ever. It does needs some sort of spoiler. Even the simple basic wing spoiler gives the tail more of a finished look.
I’d thought a bit about how the 6 and 4 cylinder cars stacked up back when they were new, thanks for the response I also agree that it’s dumb to put the duke camaro/firebird on lists of the worst cars. Those sites never seem to give a reason beyond “it’s slow.”
Agree on the spoiler too. Looks naked without it imo
as others have said, this car is cool from the standpoint that you don't ever see 4 cylinder versions anymore. it's amazing that it's still around and in great condition. although that's probably because it's not very fun to drive and ended up just sitting.
all that being said, i respect the car but wouldn't want to own it. i'd definitely admire it at a car show. just like other 80s cars that are cool merely for the fact that you don't see them anymore: chevettes, cavailier z24s, calais 442, etc...
I agree about 80s cars you never see anymore. Whenever I go to a local show, 90% of the time I’m the only 80s car there. And that other 10% a fox body mustang is there. Maybe it’s just my area but 80s cars and third gens are pretty rare to see in nice, or even just decent shape.. I’ve seen 8 other 80s f bodies over the last 3 years and only two of those (built 350 camaro and a really nice original maroon trans am) were in good shape. There’s a decent amount for sale (same as the other generations) but they’re all ratted out.
It’s a shame, really. I love the look of cars from the 80s. I think that the third gen f bodies have one of the best side profiles of any car.
I agree with you about '80s style. It was a decade that did have quality issue and still had lingering performance issues from the 1970s emissions regulations. But I think styling took a leap forward during that decade. There's a lot of '80s cars that still look really good today. Cars from prior decades to me just look old. Even cars that I like, such as late-60s/early 70s Chevelles or 442s; they still look great to me, but they look old. Even in 1986, a buddy of mine bought a '79 Trans Am. It was in mint condition, just seven years old. To me, it looked old, especially when sitting next to a 3rd gen.
A lot of it is probably stems from when you were born. I've very biased, but to my eyes, the 3rd gens have aged really well. Back in 1983, if I saw a 40-year old car (and you never did), my first thought would have been,"Wow, that's an old one." I wonder what 20-year olds (my age in 1983) think when they see a 40-year old 3rd gen now. I could definitely be wrong, but I doubt that the cars stand out because the styling looks old. it stands out because it's just a great looking, timeless design. I get nothing but compliments on mine.
I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I saw a 3rd gen Firebird on the road. I saw a Camaro a couple of years ago. They're out there. There's always a decent number for sale on eBay and other sites (for comparison, try to find a Dodge Daytona on eBay). There's plenty of members in this group, and Facebooks has a number of groups dedicated to the cars, with many members. But most people who own them don't drive them. The last show I went to, there wasn't a single Firebird of any generation. There were a couple of first-gen Camaros, and 4th gens. No 2nd or 3rd gens. I was pretty surprised by that, especially with the Camaros.
I agree with you about '80s style. It was a decade that did have quality issue and still had lingering performance issues from the 1970s emissions regulations. But I think styling took a leap forward during that decade. There's a lot of '80s cars that still look really good today. Cars from prior decades to me just look old. Even cars that I like, such as late-60s/early 70s Chevelles or 442s; they still look great to me, but they look old. Even in 1986, a buddy of mine bought a '79 Trans Am. It was in mint condition, just seven years old. To me, it looked old, especially when sitting next to a 3rd gen.
A lot of it is probably stems from when you were born. I've very biased, but to my eyes, the 3rd gens have aged really well. Back in 1983, if I saw a 40-year old car (and you never did), my first thought would have been,"Wow, that's an old one." I wonder what 20-year olds (my age in 1983) think when they see a 40-year old 3rd gen now. I could definitely be wrong, but I doubt that the cars stand out because the styling looks old. it stands out because it's just a great looking, timeless design. I get nothing but compliments on mine.
I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I saw a 3rd gen Firebird on the road. I saw a Camaro a couple of years ago. They're out there. There's always a decent number for sale on eBay and other sites (for comparison, try to find a Dodge Daytona on eBay). There's plenty of members in this group, and Facebooks has a number of groups dedicated to the cars, with many members. But most people who own them don't drive them. The last show I went to, there wasn't a single Firebird of any generation. There were a couple of first-gen Camaros, and 4th gens. No 2nd or 3rd gens. I was pretty surprised by that, especially with the Camaros.
I’m not quite 20 yet but if you want my 2¢, the third gen f bodies are beautiful cars. I like the birds more than the camaros because of the nose and the taillights (also pop-ups!). When I saw my Firebird for the first time, I knew I had to buy it. Cars that look like it will simply never be made again, in the same way that no “retro styling” on a modern mustang or camaro will ever truly recapture how good the 60s cars looked. I agree with you about the 60s cars. My mom has had a 1966 mustang my entire life and I’ve always thought it was beautiful. But it’s very clearly an old car. My car and the mustang are both parked next to each other at shows and they go next to each other in the garage. The Firebird looks dramatically newer, more than the 21 years newer it is. I agree about these cars being timeless too. I don’t refer to my car as a “classic car” or anything like that because it doesn’t look it. I can slot it into a row of new cars at a car show and it’ll fit in. Not so much with the classics.
My car is a base V6 with the auto. It has no fun options apart from the wheels and it’s very slow. I get flack for that all the time. But never has someone tried to tell me it looks bad. On the contrary really, I can’t get gas or go through a drive through without someone telling me how cool they think it looks. I’m glad that’s something that seems to happen to all of us third gen owners. The styling on these cars deserves that kind of appreciation imo.
You’re right about these cars in auction sites. Comparing the amount I see for sale vs the ones I see on the streets or at shows is interesting. I read a thread on here from years back that said that when these cars were new, a number of people stashed them away because they thought that they would be valuable one day, hence the abundance of sub 1,000 mile cars. Whenever or not that’s true, it would make sense looking at auctions (especially some of the recent ones selling IROCs and the TTAs).
Ditto for shows near me. I see a handful of firebirds of each generation (except third) per season. There’s more camaro per generation but still no thirds. Plenty of 5th generation and later Camaros. At the smaller meets I’m normally the only Pontiac there. At the two college car club meets I’ve been to, I was the only American car made before the 90s. In a way, it’s cool to have a unique car but sometimes reading old stories on this site about how common third gens used to be makes me wish I saw some more.
It seems like the 3rd gens don't get nearly the love that the first and second generation cars get. People who see them often like them, but they don't seem to be cars that most people think of as collectible. (Although in recent years, the values have gone way up.) I've never thought that they get the respect that they deserve. Part of that is probably the overall reputation of American cars from the 1980s; part of it is the r-neck reputation.
But my theory on that - since there's no way I can accept that these aren't beautiful and fun cars - is that they almost look too new. They don't look like old cars. I don't think people see a 3rd gen an immediately think "1980s." I think that leads to them being overlooked by a lot of people who would buy a 1st or 2nd gen, or even a Fox Mustang. People who want a collectible car probably want it to look like it's from another era. 3rd gens don't look brand new, but they blend in pretty well. Just my theory.
Another car that doesn't get the respect it deserves is the 1984-1996 C4 Corvette. Clean, perfect design that will never get old. Handling like a go-kart. The later ones were darn fast. Yet they don't seem to get the respect and love that other generations of Corvettes receive. The C4 was the one that really made the Corvette a world class sports car.
Did the early 3rd gen Firebird consoles have hard plastic edges? If so, I wish they had kept those. The ones that came next almost always seem to warp. And I've never seen anyone selling replica replacements.
I like Corvettes from C4 on up. Although I'm still a bit undecided on the C8 in terms of style. From some angles, that mid-engine layout looks awkward to me. But from other angles, it's pretty awesome. I'd buy a C4 or C7, but wouldn't necessarily pass up a deal on a C5 or C6.
Unlike a lot of people, I'm not a fan of C1 thru C3 Corvettes. Don't hate them, but wouldn't want one. When I see a well-preserved one, I still appreciate it. The legendary '63 split window to me is just ugly, which may be why it was only produced for one year.
It seems like the 3rd gens don't get nearly the love that the first and second generation cars get. People who see them often like them, but they don't seem to be cars that most people think of as collectible. (Although in recent years, the values have gone way up.) I've never thought that they get the respect that they deserve. Part of that is probably the overall reputation of American cars from the 1980s; part of it is the r-neck reputation.
But my theory on that - since there's no way I can accept that these aren't beautiful and fun cars - is that they almost look too new. They don't look like old cars. I don't think people see a 3rd gen an immediately think "1980s." I think that leads to them being overlooked by a lot of people who would buy a 1st or 2nd gen, or even a Fox Mustang. People who want a collectible car probably want it to look like it's from another era. 3rd gens don't look brand new, but they blend in pretty well. Just my theory.
Another car that doesn't get the respect it deserves is the 1984-1996 C4 Corvette. Clean, perfect design that will never get old. Handling like a go-kart. The later ones were darn fast. Yet they don't seem to get the respect and love that other generations of Corvettes receive. The C4 was the one that really made the Corvette a world class sports car.
I agree with you but I think the pop ups and, for cars that have it, the digital dash are very 80s. Apart from those, I think that the cars are timeless but they do fit into the 80s aesthetic amazingly. Especially if you play period music. Makes me feel like the coolest guy in town when I drive my car with Rush playing.
The third gens do deserve more love from enthusiasts as a whole than they get. I didn’t hear much about them at all for most of my life. Then again I didn’t really get into cars until I got my learner’s but I’d still seen every other generation of Firebird in a good number by then. I think that despite their shortcomings, these are good cars. I’m glad I got mine. It’s been great learning how to wrench on one, which even though I’m not knowledgeable or good at it, I still enjoy it. In a way, I’m glad some have stayed cheaper because it means people like me can get into them and appreciate them. But I also think that the under appreciation of the higher trims is sad. A turbo trans am should be way closer to a GNX imo. I remember seeing an auction for a GTA with the notchback, digital dash, and the 305 w/a 5 speed and being shocked at what it ended up selling for. It wasn’t low mileage but it was a special car for sure. I wouldn’t have a tv if I had a car like that, I’d go to the garage with a bag of chips and just look at it.
Someone I know has a C4 with the LT1. Great car at a great price. We’ve never lined them up to spare my dignity but it’s quick for what it is. Good looking too.
Did the early 3rd gen Firebird consoles have hard plastic edges? If so, I wish they had kept those. The ones that came next almost always seem to warp. And I've never seen anyone selling replica replacements.
Ditto here. Mine was warped when I got it and I haven’t messed with it. Would like a more solid design
I like Corvettes from C4 on up. Although I'm still a bit undecided on the C8 in terms of style. From some angles, that mid-engine layout looks awkward to me. But from other angles, it's pretty awesome. I'd buy a C4 or C7, but wouldn't necessarily pass up a deal on a C5 or C6.
Unlike a lot of people, I'm not a fan of C1 thru C3 Corvettes. Don't hate them, but wouldn't want one. When I see a well-preserved one, I still appreciate it. The legendary '63 split window to me is just ugly, which may be why it was only produced for one year.
I hate to sound like I’m just agreeing with everything you say but I think we have the exact same taste in corvettes. I get why everyone likes the C2, but to me…… probably wouldn’t crack top 50 of my favorite looking cars.
That said I am a big fan of C8, at least when it’s being sold close to sticker. I get people saying it looks like a budget ferrari but it looks better than most modern ferraris imo.
Quite a reduction in price. Back to the real world. They were dreaming at $12K. And at $9.5K. If someone offers $5K, they should count themselves really lucky.
Did it sell? Just chiming in to say that whoever buys (bought?) this car needs to live where there are no hills. A guy in High School had one in 1984 and it could barely make it up the hills we have around here. I didn’t ever ride in it but blasted by it a few times with my 70 Trans Am that cost a quarter of what his did. It did inspire me to order an 84 HO TA with a stick though.
Did it sell? Just chiming in to say that whoever buys (bought?) this car needs to live where there are no hills. A guy in High School had one in 1984 and it could barely make it up the hills we have around here. I didn’t ever ride in it but blasted by it a few times with my 70 Trans Am that cost a quarter of what his did. It did inspire me to order an 84 HO TA with a stick though.
Been checking on it fairly regularly, it’s still for sale at $6,500, no new changes. It’s for sale for southwest VA so….. someone’s gonna need an engine swap. Saw a really nice ‘71 T/A at a show the other day, beautiful machine.
$6,500 seems like a lot, if it really sold for that. But I suppose if you're looking for a Firebird in good condition, maybe that's no so bad. This does appear to be in very good shape.
You'd think that they'd do an engine swap.. Even at that, is $6,500 that much to pay for a solid body and chassis? It can't be that easy anymore to find something really cheap to start a project with, unless you're really into restoration work and buy a very deteriorated car.
$6,500 seems like a lot, if it really sold for that. But I suppose if you're looking for a Firebird in good condition, maybe that's no so bad. This does appear to be in very good shape.
You'd think that they'd do an engine swap.. Even at that, is $6,500 that much to pay for a solid body and chassis? It can't be that easy anymore to find something really cheap to start a project with, unless you're really into restoration work and buy a very deteriorated car.
Was mainly kidding about the engine swap. That and the idea of a third gen on steelies hiding an ls or another serious power plant under the hood is something I find pretty sweet.
The last roller I saw for sale on marketplace was a yellow IROC roller with tubular a-arms, subframe connectors, built rear end, etc. I don’t remember the exact price but it was between $10k and $15k. I don’t look for rollers that often though so there could be more. As far as third gens around me in south west va, if it sold for $4k to be used for a swap, I think it was a fair price. There’s plenty of V8 cars in way worse shape that would be worse swap candidates for sale at that price.
05-27-2023, 10:29 AM
A nice black gold '84 TA a couple cars down could be had for $4500. 
Either way, 1/4 of a car for the same price before inflation 
